Reflection Paper Six

Reflection Six, internship:
1. What part of the training in K-12 library media program have you enjoyed the most and why?

I enjoyed working in the circulation department because it was something I could master in a short amount of time and was very organized. Also, the people were great to work with and there is a little interaction with the public. I think that, if I had more time to get comfortable behind the juvenile desk, I would most enjoy working in the juvenile department, helping young ones find materials.

2. If a K-12 library media specialist specialized in any part of the library field such as reference, administration, collection development, etc, what area would you pick and why?

I would specialize in youth services, because the children's librarians get to create lesson plans, work closely with the youth, and get to stay updated on the latest in juvenile and young adult materials.

3. Reflect on what was learned in the K-12 library endorsement and internship and how it is of benefit professionally.

Throughout the course of taking this endorsement and walking through the internship, my idea and understanding of what "llibrary" means has greatly expanded. Library science is so much more than books, which is what most of the world thinks of it as. The education I most appreciate is that of electronic resources; how to search and use databases, how to create and manage a website, blog, wiki, twitter account, how to create and edit videos, how to use google earth tours, and a myriad of other handy online tools. As far as the intership goes, working in such a high volume

3. What part of your internship experience surprised you the most and why?

The part that surprised me the most was just how overwhelmingly used the public library is. The operation of the library is a full-scale enterprise that demands a lot of hard work and patience, and a lot of knowledge about things. I used to think of it simply as the place where I got my books. Now I see it for what it is: Our city's watering hole for knowledge. 

4. What part of your licensure program surprised you the most and why?

The part of my licensure program that surprised me the most was the lack of adequate staffing through the University of Montana. It's my hometown school, and I love it, but after Sally passed away it seemed like no efforts were made to strengthen the program, and I find myself now without an advisor, one class away from my masters and having no clue what my next move is.