PersonalBenefitsGoalsStatement


 * Personal Benefits and Goals Statement**

**__Career Hopes and Passions:__** **Why Kent State University for graduate study?** I feel that Kent State University is the best fit for me in my desire to pursue a Masters in Library and Information Science. Kent State has a strong and very prestigious reputation in Library and Information Science and I would feel very fortunate to be a part of an established program. I recently learned that Kent State offers classes at the Columbus branch campus. I now live and teach in Columbus and feel that Kent States’ branch location and program are perfect for my future goals!

I am presently a fifth grade, social studies teacher at The Columbus Academy and enjoy working with young people. I feel that a degree in Library Science would enable me to be a better classroom teacher by helping students with research papers and projects. I feel that a degree in Library and Information Science would help me better educate students in how to become life-long learners. Eventually, I would like to be a Media Specialist or Librarian in the school system. I would like to hook even more young people on one of America’s greatest assets: the library.
 * Why do you wish to earn a M.L.I.S degree?**

I also wish to earn a Masters in Library Science because my family has a strong history of M.L.I.S. degrees. My aunt and my mother hold degrees in Library and Information Science. They both were Librarians in the public school system for many years and always share their fond memories of the library! My mother is currently President of the Board at The Sandusky Public Library (whose Director, Julie Brooks, is a Kent State alum); and so, I have learned a great deal about libraries and their importance in the community. My wish is to follow in my family’s footsteps and to continue to help share the love of books and reading with others.

I believe libraries are important and I especially believe that libraries are vital to our future. I hope to earn an M.L.I.S degree to help educate students. My goal is to enable students to learn how to find information themselves, leaving their love of learning never-ending. I am presently a fifth grade social studies teacher, but would one day like to be a Middle School Librarian. I wish to earn my degree in Library and Information Science with a specialty in K-12 school library media. I feel the information I learn in library classes will presently help in my classroom lessons, while in the future it will help me pursue my goal – to become a Middle School Librarian. My hope is to teach during the school year, while attending class in the summer sessions.
 * What career tracks interest you at this time?**

__**Philosophy Statement**__

**Mills Philosophy Statement** Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” As a school library media specialist, I must take action and be a “doer,” rather than a “watcher!” I must force myself to get out there and get the job done, as it is vital for media specialists to make themselves known as information specialists. In order to be successful a school library media specialist I must: first know myself, know my profession (and the professional standards and expectations), know my resources and technologies, know my district and community, know my patrons, and finally I must know how to seek continued partnership and community support!

“The LMS is not confined to the library or to a single function…library media specialists: work with educators to design and teach curriculum, create curriculum and promote an engaging learning experience tailored to the individual needs of students, evaluate and “produce” information through the active use of broad range of tools, resources, and information technologies, provide access to material in all formats including up-to-date, high-quality, varied literature to develop and strengthen the love of reading, and to provide students, educators, and staff with instructional materials that reflect current information needs.” (Weil, 2009) This quote and charge has been on my mind since the moment I read the article, “Meet Your New School Library Media Specialist.” This is my favorite description of the responsibility of a school library media specialist. It is clear that the school library media specialist wears many hats and has many important roles.

In creating a philosophy statement, I had to first step back and answer the following four questions: What makes me who I am?, What qualities and characteristics allow me to excel in life?, Why do I want to be a school library media specialist?, and What impact do I hope to make? In an attempt to answer these questions, I realized that what I believe and what I am passionate about is helping others. A truly good school library media specialist is //good// because he/she helps others find answers and solutions for their needs, frustrations, interests, and questions. I realized that my entire life has been working towards an eventual degree and profession as a school library media specialist.

I decided to create a list of “mini philosophy statements” (“I believe” statements) to describe my personal and professional goals that I will need to work towards in order to become and stay the best school library medial specialist I can be. Each main goal is driven by a series of quotes, as one of my passions is the beauty of quotes and the power they have to inspire and encourage betterment and the opportunity to dream big! My lists will include brief descriptions and reminders on why each “mini philosophy statement” is included and important. I plan to use tje list of my many “mini philosophy statements” to push me to always give my best, as “…this is not about you; this is for the children of your school district. You are being a student advocate. Do it!” (American Association of School Librarians Advocacy Toolkit, 2009)


 * Personal Goals (as a SLMS)** – My personal goals for becoming and challenging myself to be the best school library media specialists I can be, are driven by the following quotes. I believe in dreaming big, as anything is possible if I set my mind to achieving it. I can do it! “Success is not measured by what one brings, but rather by what one leaves.” (Unknown), “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” (Dr. Seuss), and "Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." (Goethe)

- Dream Big – Always think big, as the sky is the limit! - Challenge Myself to Keep (and Stay) Current – I must always be ahead of the curve, as it will allow me the opportunity to be viewed as a committed professional. - Stay Positive – No matter what, keep a positive attitude and keep looking forward! - Believe as if Everything is Possible – If I believe, then I can make it happen! - Stay Passionate – Stay passionate about the profession, the charge, the mission, and the patrons! _

- Stay Organized – It is imperative to stay organized, as it will help me get ahead, be viewed as a professional, and get more accomplished! - Develop a System – Develop a system that works for me and allows me the opportunity to succeed. Push to do better each time, as constant checks, changes, and tweaks are a must!

- Professional Development – It is vital to stay current with professional development opportunities. These opportunities do not only allow me the chance to learn, but to grow in relationships and friendships too! - Professional Relationships – Seek out and maintain professional relationships for collaboration, networking, professional relationships, and support! - Know the Standards – Always know the current SLMC standards and the state standards for the core subjects taught in the school district.

- Set Standards High – I must set my standards high and accept nothing but the best!

- SLMC Mission – “The School Library Media Center strives to uphold the tradition of academic excellence, by providing extensive print and electronic resources to foster intellectual curiosity, to inspire lifelong reading and learning, to develop an understanding and use of information and technology literacy, to support and strengthen self-discovery, and to encourage creativity.” _ - SLMC Vision – “A mission statement drives the work of the school when it creates strong internal accountability among staff members for student learning.” (Zmuda, 2007) - Budgeting – I must know my budget inside and out in order to get the biggest “bang for the buck.” - Facility Design – I must plan for patron success in order to create a SLMC that will be utilized and loved! - Walls and Halls – I must decorate my walls and halls with SLMC resources, programs, and student work to draw interest inside the library!
 * Professional Roles of the SLMS** – My professional goals as a school library media specialist are personally and professionally driven. I plan on staying organized and keeping my patrons at the center of every decision, as I want to enable them to dream big and search for the unsearchable! My professional goals are driven by the following quotes - “Library media specialists empower students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information” (Weil, 2009) and "Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts." (Winston Churchill)

- Management and Collaboration – “…collaborative approach to teaching show that we are committed to developing and refining effective instructional practices within our schools.” (Moreillon, 2007) - Personnel Management – I must stay on top of my management team by staying organized, running efficient meetings, listening, brainstorming, and collaborating.

- Know My Patrons – I must first know my patrons, their needs, and their interests in order to best help and service their information access and success. - Student Voice and Volunteerism in the SLMC – Students must know they have a voice and a say in the SLMC. “Some 88.5 percent of the 13,123 Ohio students surveyed say the school library helps them get better grades on projects and assignments, 74.7 percent say it helps with homework, and 92.4 percent say computers in the media center help improve their overall academic work.” (Whelan, 2001) - Collaborative Teaching – “Collaboration is a dynamic, interactive process among equal partners who negotiate instructional goals to impact student achievement…collaboration can occur in the planning, implementation, and assessment stages of teaching…show others what we do!” (Moreillon, 2007) Collaboration counts! “The study, which also surveyed 879 faculty members…shows that students and educators alike strongly believe that school libraries are key to learning.” (Whelan, 2004) - Partnership with Administration – “Show them the value of our role as instructional partners.” (Moreillon, 2007) The administration must know what is going on in the SLMC in order to foster and give continued support (emotionally and financially). - Community Involvement – I must show the community how special and important the SLMC is to the student patrons, and in-turn, the community!

- Programming – I will set up programs that are unique and vital to the on-going success and learning goals of the students, teachers, administration, and community. - Information and Technology Literacy – “Information literacy…ability to find and use information…technology literacy…ability to responsibly use appropriate technologies to communicate, problem solve, and access information.” (Dow, 2007) - Research Resources (print and on-line, databases) – I must know my resources, teach others about my resources, actively use my resources, and order the best resources that reflect my patrons needs and wants for the future. - Current and Appropriate Reading Selections – I must stay current with the best sellers and student picks to keep patrons coming back to the SLMC for more! - Support of New Technology – I must stay ahead of the curve with technology so that I can learn “how to” and in-turn, teach others “how to” too!

- On-going Professional Development – I must push myself to constantly and consistently attend professional development opportunities to stay “in the know” with the latest ideas, trends, and information in the field of Library Media. - Professional Organization Commitment – I will join a professional organization to stay in-touch with other professionals in the field and to network to make my SLMC be the best it can be! - AASA Standards – I must know all of the standards so that I can effetely work with and create life-long learning opportunities for my patrons. _ - Future Planning and Goals – Planning will keep me focused and moving forward. Setting and keeping goals will help keep my passion for creating a dynamic and resourceful School Library Media Center at the core of my relationships and daily activities. - On-going Advocacy – “Advocacy is a long-term, deliberate plan that is designed to build stakeholder support.” (AASL, 2009)

Above all, I must remember, "All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them." (Walt Disney) I must have the courage to not only dream big, but also the passion to make my dreams come true – for me, for my patrons, and for the future role and responsibly of the school library media center and the school library media specialist!

**Bibliography** American Association of School Libraries. “School Library Program Health and Wellness Toolkit. //American Association of School Libraries//. 2009: 1-9.

Dow, Mirah J.. “Assessing Information and Technology Literacy: How Do We Know Our Students Learn?” //School Library Media Activities Monthly// – Volume 24 (2007): 56-58.

Moreillon, Judi. “Show them What We Do: Strategies for Collaborative Teaching.” //School Library Media Activities Monthly, Volume 24//. September 2007: 45 – 47.

Weil, Eric. “Meet Your New School Library media Specialist.” Scholastic. 2009. http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3748779.

Whelan, Debra Lau. “13,00 Kids Can’t Be Wrong.” School Library Journal. 1 February 2004. 24 September 2009. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA3778958.html.

Zmuda, Allison. “Hitch Your Wagon to a Mission Statement.” //School Library// //Media Activities Monthly// – Volume 24 (2007): 24-26.