Initial Self-Assessment:
A school librarian’s role combines the role of a librarian and a teacher. Currently, I have numerous strengths as a teacher as that is the field in which my experience derives. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. The completion of this program provided experiences in serving a diverse range of students. After graduation, I have served as a first grade teacher for seven years in the town of Harrah, Oklahoma.
Teaching has provided me with many experiences that will benefit me as a school librarian. This includes teaching children, evaluating information materials, providing lessons on information gathering and evaluating, working with varied stakeholders, and more. Although I have only taught first grade, I have taught children of many developmental and academic levels through differentiation (tailoring instruction to meet students’ differing needs). I am capable of adjusting my instruction to the target audience. The education field is also one of many standards, policies, and developmentally-appropriate practices. One of my strengths is the ability to understand these and incorporate them into effective practice. Collaboration in these moments is vital. Teaching has also enhanced my strength to work with others and, at times, serve as a leader in curriculum-development and technology.
Teaching is a field that requires one to be persistent, resourceful, and flexible. The amount of problem-solving and critical thinking that is required in the field is beneficial experience that can be carried over into any career. This experience will help me as I guide children into becoming connected, caring, and critical-thinking people. I will better be able to reach this goal by recognizing my weaknesses and setting goals and objectives to overcome them.
My main weaknesses center around the lack of experience in a library setting. I lack knowledge of how teaching a lesson as a librarian differs from the classroom setting. My ability to select materials and to plan effective activities as a librarian are also skills I need to acquire. Some of my teaching experience will assist me in overcoming these weaknesses; however, much of my experience is with children in first grade. As I learn more about information behavior from all ages of users and about quality materials for differing age groups, I will become a more effective librarian.
Along with this learning, I hope to arrive at a better understanding of the reasons libraries are of great importance. This will allow me to reach the goal of becoming an effective advocate of libraries and librarians. I understand their importance from a teacher’s perspective and how they impact young children; however, I need to gain understanding of how libraries can affect differing populations. Also, I intend on learning how I can improve libraries and their services to make them as successful as possible. Having this knowledge and learning better managerial skills will help me to communicate with stakeholders, the community, and administration in advocating for libraries.
The aforementioned managerial skills also serve as an area of needed improvement. I hope to understand existing and forthcoming policies and how they affect libraries. I need to expand my skills base and knowledge of the best ways to provide leadership to adults. It is my intention to gain skills in order to be able to organize a library, its collection, cataloging, and metadata. These weaknesses can be overcome by learning to better analyze user needs and understanding cataloging systems. Lastly, I do not have necessary experience to create a library budget.
As I continue to overcome my weaknesses to become a highly effective librarian, I understand weaknesses may continue to arise. This proves the importance of being a lifelong learner. The Master of Library and Information Studies classes have already assisted me in gaining knowledge to overcome some weaknesses. As I progress through the program, I know I will meet many of my goals and objectives. I also understand the importance of continuous research, organization participation, and professional development. With regular self-evaluation and a commitment to lifelong learning, I will meet the goal of being a successful school librarian.
Initial Self-Assessment Survey
Maegan Heath 