Thank you for reviewing my MLIS portfolio. It would be impossible here to completely portray all of the dynamic experiences I've had and the invaluable knowledge I've gained at the UW iSchool, but it is my hope that you have glimpsed some of the ways I've grown through the program in the areas of teaching, service, leadership, technology, and intellect. To be a successful graduate of the MLIS program, the iSchool demands much more than the completion of a required set of classes (though I did excel in the courses I took). The successful graduate goes above and beyond what is required and seeks challenges which facilitate growth. This portfolio documents the many things I have accomplished as a result of challenging myself over the last few years.

Acknowledgements

My success in the program would not have been possible without the wonderful support I received from the following people:

• The Washington Library Media Association Scholarship Selection Committee for the awarding me the Laura Hahn Scholarship.
• The Seattle Public Library for giving me the opportunity to gain real life experience offering reference help to a diverse group of patrons as a student librarian, and specifically Cass Mabbott for providing friendly guidance, Jason Davis, Duc Bui for teaching me the essential details of working in a new place, and Betsy Kluck-Keil and Mary Palmer for supporting my learning and having fun conversations every Sunday.
• Brian Bannon, Carol Edlefsen, Mynique Williams, and Alice McNeer for accepting the extra work of hosting a student for directed fieldwork. Thank you for your example and mentorship.
• The University of Washington Information School Faculty and specifically my advisor, Lorraine Bruce for overseeing my fieldwork experiences, reviewing and giving suggestions on my portfolio, and offering guidance throughout the whole MLIS process.
• My classmates, the 2007 iSchool Cohort, especially those I had the pleasure to work with in groups. I have learned from many of you and hope to have continued friendships and working relationships in the future.
• Dan Shafer for helping with the design and layout of this portfolio.
• My wonderful husband, Ian Shafer, for allowing Microsoft products to enter our home and for living with me when schoolwork made me grinchy. Without his love, forgiveness, and support, I never would have made it!