Articulate a philosophy of client-centered information services based on the epistomological and ethical foundations of the library and information professions
Libraries exist as collections of information. These collections were formed because people recognized the importance of collecting recorded knowledge for the purpose of preservation and education for future generations. Librarians (myself included!) exist because of patrons; without patrons, librarians are simply glorified organizers, record-keepers, and guards.
The modern library in the United States today supports the foundation of libraries as collections of information, and believes these collections should be open for use by the public. Further, the American Library Association has set forth a code of ethics that guides and encourages librarians in their interactions and service to patrons.
Library services I provide and my own patron/librarian interaction is grounded in my own personal philosophy of servant leadership, and seeks to:
* Respect every patron and their information need
* Serve every patron information need to the best of my ability
* Educate patrons when they are open to point-of-need learning opportunities in information literacy
* Promote libraries and library service, representing my current library and the library profession through my actions as a professional offering a service
The following document, from a class that was part of my MLS education, in part demonstrates my understanding and belief in the centrality of the patron to library services.
Artifact demonstrating this outcome:
LI 833: Information Transfer among Special Populations
The class developed a wiki to share pathfinders developed for special populations. My pathfinder was for Homeschool Parents