Final Reflections
Final Reflections
   I have learned so much this semester from our readings, discussions, and projects, and each new thing I learn the more excited I become to continue on in this profession. I came into this class having worked in the public library field for several years, and knowledge about certain topics from extensive research I had conducted. I had a very good grasp of the Library Bill of Rights, and the Freedom to read Act. I knew about the different types of libraries and already a good insight into some of the cataloging systems we use. I feel upon the completion of this class I learned quite a bit, and yet not very much. The more I have learned the more I realize that librarianship is not just about customer service, programming, and readers advisory, but also considering the user and the user experience while using the library.
   I bring with me to my future (as well as my current) profession, my enthusiasm. Hands down my love for the library and the patrons who come to ask me questions shows greatly. I enjoy working with children, and I believe that my questions and ideas are relevant to the field. I believe that my natural curiosity is another bonus I bring when entering a professional environment. At my current place of employment I believe that these qualities have shone through. On an off note I also am extremely familiar with the dewy decimal system so I tend to not need to look up the location of items.
   I never thought that I would become a public librarian, let alone a children’s librarian. During my time at Southfield Public Library I dreaded my time shelving on the children’s floor; they were loud and noisy, and parents tended to not look after their children. All these feeling began to change the moment I was asked for the first time what book I would recommend. As I progressed further into the semester I found I tended to gravitate towards issues within the youth services librarian sphere. I liked to share my joy of reading with the youngsters that approached me. I enjoyed helping the youth librarians plan and implement their programs. In the end while I still find the field of Archives incredibly interesting, I feel that I can impact more people and children as a public youth librarian.
   I have known that the role of the librarian is not just to sit there and recommend books, but rather to also teach people and those of the younger generations, how to successfully use the library and all its resources. Librarians assist in making information easy and accessible to the community in which the serve. The library is also an essential piece of the community, people come there not only to read books, and pay extraordinary late fines, but to obtain important forms such as tax, and other necessities. People come to use the computers if they are not able to access one at home. The list goes on, and on.Â






