Each graduate of the Master of Library and Information Science program is able to describe and compare the organizational settings in which library and information professionals practice;
The information professional field includes a wide range of career pathways in the public, educational, technological, and archival sectors that allows information professionals to practice in a wide range of organizations and institutions. As a result Information professionals practice in a wide variety of settings that includes private, public and cooperate settings. For example, some work in public libraries, and archives. Each contains unique user behaviors, needs, and challenges that information professionals confront. This creates a rich varied experience in the field, which cultivates the information profession and serves as teaching and learning moments for others. Although the settings in which informational professionals practice are diverse, they also share common practices and goals. For example, information professionals acquire, organize, maintain and disseminate information in the interest of users (Rubin, 2013 p.271). Information professionals deal with information in various formats and then make it accessible to users via various channels ranging from traditional to digital. Looking at varies settings that information professionals practice is beneficial because it will enrich my professional development. It will allow me to understand their unique perspectives and challenges so that I can learn from these types of experiences and plan future collaborations with others when possible. Therefore, I want to discuss Libraries and Archives because these are two settings that I want to work in as an information professional.
Public Libraries
The public library takes on several roles and functions because of the diverse communities that surround them. According to the ALA, there are eight possible roles the public library takes on concurrently or even occasionally. The public library is a community center, information center, educational support center, independent learning center, popular materials center, early learning center, reference center, and research center (Rubin, 2013, p. 174). These various roles draw in a diverse community with various informational needs. The public library typically serves the young to the elderly, families, scholars and people from all social and economic backgrounds. Locals are usually the patrons that public libraries serve, but in areas where tourism is big, the library also caters to visitors and travelers. Therefore the public library can take on multiple roles depending on the communities’ needs and demands. Some of the services that public libraries offer include but or not limited too:
-Youth and young adult outreach and programs
-Literacy programs
-Reference services
-Computer coaching/ training
-Digital materials; databases, e-books, music streaming, audiobooks
– Computer/internet access terminals
-Access to books, audiobooks, movies, music, and periodicals
The public library faces various issues and challenges as a result of the diverse needs of patrons. The public library relies on public funding to run its infrastructure and provide free services and materials. This can strain the library during budget cuts and economic hard times. This also strains public libraries because there are various interests and politics within the community that funds them. As a result, the library works to compromise and reach a balance when it is tied to funding. Technology also places a number of challenges for public libraries. The advent of the web and the various technologies created around is in increased demand. As a result, users look for digital materials that are accessible from their homes and libraries. This results in an increased allocation of funds for these type of infrastructures. For example, spending includes staff training, increased bandwidth, and more computer stations. On the flip side, technology also creates a digital divide among users. Not everyone in the community is technologically literate to use many of these web-based technologies and services. Disability, age, and social-economical status play a role in the amount of exposure to these technologies. As a result, users are not accessing information or utilizing web-based services. Libraries have created services, such as computer coaching and classes and programs to help narrow the digital divide. There are many other issues that public libraries face, that require more in-depth analysis and discussions, but these are examples of some of the major concerns that public libraries face.
Academic Libraries
On the other hand, academic libraries serve the needs of the academic community with slightly different needs and issues. The primary focus of academic libraries is research and/or instruction. Another difference between a public library and academic one is that the public library is free and open to all while the academic library is partially funded from the tuition of students, grants, and state funds and is not generally accessible to the general public. As a result, services are based on collection development, research, and instruction. Some examples of services include orientation sessions geared toward subject-based research, copyright, plagiarism. Another is access to scholarly journals and publications, databases and digitized materials. In a survey of 3,200 faculty and undergraduate, 90% felt comfortable retrieving and using electronic materials (Rubin, 2010 p. 202). As a result, there is a demand for electronic and digital materials that are accessible 24/7. This poses financial challenges in providing adequate services through e-reference and the challenges posed by the increased costs of serials and databases.
Special Libraries
These types of libraries have a narrow focus and deal with specialized information related to the organization they are part of. They can be both private and public and are often part of corporate, government or non-profit settings. Law Libraries, medical libraries, art libraries are examples of special libraries with a narrow focus. The museum library is another example of a special library because it deals with specialized information related to the collection focus. For example, museums focusing on contemporary art would have a library collection with materials that focus on contemporary art and not general art per se like traditional public and academic libraries. Museums typically offer research services for the general public, but many restrict material loans and database access onsite. Some museums also allow checkout privileges as incentives for memberships with the museum. Although they are libraries they provide different types of services depending on the organization’s needs. For example, instruction and teaching users how to find information is not a priority, but rather researching and finding information for users is (Rubin, 2010 p. 212). One barrier special libraries face is scare resources. Special libraries tend to have small staff sizes with sometimes-limited budgets, so this can place big burdens for the library when users have high expectations. Despite this burden special libraries are growing, and according to Rubin (2010), there are 14,000 to 21,000 special libraries in the United States (212). Special libraries are important to users who need staff to help them find information in a specialized area and for organizations that need staff to keep up with the vast amounts of information produced internally and externally.
Archives
Libraries and archives share the common goal of providing access to materials but are different in various ways depending on the needs of patrons and services available. Archive’s primary focus is to assist patrons with their informational needs, but they also have a preservation and conservation focus. Typically people come to archives for some type of research, while in libraries people come for research, community activities, and resources. This affects the types of questions users are asking and their intentions for visiting an institution. Another difference is that some materials are handwritten, such as letters, so users may need assistance reading, while in libraries resources are usually printed. For archives, retrieval may be difficult for some types of materials depending on their size and state, such as large or unusually shaped objects or delicate and fragile items. Reference needs also are also slightly different. For example, both answer questions and provide resources but archive reference also includes teaching users how to look at finding aids and how to handle different types of material with care so materials won’t be mishandled and damaged. Some unique challenges archives face is that not all materials are accessible due to laws and regulations concerning copyright and privacy. Some materials also might be delicate, for example, deteriorating acetate film, so some viewing restrictions may be in place. Libraries and archives are similar in that they both are concerned with helping users find the materials that they want and need, while their strategies may differ. For example, reference staff will find information looking at a catalog, database or search engine, while archive staff will look through catalogs, inventories, finding aids. Some searching requires educated guesswork since materials are not always described at the item level. Despite differences, both archive and library reference staff needs research skills, evaluation skills, and people skills when dealing with the needs of their users.
Competency Development:
My courses in the MLIS program at San Jose State University exposed me to the different types of environments that information professionals work in. In Libr 200, Information and society, we looked at the information professional field as a whole and looked at the varying issues that surround the field. We also took a closer look at the organizational structures of libraries and archives and the fundamental values that govern professionals in these fields. We also looked at how the role of the information professional is expanding to many different areas as their responsibilities grow to meet the demands of emerging technologies. This course allowed me to examine the types of settings that information professionals work in and understand some of the challenges libraries face. For example, we discussed the cost of maintaining new technologies under limited budgets and the pressure this has on staff to improvise and learn these new technologies. Understanding the challenges libraries face, helped me gain deeper insights into the role of librarians in the technological environment.
Other courses allowed me to explore in depth other information professional fields. In my Libr 256 course, Archives and Manuscripts, we explored the archives field and looked at the organizational settings in which archives function. We looked at archival principles, ethics and administrative issues that affect archives. With limited budgets, archivists are faced with the challenge of trying to accomplish all they can for their archive within limited resources and intuitional pressures. One of the biggest challenges they face is promoting the archive and its materials. Since archives differ in some ways than libraries many patrons still have misconceptions about what archives can offer. It becomes crucial for archives to find ways to engage with users and deconstruct some of the misconceptions about archives. This course provided me with the insight I need to understand and describe how this type of organizational setting is different from other types of settings.
Evidence 1: Libr 200 Reflection Topic Essay 1 &2
In my Libr 200 course, Information and Society, I wrote two reflection essays that discuss issues that librarians face and its impact of technology on the library setting. My first reflection discusses the influence of the web in the library and how it is shaping the organizational settings with revamped spaces and services. I discussed how the web places a demand for convenient accessible materials and information, and as a result, many libraries are trying to meet these demands with digital collections, instruction sessions and the availability of computer terminals. These types of demands are also influencing the way spaces are arranged in the library. Libraries are catering to these needs by designing spaces that accommodate more computers, laptops, and other electronic devices. These demands are also influencing the skill levels of information professionals. As a result, librarians need to stay up to date with the latest technology, software, and tools to assist patrons with their questions. My first reflection discusses some of these demands and the influence of technology on the settings of libraries. Looking at how technology impacts our work environments will help us create services that meet these demands. Looking at technology’s impacts will serve as a reminder for me to always try to stay updated with the latest technology and news, whether I work in a library setting or other information professional field.
My second reflection discusses how many libraries are using a “user-centered perspective.” The advent of the web creates a perception that using the web is more convenient and accessible than the library. As a result, many libraries are looking at business models and leaning towards customer service types of engagements. A user-centered perspective is useful, but it is important to look at how it affects services and the informational needs of patrons. This second reflection looks at how information professionals are adjusting their approaches, because of how the information environment is changing. Looking at how the information environments change is vital to understanding user’s behaviors and it will help me adapt to the organizational settings I work for.
Evidence 2: Libr 200 Association Review
In Libr 200, I conducted a review of the Art Libraries Society of North America examining its organization, its members, and services. This organization typically reaches art librarians, artists and anyone else in the art field. The Art Libraries Society of North America would also cater to the needs of specialized libraries in art as well as art museums. Art Librarians in different information organizations would benefit in membership because it provides resources and services that are specialized in their field outside of the American Library Association. The services, conferences, and publications that this association provides showcases how art informational professionals need access to information that helps support the work they do in their organizational settings. For example, on their website, there is a media and technological review for 2015 that provides information about emerging and important products and projects for art information professionals (http://arlisna.org/publications/multimedia-technology-reviews/). These reviews help art information professionals make informed decisions about emerging technologies and media. This is important because art information professionals with limited funds and staffs need to decide which products and projects would benefit the needs of their institutions. This association review demonstrates how information professionals working in a specialized field or organization need resources, outreach and professional development for their specific needs.
Technology plays an important role in the environment in which an informational professional works. It influences the types of services and programs created, and it is also changing the way libraries have traditionally functioned. As an information professional, looking at how technology affects our work environments is important because it gives us a chance to look at the technological needs of our patrons and improve our services. It is also important to look at how technology affects our organizations because it allows us to reflect on our skills and improve upon them so that we are able to serve our patrons needs. These reflections and review demonstrate how I can describe the organizational settings of libraries as technological demands grow.
Evidence 3: Libr 256 Archive Tour Assignment
For my Libr 256 course, Archives and Manuscripts, I was asked to visit an archive and write an essay about my experience. A few students and I were given a tour by a staff member of the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles. We had the opportunity to explore areas of the library and archive that the general public does not have access too. We also had the opportunity to ask our tour guide questions about the type of work that is conducted everyday. We also had the pleasure of speaking with the head of conservation as she leads part of the tour as well. This provided us with a real-world example, of the functions and activities of a library and archive. Their library and archive collections are extensive, so looking at the types of resources available, and procedures and policies in place was a great opportunity to see how they functioned on a grand scale. For example, the institution has a “more product, less processing” perspective and as a result, there are no backlogs (Greene & Meissner, 2005). This essay documents what I learned about the Getty Institute functioning as a library and archive and the wonderful resources available there. This essay also demonstrates how I describe the organizational settings of a Library and Archive that has a specific focus on art. As an institution with an art focus, it showcases how an institution provides resources to serve the needs of the art community. I have learned that depending on the nature of collections, it will attract certain types of users, and results in policies and procedures to suit the mission and goals of an institution. Information professionals work in different types of environments, and looking at the various environments, gives us insights into the types of resources they provide. As an art History B.A and an MLIS Student, visiting this institution gave me insights to the type of work conducted in the art librarianship/archivist field, that allow me to understand the goals of this type of institution and prepare me for work in this type environment.
Evidence 4: Libr 256 Essay Final
For my final in Libr 256, I was asked two write two essays examining the role of an archivist and the issues that surround the archive field. In the first essay, I am asked to describe the archive profession to an audience with no background or experience researching in archives. As mentioned previously, libraries and archives share similar goals in providing access to information to patrons. In the first essay, I briefly look at how both libraries and archives share similar functions and how sometimes their roles get confused because of their similar goals. I explain the role of the archivist and I look at the types of services archives offer. This demonstrates my ability to describe professional work settings and compare it with other settings like the library. Looking at the role of the archivist and the type of services archives offer is important for me explain to potential users so that their expectations about the type of research they are looking for are met. The second essay looks at how technology impacts the archive field and how archives are also adjusting to meet the demands of users. Like many libraries, archives are utilizing web technologies into their services to make their materials accessible in digital formats. For example, archives are creating online finding aids and using standards, such as Encoded Archival Description to described them. Archives are making resources accessible through electronic formats
Comparing the settings of libraries and archives is important because they serve different functions to the informational needs of users. These essays showcase how I can describe and compare different settings in the information professional field and how I look at them from the perspective of the needs of users. Comparing the organizational settings of libraries and archives allows me to understand how I can help patrons if I don’t have the resources to help them. I want to make sure that when patrons ask for help, I can figure out whether a library or archive is better suited to their needs. I also want to be prepared to work in various information environments, because sometimes it is necessary to transfer our knowledge and skills to other environments for special projects or collaborations.
Conclusion:
I think that it is important to look at others in the field and the ways they handle information and challenges. We often share similar issues, and collaboration is one-way information professionals can grow outside their skill set. It is also important for all information professionals to reach out and collaborate with each other in some way. Not only can we share knowledge, but also we share spaces, materials and collaborate on special projects. Knowledge about other professions and the settings they work in would allow me to make appropriate references to patrons if other information professionals would be better suited for their inquiry. Our institutions and organizations will not offer all the information or resources a patron inquires about, so it is important to know where we can refer them too.
References:
Greene, M. A., & Meissner, D. (2005). More product, less process: Revamping traditional archival processing. American Archivist, 68(2), 208-263.
Rubin, R. E. (2010). Foundations of library and information science. New York: Neal- Schuman.
Assignments