[Originally written in April 2004; only "bugfix" updates have been made since then.]
Some time during my first year as a MLIS student, I made a typographical error, and ever since I have referred to this final project as my "porftolio." I think the absurdity of the name helped me to deal with the anxiety of a fast-approaching and crucial assignment, but it also felt oddly appropriate. After all, a portfolio seemed a strange thing for me to create. Artists create portfolios, and I'm not an artist.
I still like my silly name, but the more I try to convince myself that a portfolio isn't an appropriate task for a library student, the more apt it seems. If the purpose of an artist's portfolio is to show what he has done in the past and can continue in the future, then mine does exactly the same. If the purpose is to show who the artist is, then what better way to demonstrate the hard-working, capable, and joyful professional I have become?
When I came to the Information School, I had just graduated from Mount Holyoke College and was intelligent and enthusiastic but new to the professional world, unlike most of my fellow students. Their focus and perspective has enriched my view of the classes we shared. In April of 2003 I became the ITS Student Intern at the King County Library System, where I spent six fascinating months exploring the library technology universe under the gentle guidance of Meg Westbury (see Meg's letter about my work). My practical education really took off at the beginning of November, when Kathy Agnew replaced Meg, and I assumed the role of helping Kathy to find her feet and of maintaining the core system for the few weeks until she took over. (See Kathy's letter.) Kathy and I have fallen into an easy partnership, and I have considerable autonomy to determine my own tasks. My experiences at KCLS both complement and shape my academic path in the Information School, and my success in both places leads me to believe that I have found my niche in the library world.
Shortly after KCLS hired me, I was elected 2003-2004 Web Deity of the iSchool's chapter of the American Society for Information Science & Technology. This was my first major position in a student organization, and I had to learn how to function in my new role. ASIS&T has been an opportunity for me to learn some important and sometimes uncomfortable lessons about technology, leadership, management, and the intersection of the three.
While at the iSchool and at KCLS, I have learned to present myself as a professional, both in person and in writing. For example, compare the resume I sent to KCLS in March 2003 with the one I wrote for the Seattle Public Library almost exactly a year later. Not only do I have unique and valuable knowledge and skills, I now know how to market them on paper as well. Two years ago I was not ready to be a professional. Even a year ago I would not have believed it if someone had told me the amount of responsibility I would have in my little internship. I have learned not to underestimate myself or what I can do and to fight for the chance to show my own colors.
I can't wait for the real fun to begin.