Program Learning Outcome 5

I always believed that advocating was about the budget and even in a sense, as I've gone through the program, my job. I've been fortunate to never have been in a school or a community without a library and librarian. Advocating for my job was not something I even contemplated when I decided to make the switch from classroom to library. However, through this program I have learned so much about why advocating is important and I've seen first hand the defeats and the victories that can come from this advocacy. My main focus in the MLIS program has been advocating for a makerspace. I know for others this is low on the priority list, but I have been fortunate and this is something that could have a big impact for students at my school.

I think "most would agree that one of the main missions of the library has always been to make resources and materials accessible to all", however that traditionally meant print materials and in the last 15 years digital materials as well. (Rendina, 2015) Many librarians now believe that a makerspace is another thing that should be accessible to all in a library space. Some people think you can just do maker and STEM activities in the classroom, but having the space in the library gives access to ALL. This is why doing the research and advocating for something that can impact all students in the school is so important.

I focused both of my large advocacy plans and proposals around the makerspace. I have been successfully in finally securing a location to house my makerspace. Now I will move on to the next steps to hopefully see the plans I've put into motion come to fruition in the very near future.