SLO 1: The student assesses the philosophy, principles, and ethics of the library and information field.
Given the importance of thoroughly exploring all aspects of this first learning objective, I think it is no surprise that every class of my degree program has taken on various aspects of the philosophy, principles and ethics of librarianship. My first course of this program was LIS 600 (Foundations of Library and Information Sciences) with Beth Martin. During this course I gained a deeper understanding of the profession as a whole and the principles that guide it.
The first assignment for LIS 600 required me to complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training program in order to obtain my Institutional Review Board (IRB) Stage 1- Basic Course certification. The IRB certification is required by the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) for any research involving human subjects. As I moved through the modules of the IRB program, I learned more about the principles and the ethical components of research as well as the federal regulations that protect the privacy and welfare of research subjects. While I may never apply these concepts in a laboratory environment, it is a reminder that I have a responsibility to maintain those principles as I work with people every day.
Also in LIS 600 I was asked to write a paper on an issue that impacts the information profession. I chose to explore digital copyright. I think I chose this primarily because it seemed intimidating to me. I wanted an opportunity to learn more and gain a better sense of where the future would be taking us. I focused my paper specifically on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 and the changes that the DMCA brought to librarianship. In conducting research for this paper, I learned about digital copyright, concerns regarding fair use and the public domain as well as the sense of fear surrounding the DMCA. I am so glad I was able to learn more about such an important topic. I remember feeling so infused with the desire to advocate for our libraries and their resources. It brought to life many things that had, up to that point, only been concepts.
As I consider these learning experiences, I look back with a new appreciation for their impact. I only saw them at the time for their individual value. Many classes throughout the program have furthered these experiences and delved further into the principles and ethics of the profession. I leave this program with a deep appreciation for who we are as information professionals and who we can be in the future.