lilmutegirl
Well-known member
I am applying for a Master of Library Science, and have to submit a Statement of Objectives. I'm too embarrassed to have anyone I know read it in person, but thought maybe I could get some objective feedback on here. I appreciate anyone who provides any help. If you choose to take the time to read it, please make sure that I actually fulfill the requirements-I am concerned I may not have fully done that. Thanks! 
The description of the Statement of Objectives is:
"A statement of objectives focuses on how your experiences have shaped your professional and academic goals. You may choose to discuss why you hope to enter a master of library science program, what your current career objectives are, and what you hope to take away from your relationship with the University's School of Library and Information Management."
Statement of Objectives
Customer service is one of the most important things in my professional life. With a background in retail, I was taught that the customer’s needs were the number one priority. Without people purchasing products or utilizing services, both retail and libraries would cease to fulfill their purpose. However, retail focuses on selling a product, and the more a customer buys, the better for the business. Libraries are more concerned with the exchange of information, and ensuring that patrons receive what they need. Quantity is not as important as quality. If a person finds one book that has all the pertinent information he or she is looking for, that would be considered a success, whereas in retail, employees are encouraged to attempt to get customers to buy more than they need. I enjoy seeing people able to find what they are looking for, without pressuring them.
Technology has changed how patrons interact with the library, but there will always need to be a human component. Even though there are several functions of the library that have become self-service for patrons, such as placing holds, checking out, renewing materials, and paying fines, many patrons want to be able to talk to a person on the phone or face-to-face. Patrons of neighborhood libraries develop relationships with the staff and take every opportunity to interact with them.
I currently work at two branch locations: Gardner and Edgerton. Gardner is a growing community full of families of young patrons. Edgerton is a very small community, and the physicality of the library reflects this: the building has limited space, and is often full of materials, most of which is transferred in from other library branches by the citizens of Edgerton. Working at Edgerton once a week, I have gotten to know the regular patrons, not only their names, but their preferences, and life experiences. I like feeling like a part of the community, and that citizens feel comfortable at the library and with me. Even though Gardner is a bigger branch with more patrons, the regulars are familiar to me.
I have enjoyed working at the library and the experiences that I have had there. I feel that I have learned a lot about relating to people and customer service. I am sure that with continued experience, I will gain more knowledge about the library, but I would like to supplement the experience with education, which is why I am applying to the MLS program. I want to be able to apply the principles I learn in school directly to my work experience. I feel that working and going to school will go hand-in-hand to help me reach my professional goal of becoming a librarian who is able to help the general public reach their own goals, everything from finding a certain book to applying for their dream job online.
I am hoping to obtain a Master of Library Science in conjunction with working at a library, to further my career. I currently work as a circulation clerk, and enjoy working with patrons and their accounts in this role, but am interested in exploring other career options within the library system. I think that a Master’s Degree will help facilitate opportunities for advancement and networking, both within the library system I already work in, as well as meeting other people from area library systems and sharing in the wisdom and expertise of the educators in the program.
The description of the Statement of Objectives is:
"A statement of objectives focuses on how your experiences have shaped your professional and academic goals. You may choose to discuss why you hope to enter a master of library science program, what your current career objectives are, and what you hope to take away from your relationship with the University's School of Library and Information Management."
Statement of Objectives
Customer service is one of the most important things in my professional life. With a background in retail, I was taught that the customer’s needs were the number one priority. Without people purchasing products or utilizing services, both retail and libraries would cease to fulfill their purpose. However, retail focuses on selling a product, and the more a customer buys, the better for the business. Libraries are more concerned with the exchange of information, and ensuring that patrons receive what they need. Quantity is not as important as quality. If a person finds one book that has all the pertinent information he or she is looking for, that would be considered a success, whereas in retail, employees are encouraged to attempt to get customers to buy more than they need. I enjoy seeing people able to find what they are looking for, without pressuring them.
Technology has changed how patrons interact with the library, but there will always need to be a human component. Even though there are several functions of the library that have become self-service for patrons, such as placing holds, checking out, renewing materials, and paying fines, many patrons want to be able to talk to a person on the phone or face-to-face. Patrons of neighborhood libraries develop relationships with the staff and take every opportunity to interact with them.
I currently work at two branch locations: Gardner and Edgerton. Gardner is a growing community full of families of young patrons. Edgerton is a very small community, and the physicality of the library reflects this: the building has limited space, and is often full of materials, most of which is transferred in from other library branches by the citizens of Edgerton. Working at Edgerton once a week, I have gotten to know the regular patrons, not only their names, but their preferences, and life experiences. I like feeling like a part of the community, and that citizens feel comfortable at the library and with me. Even though Gardner is a bigger branch with more patrons, the regulars are familiar to me.
I have enjoyed working at the library and the experiences that I have had there. I feel that I have learned a lot about relating to people and customer service. I am sure that with continued experience, I will gain more knowledge about the library, but I would like to supplement the experience with education, which is why I am applying to the MLS program. I want to be able to apply the principles I learn in school directly to my work experience. I feel that working and going to school will go hand-in-hand to help me reach my professional goal of becoming a librarian who is able to help the general public reach their own goals, everything from finding a certain book to applying for their dream job online.
I am hoping to obtain a Master of Library Science in conjunction with working at a library, to further my career. I currently work as a circulation clerk, and enjoy working with patrons and their accounts in this role, but am interested in exploring other career options within the library system. I think that a Master’s Degree will help facilitate opportunities for advancement and networking, both within the library system I already work in, as well as meeting other people from area library systems and sharing in the wisdom and expertise of the educators in the program.
