Academic Work & Reflections
Throughout my Master of Library and Information Science program at the University of Southern Mississippi, I completed a variety of projects and assignments that helped me develop the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in librarianship.
The following five artifacts represent some of my work throughout the program. Each project highlights different areas of librarianship and reflects my academic growth, professional development, and preparation for a career in public libraries, particularly children’s services.
Artifact #1: Collection Development Policy: M. R. Davis Public Library
Course: LIS 511 – Collection Development and Management
Reflection
For this assignment, I developed a collection development policy for the M. R. Davis Public Library in Southaven, Mississippi. The policy covered important areas of collection management, including material selection, weeding, diversity, intellectual freedom, and procedures for reconsidering challenged materials.
Through this project, I gained a deeper understanding of how collection development policies help libraries make informed and consistent decisions about their materials. I learned that building a library collection involves more than simply selecting books. It requires understanding the community’s needs, ensuring access to diverse perspectives, and maintaining a collection that remains relevant and useful to patrons.
This assignment helped prepare me for the responsibilities of managing library collections. As I pursue a career in children’s librarianship, I hope to apply what I learned when selecting and evaluating materials for young readers. I want to help build collections that reflect the interests, backgrounds, and reading abilities of the children and families served by the library.
Artifact #2: Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD) Infographic
Course: LIS 501 – Reference and Information Services
Reflection
For this assignment, I created an infographic highlighting the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD), an online resource that helps librarians, educators, and parents discover and evaluate children’s and young adult literature. My infographic focused on the database’s key features, including advanced search filters, book reviews, reading level information, and award-winning titles.
Through this project, I learned more about the importance of specialized reference resources and how they can help librarians locate appropriate materials for different audiences. I also gained experience presenting information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. This assignment helped me recognize how effective communication and technology can make library resources more accessible to patrons.
As I pursue a career in children’s librarianship, I hope to use resources like CLCD to help children, parents, and educators discover books that meet their interests and reading needs. I also plan to use my communication and design skills to create informational materials that promote library resources and services.
Artifact #3: YA Romance Online Bibliography
Course: LIS 501 – Reference and Information Services
LINK: https://kaylacash13.wixsite.com/bchslibrary/s-projects-side-by-side
Reflection
For this assignment, I created an online bibliography focused on young adult romance using Wix. The bibliography included a selection of books, movies, and websites related to romance and relationships for young adults. I organized the resources into categories and provided descriptions, citations, and links to help users explore the materials.
Through this project, I learned more about organizing and presenting information in a way that is accessible and engaging for library patrons. I also gained experience using website design to create a digital resource that could help young adults discover materials based on their interests. This assignment showed me how online bibliographies can serve as useful reference tools and help libraries connect patrons with relevant information and resources.
In my future career as a librarian, I hope to use these skills to create online booklists, reading recommendations, and resource guides for children and families. I also want to use technology to make library resources easier to discover, especially for patrons who may not visit the library in person.
Artifact #4: School Library Newsletter
Course: LIS 516 – Technology in a School Library
Reflection
For this assignment, I created a spring newsletter for Blossom County Library, a fictional school library. The newsletter highlighted upcoming events, new books, digital resources, and opportunities for students and families to get involved with the library. I designed the newsletter to be visually appealing, informative, and easy to read.
Through this project, I learned more about the importance of effective communication and marketing in libraries. I gained experience organizing information and creating promotional materials that encourage library engagement. This assignment also allowed me to combine my background in Integrated Marketing Communications with the knowledge I gained throughout my MLIS program.
In my future career as a children’s librarian, I hope to use these skills to promote library programs, share resources with families, and encourage community involvement. I believe effective communication is an important part of helping libraries reach both current and potential patrons.
Year Program Guide: Children’s Library Programming
Course: LIS 519 – Youth Programming
Reflection
For this assignment, I developed a yearlong programming guide featuring 12 monthly library programs designed for children in kindergarten through third grade. The guide included a variety of activities, such as a children’s book tasting, STEM challenges, arts and crafts, and a summer reading kickoff event. For each program, I developed a plan that included the intended audience, budget, marketing strategies, materials, and instructions for conducting the activities.
Through this project, I gained a better understanding of the planning and preparation involved in providing engaging library programs for children. I learned the importance of balancing creativity with practical considerations such as budgeting, staffing, and community interests. This assignment also allowed me to explore different ways libraries can encourage literacy, learning, and community engagement beyond traditional storytimes.
This project was especially meaningful to me because children’s programming is one of the areas of librarianship I am most excited about. As I pursue my goal of becoming a children’s librarian, I hope to use the skills I developed through this assignment to create fun, educational, and inclusive programs that encourage children and families to visit the library and develop a lifelong love of learning.
