Summary/Conclusion:

The MLIS program at SJSU both met and exceeded my expectations. In terms oI
the Iormer, I entered the program having already made a decision to enter the Iield oI
Library Science and, in Iact, had already begun a proIessional career working in the Iield
in my area oI interest intellectual Ireedom and Young Adult services. I had two
primary objectives in seeking my Master`s degrees: 1) to gain as broad an education in
the Iield as possible, exploring and developing competency with the Iunctional and
theoretical tools I would need as a well-rounded Ioundation Ior my career, and 2) to gain
the accreditation necessary to advance in the Iield. In both oI these areas, I consider my
time at SJSU an unqualiIied success.
The program exceeded my expectations in that it helped me understand the
interweaving oI the practical and theoretical in a manner that will help me execute in
ways I did not imagine prior to the experience. For example, understanding the extent oI
role oI technology, research and, say, archiving, all have in being an eIIective advocate
Ior Young Adults, was a notion that I only peripherally considered beIore beginning my
program. Today, I have a Iirm handle on how possessing a wide array oI competencies in
the Iield is absolutely critical to serving patrons in eIIective and unique ways.
I believe I entered the program with particular strengths that will serve my Iocus
on intellectual Ireedom, and Young Adults service and advocacy, and signiIicantly
enhanced those strengths during my tenure at SJSU. These include a commitment to and
knowledge oI issues related to Iree inIormation access and dissemination, and the ability
to understand make deep connections with young adults. Now, having developed a broad
range oI competencies that will support my career in this areaas well as the
accreditation aIIorded me by obtaining the degreeI will be able to even more
eIIectively deliver in my current role as Teen Librarian at the Mill Valley Public Library,
and in the additional capacities I am even now being asked to perIorm (administration,
Iundraising, community outreach, etc.). I am conIident that the program has provided me
with the Ioundation required to not only to continue to pursue my area oI expertise, but
also with a Iramework Ilexible enough to execute in any area relevant to the proIessional
goals I wish to explore going Iorward.



Lastly I affirm that all introductory, reflective, and evidentiary work submitted is mine
alone, except where indicated as a group or team profect, and has been prepared solely
by me.