Librarians are known for assisting in finding evidence and aiding with research for patrons by showing community members how to use library services to discover the information they seek. This includes traditional methods like textbooks and printed peer-reviewed journal articles, as well as more nontraditional methods like podcasts, TedTalks, and internet searches. Throughout my time in the SLIS program at the University of Alabama, my professors presented the evidence and information they wanted us to learn through these methods. These resources aid in our comprehension of the topics and allow us to explore new ways of receiving information. This ability to find evidence through research will translate well into my future library practice. I recognize that over time more library resources will move online, which will create more challenges for some patrons who may not be as technically savvy as others or who lack the ability to comprehend tradition methods of research. As a librarian, having these skills puts more tools in our toolbox to better serve the masses.
Assignment 1: LS 568 (Dr. Bonnici)
For my first work sample, I chose to showcase a case brief that I did for Dr. Bonnici’s Social and Technical Aspects of Cybersecurity and Terrorism class. Dr. Bonnici asked us to, “critically analyze the human-computer behaviors of cyber terrorism. Analyze the potential misuse of IT Systems and applications, evaluate system tools and applications to monitor user behavior, and understand the important of cyber-security policy formation and ICT use policies.” As my goal is to one day be a public librarian who works with children and teens, I chose to do this assignment using the pitfalls of social media and the misrepresentation of information by some social media companies. It is important to stay abreast of the platforms children and teens are using and the potential threats they may face in doing so. This evidence will be helpful to present to young patrons and their caregivers, so they know how important it is to further research statements found on social media before reporting them as facts to their peers. Hopefully it will also be a cautionary tale about the danger of posting too much information on social media that can be used against you later on.
Bonnici, L. (2022). Syllabus. Social and Technical Aspects of Cybersecurity and Terrorism.
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case_brief_assignment.mp4 |
Assignment 2: LS 621 (Dr. Naidoo)
My second work sample that I chose to highlight is a cultural research poster and handout that I created for Dr. Naidoo’s Intercultural Perspectives in Youth Literature class. Dr. Naidoo asked for us to research about the representations of cultural diversity in youth literature, so I chose to explore the scientific evidence behind Autism and its depictions in children’s books. This assignment was a great introduction to the resources that are available in libraries, which we can use to help our patrons find the evidence they need to answer their questions. It also aided me in the importance of promoting books that provide accurate representations of a disability to patrons and reduce the number of stereotypes associated with disabilities. I think our depiction of
Autism in children’s literature has come a great distance from where it was; however, there is always room for improvement to ensure that children have adequate mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors to see themselves accurately in the books they choose to read.
Autism in children’s literature has come a great distance from where it was; however, there is always room for improvement to ensure that children have adequate mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors to see themselves accurately in the books they choose to read.
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c._williams_research_poster.pdf |
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c._williams_handout.pdf |