Philosophy of Librarianship

BY

Christopher Keough

cjkeough@gmail.com

I believe that I, as a librarian, am the lifelong conduit to information for users who wish to see it and must be the foremost advocate of tearing down the walls where there are barriers that prevent it.

I believe that I, as a librarian, am the preeminent keeper of the historical record.

I believe that I, as a librarian, must be the universal instructor to those who need to learn how to access information, whether it is the treasures of the print world or the dynamic electronic world.

As a staff assistant at the University at Buffalo’s Libraries Annex (a remote storage facility) for the past year, I have seen elements of all three of my beliefs in action which is why I decided to pursue my MLS.

*I have sent information to users on many occasions when they were not “eligible” to have access. I have found a way to make access happen.

*By definition, as a remote storage facility (I am part of a team that houses low use material from the libraries on the two campuses, attempting to do my part to be a “keeper of the historical record”. Otherwise, the material may have been discarded. When the building is full, I will then assist in having the facility become a digitization center to provide users with faster and easier access to archived material.

*I do my best to instruct users how to best access our materials and materials at other institutions. It is also the reason why I am going to library school. I am seeking the education on how to be the best asset for our users now and in the future.