As an undergraduate working in an on-campus library, I found that I was interested in the library for more than just the good books that could be found there. I was interested in the workings of the library, in what the librarians did. I also found that I was interested in archives, which seemed similar to libraries, but were also exotic, mysterious places. It was in one of these institutions where I wanted to spend the rest of my working life, and the best way to reach that goal, I discovered, was to obtain a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science. Once I was accepted into the Information School (iSchool) at the University of Washington, I began a three year journey, one that I hoped would result in a Master's degree and also in a new-found knowledge of what I wanted to be when I grew up: a librarian or an archivist. In the course of my working toward a Master's of Library and Information Science, I found that there were three components that made up the experience and complemented each other to help me achieve the degree.


 The first of these components was my course of study at the University of Washington iSchool. The program is divided into "core" classes and "elective" classes: the first are required, and the second are self-chosen. I found that as I took the core classes, certain aspects of librarianship, such as reference, teaching information literacy, and cataloging all appealed to me. When it came time to choose elective classes, I used these new-found interests, along with my original interest in archiving, to help me decide. Thus, my course of study reflects the fascinations I have in both the fields of librarianship and archiving.

 The second aspect of my journey was my employment at the Seattle Pacific University Library. Working at the SPU library was invaluable to me, because it gave me a practical perspective to complement the concepts discussed in class. Often, as I did the readings or listened to the lectures, I would ask myself "Do we do this at SPU? How do we do it differently?" I believe I gained more insight from having this practical experience to compare with the theory than I would have gained through classes alone. Having my own cadre of professional librarians to question and discuss ideas with was also valuable.

 The final experience that shaped my journey was my Directed Fieldwork at the Seattle Municipal Archives. Although it only lasted nine weeks, the DFW was indispensable in helping me to see that I still had an interest in archives, and that interest was compatible with the interests I had discovered in library science. Both are concerned with helping users find what they need. I have determined that this is what I want to do, and so I would be happy as either an archivist or a librarian.

  The experiences in this portfolio combine these components - classes, employment and fieldwork - and thus are the most significant experiences in my three year journey. I look forward to amassing more significant experiences in the years to come as a professional in the field of information science.


 There is a large group of people who deserve my gratitude for their support during my three-year journey.

 First, I must give a big thank you to my friends and colleagues at the Seattle Pacific University Library for scheduling flexibility and for understanding my excitement at things like Library of Congress Subject Headings. Thanks particularly to Bryce for all the excellent advice and to Gary for being quite possibly the best mentor ever.

 Thanks also to my family (and that means all of you!) for the encouraging phone calls, listening intently as I rambled about some "library thing" and for not making fun of me for thinking that cataloging is super cool.

 Thank you to my husband Josh for paying the tuition bills, doing the dishes and being my own personal tech support. I could not have done it without your love and help. Now there should be more time for games! Wo ai ni!

 And finally, thank you to my savior, Jesus Christ, for opening all doors and helping me stay the course.