As reflective practitioners, graduates will demonstrate: Service
Commit to quality client-centered services, advocate for equity and value diversity in its many forms.
In the field of Library and Information Science, the phrase “user-centered services” has become a “buzz-word” which is used often to refer to such activities as patron needs surveys and analyses, as well as patron-driven acquisitions. In order to advocate for client-centered services, requirements of library staff include an understanding of how diverse groups of patrons, as well as individual patrons, search for information. It is also important to study what information they are searching for and how best to help them find the resources that they need. Through completion of the Emporia State University SLIM program, I have learned that service is a core value of librarianship, as it is necessary to treat such a diverse variety of patrons with the same respect and with equality of service. Library staff must remain unbiased towards helping a particular patron or group of patrons and must respect the rights of every client equally. Accessibility for all users to the resources that they need should also be present, including but not limited to accessibility for library users with disabilities, of various ethnic origins and languages, of different ages, of various genders, of different sexual orientations, of many ranges of mental capacity (including the mentally challenged), and those who live in various locations.
The attached evidence below is provided as an example of how the professional values that must be present in the decision-making of Library and Information Science staff members may be challenged on a day-to-day basis. The two fictional editorials exemplify opposite views regarding a possible case of racial profiling. The fictional editorials illustrate that it is important to understand how to achieve the equilibrium between personal/moral values, professional values, and ethics (the law). Conflicts may occur in the professional environment such that the librarians involved in a situation may need to decide to commit to the value of service equality, despite conflicting personal beliefs. Though there may be no perfect answer to how to deal with such situations, professional values, such as the rights to privacy and intellectual freedom, may help guide the staff member to the most appropriate response.
Fictional Newsletter Editorials:
LI 801 XO - Newsletter Article.docx