Anita Able
Emporia State University
Professional Values
My Professional Values
According to Mason (1990), the basic purpose of an information professional is: “to get the right information from the right source to the right client at the right time in the form most suitable for the use to which it is to be put and at a cost that is justified by its use.”(p. 122) This statement has been been a guiding force as I have progressed through the SLIM program. It has provided the foundation for my philosophy of librarianship. Mason, R.O. (1990, Fall). What is an Information Professional? Journal of Education for Library Information Science, 31(2). 122-138.
As an information professional, I believe that,
- it is my responsibility to DO things right by doing what IS right;
- ALL people have the right to information and it is my responsibility to make sure they are aware of this right and to insure that this right is protected;
- children and youth have the same right to information as adults, and deserve the same consideration and respect;
- the culture of a community has a significant impact on how its patrons seek out and use imformation. It is my responsibility to understand this culture;
- it is my responsibility to identify barriers that prevent access to information and to find ways to overcome these obstacles;
- information organization can and should be customized to best serve the needs of the community;
- a library is an organism, where all of its members must cooperate and communicate with each other, in order to continue to grow and thrive;
- effective communication is crucial, and I must keep abreast of all new technology and communications tools;
- I must to collaborate effectively, prioritize and maintain flexibility in times of change, understand and appreciate the capabilities and experience of my organization and colleagues, empower the user, and provide guidance in the face of an uncertain future;
- it is my responsibility to understand and communicate the complexities of copyright law and fair use guidelines so that I can better meet the information needs of my patrons.
FURTHERMORE, I believe in the Branta Canadensis Model of leadership.
SLIM Values
As reflective practitioners, graduates will demonstrate the following professional values:
- Value self and others, i.e., possess confidence in one's decisions and value diversity in its many forms;
- Exhibit professional behavior, knowledge, and attitudes, based on client-centered philosophy and ethical guidelines;
- Advocate for others by displaying a commitment to quality and equity;
- Demonstrate leadership by displaying vision, and adaptability, openness to new ideas, and risk-taking behavior;
- Imagine outside the box by demonstrating creativity in problem solving, management, and other professional activities.
Branta Canadensis Model
- Geese in formation expend 70% less energy than when flying alone.
- Leadership is shared by all members of the flock.
- Flocks, when headed in the same direction, merge into one for increased overall efficiency.
- Geese in formation are continuously honking at the leader as a form of encouragement.
- A goose in trouble is always accompanied by two others until he/she can rejoin the flock.
© Anita Able, 2009. Site last updated 3/29/09.