a. I am able to describe applications of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in library and information science.

 

In LIS 6271 Research Methods, I completed a Research Proposal Draft for assessing and strengthening the relationship between libraries and minority students, in which I created a 15 question survey containing 5 open-ended and 10 closed-ended questions. I also created a survey for the fictional Liberal Arts College in my Needs Assessment project for LIS 6511 Collection Development. Additionally, for each course, I had to find quantitative data (i.e., finding statistics for UF incoming freshmen and creating statistics for students in the fictional School of Communications and Media Studies). Also, I had to choose the best analysis method to accurately interpret the data. 

 

b. I am able to identify opportunities for research and develop plans for research in applied settings in library and information science.

 

Creating bilingual metadata has made me realize a great research void, Spanish-language subject authorities. Not much is written about this subject, especially the prominent utilization of European Spanish-language authorities. Since I create bilingual metadata primarily for our Latin American collections, I think our Latin American patrons would be better served with Spanish-language subject authorities that align more with Latin American terminology. Therefore, I am collaborating with another institution to create an open access Latin American subject authorities database. Also, in 2019, I will collaborate on a book chapter entitled, “Contesting Colonial Library Practices of Accessibility and Representation,” for the book Archives and Special Collections as Sites of Contestation, my section will be on the challenges of bilingual metadata. 

 

In 2011, I took LIS 5020 Foundations of Library and Information Science before UF switched to FRBR based RDA. As a cataloger at the time, I thought there had to be a better way for records and library websites to be more user centered; therefore, I chose Google vs. Library Websites as the topic of my final assignment for this course.  Apparently, libraries were also thinking towards a more user centered library because we've been making the transition to a linked data model, which links libraries to the semantic web. This allows libraries to have a greater presence on search engines like Google. Furthermore, in order to put the Linked Data model into practice, I was a part of UF's Linked Data Working Group. In LIS 6711 Organization of Knowledge, I along with four classmates researched metadata for our final research paper and created a PowerPoint presentation for the class. Today, I utilize metadata extensively in my job and also for my fieldwork. For example, in order to contribute original cataloging for University of Florida Manuscript Collections, I utilize Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS). For enhancing metadata into UFDC as part of my fieldwork, I utilize Dublin Core, METS, MODS, and VRA core.  Also, In LIS 6409 Library Administration, I wrote a paper on Henry Laurence Gantt, a contributor to the scientific management theory. His practice of this management theory has given me the tools to better manage the student workers when I worked at LACC. 

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