Information Accessibility Advocate
In this section, I take a look at how I've cultivated an understanding and tools to work towards becoming an information accessibility advocate as part of my professional development and expertise in digitzation.
The Campus Citizen
While I've been a student journalist since I was a freshman in high school, working for the Campus Citizen has given me the opportunity to learn more about information accessibility, audience engagement, and how best to connect with an audience like that of IU Indianapolis. Being a writer and editor has made me a better advocate for my staff and audience. I now think more closely about narratives and language when speaking to a general audience, how to connect with a diverse audience with unique background, and how to bridge gaps between skill levels and expertise.
Specialized Information Systems in Library Sciences Across Career Fields
In this honors contract I took a look at how library sciences information systems can be utilized across different fields. Through this project I was able to look at how systems meant for information accessibility could be re-applied to support the functions of other professional fields. Notably, I took a look at knowledge management systems could support better care and patient knowledge in medicine.
Integration of BlockChain and Web 3.0: Paper
In this preliminary research paper, I took a look at how using tools like Web3.0 and Blockchain could enhance current research database initiatives. The goal was to see if there was a way we could make information more accessible and easy to use on both ends from a database manager perspective and for users/researchers.
Application is no longer available.
Reflection
Although I didn't know it when I first decided I wanted to go into library sciences, I found that the thing I loved most about the field was the opportunity to provide a public service to my community. For me, that has manifested in seeking out ways to make information accessible to people. Journalism for me has been an extension of this experience. I am both able to create and showcase people's stories through journalism and support their preservation through archival/library sciences work. The exploratory research I have done has only made me realize more how important and wide reaching these tools can be. Accessibility is intersectional, and taking the time to look at how people access information and why has only illuminated for me how much work needs to be done to create patron-first environments that encourage exploration and curiosity. My specialization, digitization, is just one way we can start working towards creating more inclusive and accessible environments.