LIS 6445
--Seminar in Public Libraries--
Governance Report
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I.b. Students demonstrate effective communication skills.
I.c. Students participate in professional and community engagement activities in the field.
*Instructor Evaluation*
--Kathleen McCook
Despite working in a branch of county government, I (as well as a good amount of my colleagues, I suspect) remained blissfully ignorant of the greater workings of said government outside of what was brought to my immediate attention at my public library. This assignment allowed me to get a more undiluted glimpse into the machinations of my local government, both at the city and county levels. Though my workplace was mentioned in only the most tangential fashion, the content of discussion amongst the commissioners and representatives provided me with a greater appreciation for the decision-making and proposal process that is integral to the functioning of the government. Every librarian owes it to themselves to similarly discover how they and their organization fits into the schematic of their community at large.
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ALA Report
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I.a. Students are able to evaluate critically, reflect, and problem-solve individually as well as collaboratively.
I.b. Students demonstrate effective communication skills.
I.c. Students participate in professional and community engagement activities in the field.
I.d. Students demonstrate leadership skills and innovation in a diverse and global environment.
*Instructor Evaluation*
"Jose, this was so interesting and emotionally deep. I hope you get to know Alicia Long at State College o Sarasota (SPECTRUM 2009-2010) who is so passionate as well. In years past I have been a SPECTRUM speaker so know how amazing the scholars are. It is a special group who believe deeply in equality. Powerful."
--Kathleen McCook
Attending the annual conference of the American Libraries Association this past summer in New Orleans was a truly life-changing experience. Though my participation in the conference proper was somewhat limited, my time spent with my fellow SPECTRUM Scholars proved to be a turning point in my perception of the library profession. Seeing so many professionals of color from across the country, hearing their stories as well as telling my own, and bonding over their humane efforts further cemented in my mind the concept of librarianship being not just a profession but a genuine pathway to social justice, equality, and innovation on a global scale.
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