Systems and Services

II. Students understand the systems and technologies that facilitate the management and use of information resources to serve the diverse needs of users.

​II.a. Students identify and analyze diverse information needs of individuals and communities.

II.b. Students evaluate and select print and digital information resources and systems to meet needs of users.

II.c.  Students understand and use appropriate information technology for information services.

Summary

Today’s libraries are more diverse than ever before. In work and personal life I have recorded the oral histories of people who remember not being allowed in the public library due to their race, and some that were unable to access the public library due to physical disabilities that were not accommodated for by the facility which had been built in the 1920s. With an ever-increasing awareness of the needs and expectations of patrons, I have put my efforts at USF towards ensuring that I am prepared to anticipate and respond to the needs of as many patrons as possible.

In the Introduction to Library Administration (LIS6409) we were given the opportunity to mock up a 5 year strategic plan for an imaginary institution (which I did, in fact, name for the horror podcast The Magnus Archives). While the name is somewhat of a joke, the plan itself was carefully thought out in its wording to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusivity were key components. An institution must serve everyone, and be conscious of barriers to service that include physical, social, financial, and so many others.

Similarly, in Organization of Knowledge (LIS6511) we were tasked with mapping out a community needs assessment, paying particular interest to working with the community and integrating feedback from them. This exercise allowed us to consider what we would need to use to assess those needs and translate them into useable data, while the instructor’s feedback expertly showed us any blind spots we had in our planning.

Artifacts

5 Year Strategic Plan Project, LIS 6409

A mockup of a strategic plan that emphasizes equity of access and a desire to ensure that a facility serves all of the population.

Community Needs Assessment, LIS 6511

A mockup of a community needs assessment, showing collaboration with community and patrons.