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Content

The National Learning Infrastructure Initiative (NLII, 2003), defines an
electronic portfolio as:

		a collection of authentic and diverse evidence,
		drawn from a larger archive representing what a person or
		organization has learned over time,
		on which the person or organization has reflected, and
		designed for presentation to one or more audiences for a
		particular rhetorical purpose.

An electronic portfolio is a thoughtful collection of artifacts and reflections,
which together uniquely expresses a student's educational journey. The
Capstone Portfolio is a culminating experience at SCSU.

Components

At SCSU, the Capstone Portfolio is the culmination of graduate coursework.
The Capstone Portfolio should include:

		A description of major landmarks in a student's MLS studies, such as field
		experiences, internships, and independent studies.
		Examples of two or three significant course projects. These papers or
		projects should be introduced with a brief contextual or explanatory note.
		A serviceable resume. It is strongly advised that each student consult
		practitioners or faculty in developing the resume.
		The Special Project

		A research paper or comprehensive project that draws together
		the knowledge and skills acquired in the graduate program. It may be completed in courses such as ILS 562 or ILS 680, if the project meets requirements and the instructor agrees.
		A narrative that identifies 5-9 key concepts and skills gained in
		graduate study, and how these applied to the special project. An excellent narrative includes:

		Background and/or problem statement
		Context and conceptual underpinning of the project
		Review of literature related to the project
		Description of the project
		Conclusions
		Bibliography

		When feasible, supporting assessment documents, such as
		letters from practitioners who benefited from the project's implementation.

Portfolios for School Media Specialists are also required to adhere to the five
organizing principles defined by the NCATE: Scholarship, Attitudes & Dispositions,
Integrity, Leadership, and Service - S.A.I.L.S. These S.A.I.L.S. requirements are
compiled by Dr. Jane M. McGinn, Associate Professor, Southern Connecticut State
University.

For additional information, see the Portfolio and Special Project FAQ written by Dr.
James M. Kusack, Professor, SCSU.

Advisors

Normally students select an advisor early in their MLS studies. Advisors
are often associated with specific tracks within the program of study
(Academic, Public, Special, Info Systems/Technology, School Media
Specialist) but personal affinity or other factors can play a role in selecting
an advisor.

Students may send an email directly to a professor to request advisement.
When the professor agrees to be the advisor, the student should forward a
copy of the agreement to the Department Secretary, Laura McKay.

The advisor guides the student in course selection and planning a
program of study. With respect to the portfolio, the advisor helps guide the
procedure and provides final approval of the portfolio.

The most important thing is that the student keep the advisor appraised
as to progress and that there are no surprises when the final portfolio is
submitted. Students will probably want to discuss plans with their advisors
via email, phone, or personal visit before they begin. Plan to touch base at
major junctures or when there are significant changes in direction.

Allow the advisor at least two weeks to review the final portfolio before
the date it is due in the ILS office.

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Resumes

A well-written resume conveys an applicant's skills and experiences, as well
as his or her career aspirations. A concise, compelling resume is a key step to
securing job interviews. For best effect, publish an HTML version for online
viewing with a link to a print-friendly version such as PDF.

Job Hunting Just for Librarians - tips for writing resumes, cover letters, and more.

A Librarian's Resume - A brief yet informative discussion of the elements that
should go into a Librarian's resume. This article can now only be reached
through the Internet Archive.

10 Tips for Resumes - Useful advice for creating libarian resumes, from a SLA
Career Guidance Committee Chair. This article can now only be reached
through the Internet Archive.

Newlen, Robert R. Writing Resumes That Work: A How-to-do-it Manual for
Librarians. New York: Neal-Schuman, 1998. (Also comes with a disk which
includes resume templates.)

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