Professional Values
At the core of my information practice lies a foundation of professional values that guide my decisions, shape my approach to challenges, and define my contributions to the field. These principles reflect my personal commitment to excellence in information management.
Integrity
I believe that ethical information management is essential in today’s data-driven world. This involves maintaining strict confidentiality, being transparent about information sources and limitations, and ensuring responsible stewardship of sensitive data. I approach every project with honesty and accountability, understanding that trust is the foundation of the information profession. Whether handling personal records, organizational documents, or research data, I prioritize ethical considerations in every decision. This includes adhering to compliance standards and regulations set by governing bodies such as Library and Archives Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat, or laws such as the Privacy Act, and the Copyright Act. ISI6711 was a crucial course for me, as it provided a comprehensive understanding of my responsibilities as an information professional and equipped me with the knowledge needed to navigate ethical and legal frameworks in this field.
Accuracy
Precision and reliability are fundamental to effective information systems, and I understand that information loses value when its accuracy is compromised. Therefore, I take precision very seriously and maintain the highest standards in approaching my work. Dealing with Metadata as a student in a governement institution is not something to take lightly, it entails meticulous attention to detail, constant verification processes, and strict quality control to ensure consistency and reliability between clients and systems. So my commitment to ensuring everything is up to order extends beyond basic correctness, it goes to thoughtful organization and classification that enhances retrievability and usability from the start.
Innovation
The information landscape is continuously evolving, demanding professionals who can both adapt existing frameworks and innovate new approaches. We have transitioned from paper records to digital systems and from traditional card sorting in information architecture to functional models. This program has reinforced the importance of continuously learning—exploring new tools, databases, and processes while integrating emerging technologies when necessary. Rather than simply maintaining the status quo, I aim to drive advancements that improve the accessibility, usability, and effectiveness of information resources. To support this growth, I made it a point to use as many tools as possible throughout the program, using professors’ feedback to adapt and learn.
Collaboration
Complex information challenges require diverse perspectives and complementary expertise. I value collaborative environments where team members contribute unique insights toward common goals. It allows me to step back and reconsider solutions that might not be effective given a certain timeline or other constraints. Collaboration has been a key skill in this program, and I enjoyed working with all the team members who come from different backgrounds and offer a fresh perspective and varied expertise.
Personal Values
In the evolving field of information studies, my work is guided by deeply held personal values that connect my professional practice to broader purpose and meaning. These personal values create meaning in my daily work, connecting technical tasks and professional responsibilities to find my purpose in this field.
Intellectual Curiosity
I am driven by a genuine fascination with how information shapes our understanding of the world. This curiosity propels me to explore emerging technologies, question established practices, and continually expand my knowledge. I find joy in discovering new connections between concepts and exploring the deeper structures of information systems.
Empowerment Through Access
I believe that thoughtfully organized information has the power to transform lives. My work is motivated by the conviction that equitable access to quality information enables individuals and communities to make better decisions, solve problems, and realize their potential. I’m committed to reducing barriers that prevent people from accessing the information they need.
Mindful Technology Adoption
While embracing technological innovation, I value thoughtful implementation that considers human needs and social impacts. I believe technology should serve human purposes rather than dictate them. This guides me to approach new tools critically, considering not just efficiency but also usability, accessibility, and ethical implications.
Lifelong Learning
I embrace the continuous evolution of our field as an opportunity for ongoing growth. I value the humility to recognize knowledge gaps and the persistence to address them. This commitment to lifelong learning allows me to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing information landscape while finding personal fulfillment in constant development.