My MLIS program of study has covered a variety of topics in librarianship, ranging from collection management and information technologies to academic libraries and government publications. The tabs below contain examples of my work. My most memorable project is my virtual internship with the San Francisco Public Library’s Jail & Reentry Services program. Not only did it provide me with hands-on reference experience, but also reminded me once again of the critical role libraries play in connecting people with the information and resources that they need.
Using Jing, I created a five minute tutorial on how to use the advanced search features of the Library of Congress online catalog. Please click on the screenshot to view the tutorial.
I completed a Professional Field Experience (PFE) with the San Francisco Public Library’s (SFPL) Jail & Reentry Services program. The SFPL receives letters from individuals incarcerated primarily on the West Coast; library staff and interns respond to the prisoners’ requests for information. I began this PFE with only the knowledge gained through my MLIS coursework. Upon its completion, I have gained hands-on reference experience. Week after week, I researched and sought answers to hundreds of questions. Some topics I was familiar with, such as financial aid; some I had never heard of before, like fan art. I was able to fine-tune my database search techniques and expand my knowledge base of available resources. I feel much more confident in my ability to be able to answer reference questions in the future.
The Reentry Services program is rooted in social justice. It seeks to provide resources to individuals who are denied the opportunity to directly access information. Libraries contain a wealth of information that is meant to be freely available to everyone. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to gain hands-on reference experience through this PFE. But more importantly, to have had the chance to help provide individuals with the information that they need, especially for those who have no other way to receive it.
The table below provides examples of the types of reference questions that were asked along with any challenges that arose.
| Letter # | Response Overview/Challenges |
|---|---|
| 1730 | This letter was from a patron whose questions from an earlier letter could not be fully answered due to lack of specific information. In this case, he was requesting addresses for transitional housing and churches but had not provided a specific area or state. This illustrates one of the challenges to answering questions without the opportunity to conduct a reference interview. |
| 1799 | The patron stated he was going to be released from prison soon and would like reentry resources in his state, e.g., halfway houses, vouchers, etc. |
| 1783 | The patron requested information on how to start a non-profit in California and congressional aid. I was unsure if he meant “aid” as in financial aid or “aide” as in how to become one so I provided some information on both types. This letter is a good example of where a reference interview would have facilitated the search for the right answer. |
| 1813 | This patron plans to start a mobile food cart business in Washington and wanted to know what state health department rules and regulations he needed to follow. While researching this, I found out that there are a number of city regulations regarding food trucks that must also be followed. The patron also asked how to become a livescan technicians and information on becoming a first-time homebuyer. |
| 1806 | The patron had a list of companies for which he requested addresses. He also asked for photographs and schematics for various types of bombs and missiles. Due to SFPL guidelines, I was not able to do this. |
This libguide contains lesson plans designed for elementary students and college students. Please click on the screenshot to view the libguide.
Using Powtoon, I created a presentation to explain the DIKW pyramid. Please click on the screenshot to view the presentation.
