Developing professional identity in LIS?

Abstract

Identity is the core of who we are as individuals. It shapes how we present ourselves, our expectations of how we interact with others and their treatment of us, and forms the basis of what we believe are our capabilities and potential. Identity is not limited to individuals, but also includes groups, such as clubs, organizations, and professions. In fact, identification within a profession is an essential rite of passage, which often follows the completion of an educational degree or an intensive training program, both of which have a strong influence on the construction and shape of the individual’s professional identity. While in MLIS programs, like many undergraduate programs, students develop a sense of community, which is reinforced through internships, work experiences and membership in professional organizations. The context of a community is key to the development of professional. Interdisciplinary fields, such as library and information science, use these communities to share information across disciplines and develop academic norms. LIS educators help to develop this identity through course work and interactions with students. As a result, LIS educators need to understand their role and how their teaching contributes to the profession holistically rather than focus on individual positions or roles.