My Background and Plans
Updated November 16, 2021
In the third semester, summer of 2016, in the middle of a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in library science. At the time, I took a course in health information systems that included an intensive module on library databases and search strategies. After completing the MPH program, I was unsure where my academic and professional experience in instructional technology and quantitative research would fit in the libraries. All I knew was that if a library opportunity presented itself, I would answer with commitment and passion. Using my skills would be the best contribution I could give to any library user and system.
In the Fall of 2018, and after giving it much consideration, I pivoted my focus towards pursing a library science degree and securing a library position. It was in May 2019 that I accepted an Associate position within the Gwinnett County Public Library system. I am very content with my career decision! I could not have imagined a better role in providing information to the community using multiple formats: chat, email, phone, and Short Message Service (SMS). Another aspect of my job is to support users with interlibrary loan and suggestions to the system’s collection. My role requires a deep understanding of how the library system organizes information through its databases and online presence.
I graduated May 1, 2021 with a Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) degree at the University of North Texas (UNT). My plan after finishing the MSLS degree is to secure work in to combine all of my experience in eLearning design, development, library science and research design. I am confident that the skills I have acquired from the MSLS program and my previous work experience will attract employers. In my experience, employers look favorably towards graduates who have professional experience. Here is an example of my research experience: Click here to view the citation to my published research.
Finally, now that I have completed the Master of Science in Library Science degree at the University of North Texas; I will continue with my professional goals. Overall, my professional goal is to provide knowledge management services to customers, internal and external, within a data-driven organization.
