Introduction

Kendra Albright, as highlighted by Hirsch (2008), emphasizes that effective leadership is about managing change, and the skills and competencies of leaders are essential for successfully navigating this change. In the constantly evolving global information landscape, these leadership skills are not just desirable but necessary to manage the changes in technology, the field, and professional practices (p. 501). Barbara Ford explains that library and information professionals must apply core competencies within a global context. As globalization impacts societies and institutions, and with the increasing interconnectedness of the world, library and information science (LIS) professionals have a responsibility to offer services with a global perspective to meet the needs of their clients. Furthermore, she notes that LIS professionals have the potential to educate, inspire, and empower individuals, fostering positive change in communities worldwide.

Abdullahi and Kajberg (2004) argue for the inclusion of international perspectives in library schools, suggesting that students should be taught beyond national frameworks to prepare for the complexities of an interconnected world. The benefits of incorporating global viewpoints in LIS education are clear, and it is essential for library schools to adapt to this international approach (p. 346).

With the vast amount of information available today, it is increasingly difficult to discern what is essential for informed decision-making and success in a global context. Libraries play a vital role in empowering individuals by leveraging technologies to enhance learning and provide access to crucial knowledge (Haycock & Romaniuk, 2018, p. 267). As the global economy becomes more interconnected through information-driven products and services, the need for worldwide partnerships and collaborations grows. Information organizations are facing both new opportunities and challenges as part of this expanding information economy (Hirsch, 2008, p. 509). It is critical to remember that individuals have an inherent right to access knowledge, creativity, and intellectual work, and to share their ideas publicly (Romaniuk, 2018, p. 267). However, we must also acknowledge that some countries lack access to technological advancements and may face leadership challenges in ensuring necessary resources are available. Information professionals in certain regions may be restricted by government regulations, affecting their ability to fully serve their communities (Hirsch, 2018, p. 508-509).

To address global challenges, it is essential to recognize that libraries are crucial sources of reliable and accurate information across all formats. Unlike the internet, which often contains incomplete or unreliable data, libraries provide comprehensive resources that help individuals, businesses, and countries stay informed and adapt to emerging technologies. Facilitating the exchange of ideas and knowledge across sectors is key to improving information accessibility in today’s global society. Local libraries, both physical and virtual, play an essential role in fostering this exchange (Haycock & Romaniuk, 2018, p. 270).

Evidence

My first artifact demonstrating my mastery in Competency O is from Blog #8Links to an external site. in INFO 200, where I reflect on my course experience. Initially, I never considered a group or organization as a valuable source of information for its members. I viewed groups primarily as spaces for conversation and camaraderie rather than places where individuals come together to meet specific informational needs. However, reflecting on my role as a high school educator, I now understand that teachers form an information community. We are constantly seeking new methods and techniques to improve education for our students. This aligns with the course content on inspiring change locally while helping students grasp the global context. For example, at our school, we organize mission collection drives to raise funds for student tuition in Africa.

One area I have particularly explored is caregiving, focusing on how people respond to behaviors and strive to improve. To fully understand any subject, it’s essential to rely on authoritative sources, such as peer-reviewed articles. Through personal experiences with Alzheimer’s and dementia, I became aware of the emotional toll on caregivers, but I hadn’t previously considered their informational needs. I’ve learned that data and technologies are available to support family caregivers, which I hope to share in the future. Additionally, I’ve introduced research methods in my classroom, encouraging students to write reviews based on their findings. This is closely related to how librarians globally offer services to support specific user groups.

As a future school librarian, I understand the importance of staying updated on new developments in the profession—particularly methods, theories, and tools that benefit the teaching community. For example, two weeks ago, my supervisor asked about my progress in the INFO 200 course and emphasized that I should share any valuable findings with the teaching community. Many schools, including mine, are moving away from physical books in favor of digital resources. In my professional role, I could focus on teaching students how to use database systems effectively and rely on peer-reviewed sources for their research projects, avoiding the unreliable and incomplete information often found on the internet.

My next artifact is also from INFO 200 and involves the use of a media artifactLinks to an external site.. The key message I want to convey is that media, specifically through its images, can communicate the same meaning to diverse groups, regardless of language, social class, or education level. In this example, I illustrate how technologies can bridge global communities and support the dementia care community. This reflects leadership abilities in providing valuable information to all users.

My final artifact is from INFO 200, Blog #6Links to an external site., where I discuss caregivers from a global perspective. Research shows that web-based platforms can help caregivers, but many of these technologies fail to consider caregivers’ health literacy, digital skills, and eHealth literacy. In countries like Australia, caregivers primarily use the internet for communication through chat sites and emails. While technology provides useful tools, it is also important to acknowledge the value of social interaction and activities for individuals with dementia, as these improve the quality of life for both caregivers and patients. One study created virtual spaces based on sensory and reminiscence therapy, and these interventions were effective when personalized content and caregiver involvement were incorporated. Such techniques could be adopted in libraries to better support caregivers. Some countries use multisensory rooms to calm individuals with dementia, providing a non-digital approach that complements technological methods. Libraries could educate staff on these techniques and consider offering similar resources to support caregivers. It would be valuable to explore whether these methods successfully address caregivers’ needs.

Conclusion

In my accounting class, I could apply this competency by encouraging students to research and discuss various accounting methods from both global and national perspectives. I recognize that I need to spend more time using and reading resources from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to better understand global guidelines.  There is always the possibility I enter into the public library arena or teach at the college level. I know ALA and IFLA literature would suit me well to critically think and process information so I could share it with patrons or students.

References

Abdullahi, I., & Kajberg, L. (2004). A study of international issues in library and information science education: survey of LIS schools in Europe, the USA and Canada. New Library World, 105(9/10), 345-356.

Haycock, K., & Romaniuk, M. J. (Eds.). (2018). The portable MLIS: Insights from the experts. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.

Hirsh, S. (Ed.). (2022). Information services today: An introduction. Rowman & Littlefield.