Guidelines: Reflective Essay for Capstone

MLIS Program Objectives & Student Learning Outcomes

The Valdosta State University (VSU) Master of Library and Information Science Program specifies the Capstone
course (MLIS 7800) as one of the core courses with assessments that fulfill the Core Competencies recommended by
the American Library Association Council related to knowledge and skills in the profession of library and
information Science.

In terms of the Program Objectives that guide the VSU MLIS Program, the Capstone course provides culminating
assessments that address all four of the VSU MLIS Program Objectives

PO 1. Perform administrative, service, and technical functions of professional practice in libraries and
information centers.

PO 2. Use existing and emerging technologies to meet needs in libraries and information centers.

PO 3. Integrate relevant research to enhance work in libraries and information centers.

PO 4. Demonstrate professionalism in their work in libraries and information centers.

Your professors will base your performance in this course on five Student Learning Outcomes that derive from the
above Program Objectives, i.e., students will:

LO 1. Synthesize knowledge gained throughout the course of study and apply that knowledge to the consideration of
current professional issues (PO 4)

LO 2. Create a professional development plan (PO 4)

LO 3. Articulate personal professional goals (PO 4)

LO 4. Navigate the job hunting process (PO 4)

LO 5. Write a paper of publishable quality (PO 3, PO 4)

LO 6. Make an effective professional presentation (PO 3, PO 4)

Reflective Essay Assessment

Write an essay in four parts that effectively relates what was covered in the MLIS Program to what is expected in
the LIS profession.

Part 1. Select two of the four Program Objectives (select from PO 1, PO 2, PO 3, and PO 4) in which you feel
well-prepared to enter the LIS profession. Describe what you added to your learning throughout your program of
study (you may refer to any courses you completed in obtaining your MLIS degree) that relates to your two
self-selected Program Objectives. Be specific. Name the two objectives (e.g., PO 1 and PO 4). Tell what courses
and/or specific learning experiences facilitated your learning in those two areas.

Part 2. Elaborate on how well the instruction in this course (restrict to MLIS 7800) enabled you to fulfill
Student Learning Outcome 1 (LO 1): Synthesize knowledge gained throughout the course of study and apply that
knowledge to the consideration of current professional issues. Select one additional Student Learning Outcome (LO
2 through LO 6) and describe how this course (restrict to MLIS 7800) contributed to your preparation to enter the
profession. Specify the assignments or activities that contributed the most to your knowledge gains in that second
Student Learning Outcome.

Part 3. Reflect upon the methods your instructors and professors used to deliver course content (e.g., discussion
boards, papers, hands-on projects, client reports, virtual lectures, etc.) and comment upon the delivery method(s)
that served you best). Please address the instructional methods, not individual teachers by name.
Part 4. Review the personal reasons and career goals that motivated you to enroll in the MLIS Program. State what
these goals were. Discuss how these have been met, or not met, in your tenure as an MLIS degree candidate. If
these goals were met, how? If these goals were not met,
what would you do differently OR what changes do you recommend for the MLIS Program? Be honest, but respectful and
constructive.

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