Introduction

Hello and welcome to my e-Portfolio! It is my delight to have you visiting my website and reading into the content of my work. What you are about to see here is a series of comprehensive essays which expresses my four years of academic growth in the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San Jose State University.

As part of the requirement for a master's degree from SLIS, each student is expected to complete a portfolio which includes his or her accumulative knowledge of the principles, professionalism, theories, and application on the subject of Library and Information Science. This portfolio can be presented either in an ANGEL format which is the school's online board or in a self created website. From these two options, I choose to present my essays in a website which is the area of my undergraduate study.

As you can see from the website, the arrangement is clear and simple. On the left hand side of the screen, from top to bottom, is 16 links to my discussion of a Professional Philosophy, 14 areas of essential competency, and a Conclusion and Affirmation Statement. A simple click on each would take you to explore the content of the subject. In each discussion, you will find first a story which helps to illustrate the topic and second the academic evidences and experiences of my learning presented in a logical approach to support the arguments. These evidences and experiences are set up as links to my school work or personal research. In the final section, I conclude my reflections and share my vision as a future professional librarian.

My journey from an immigrant to a professional librarian is quite challenging. In 1994, I arrived here from Vietnam with my family. The banner on the top of this screen is where I was born and raised for 21 years. As soon as I arrived to the United States, which is the promised land for me, I immediately signed up for English course in a local community college and worked in the same time. Life in a new country was very difficult in many ways, but I managed to finish college in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information System (CIS). I was very proud of my effort, but it was unfortunate that I could not find a job in this field. I continued to work in a doctor's office until one day a friend of mine talked to me about getting a master's degree in Library and Information Science. I liked the idea immediately because this field is really compatible with my personality as an articulate and creative person. I signed up for the program and excelled in all classes that I took. I believe this success has much to do with my background as a graduate in CIS. I was greatly motivated and optimistically moving forward envisioning myself as a professional librarian working with people from a diversity of ethnic backgrounds.

Truly the SLIS has equipped me with great knowledge, skills, and experience in the field. I really enjoyed my internship at Harbor City-Harbor Gateway Branch Library even though that was my first time working in a library. My manager constantly complimented me for how well I had performed on all my work and strongly encouraged me to complete my pursuit of a professional librarian. She might be a little too nice to me, but I believe there must be a certain truth in her words.

Thank you very much for allowing me to introduce you into my work and my life. I hope you will enjoy reading my essays. Some day we might be working together in the same library!