a. I am able to identify and analyze diverse information needs of individuals and communities.

 

Since dLOC is widely used by international communities, and with the continual expansion of Latin American partnerships like the Biblioteca Nacional de Cuba José Martí (BNCJM), Smathers libraries understood the importance of bilingual metadata to better serve the information needs of our global patrons. Currently, I am the only individual that creates bilingual metadata in my institution; therefore, I have recently been collaborating with other institutions to create a more accessible and efficient Spanish-language authorities database so that more in the profession can do the very important work of creating bilingual metadata.

 

In LIS 6603 Basic Information Sources, I learned how to utilize reference sources to serve the information needs of diverse populations. For example, I learned how to clearly communicate with patrons in order to identify their information needs and how to utilize references sources such as encyclopedias and dictionaries in order to meet those needs as exhibited in my Reference Assignment artifact. This course has benefited me especially at the Latin American and Caribbean Collection (LACC) reference desk. In working at the reference desk, I better understand the end user’s needs in accessing library resources, and as a result have a greater passion to ascertain the accessibility of desired materials.

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b. I am able to evaluate and select print and digital information resources and systems to meet needs of users.

 

In LIS 6565 Books Related to Young Adults, I completed two projects in which I had to write a review for 19 books and five films, and specify suggested audience age, reading recommendations, curriculum connections, etc. In LIS 6511 Collection Development, I along with three classmates created a Needs Assessment for a fictional public Liberal Arts college in which we assessed materials needed to be added to the collection due to the school introducing two new courses into its curriculum.  

 

c. I understand and use appropriate information technology for information services.

 

As a metadata specialist, I extensively use SobekCM content management system in order to import metadata spreadsheets, OCLC records, ALEPH records, and for metadata creation and enhancement. This work provides accessibility to UFDC and dLOC collections. Also, I contribute original cataloging in OCLC, overlay records from OCLC Connexion into ALEPH, update holdings and item records, and submit original and revised authority records. Especially while working at the reference desk in LACC, I utilized MANGO (Metasearch and Next Generation OPAC) in order to browse our physical collections to locate patron desired items. In LIS 6514 Digital Libraries, I evaluated dLOC and also created my own digital library.