“What is more important in a library than anything else – than everything else – is the fact that it exists” ~Archibald MacLeish

My name is Stacy L. Dzbenski and this portfolio has been designed to showcase the work that I completed during my studies in the Emporia State University Master of Library Science Program.

Prior to enrolling in the SLIM program, I studied at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. As a double major in Biology and Music, I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, I decided I had an interest in pursuing a career in the dental field and re-enrolled to complete the pre-requisites needed to apply for dental school. Once those courses were completed I discovered I was just one elective course away from a Bachelor of Science in Biology and was awarded that degree in January 2007. I have successfully worked in and managed multiple dental practices in both Virginia and Texas, but decided that the dental field was not where I ultimately wanted to be.

After my husband accepted a teaching position in Fort Scott, we moved to Kansas where I was hired as the Director for the Fort Scott Community College Library. What I did not anticipate was the amount of professional and personal fulfillment that I experienced working in a library.  I have always been a detail oriented individual with a passion for learning and reading and was thrilled to be able to use my skills and enthusiasm with the students, faculty and community patrons. If you were to ask me where I want to be in the future, I would say with a smile, “Right here, in the library.”   

The ESU School of Library and Information Management program has a curriculum which is progressive and up-to-date and exemplifies everything that I aim to take with me with a career in Library Sciences.  After graduation, I will be moving to Washington State and can tell that with the knowledge I received from the SLIM program, I will be armed with the skills and credentials to be a valuable asset to the profession.