Dear APT Committee,
Before penning this statement, I thoughtfully reread the first reflection that I submitted to the committee in early 2014. Never could I have imagined the continued course of personal and professional growth that I would follow as a librarian at the Drake Memorial Library.
Of particular personal significance, has been the rapid expansion and success of the Drake Memorial Library Makerspace. Only a short time ago, a student worker and I were shoehorned into a hallway outside of staff offices, eager to learn and explore the wonders of 3D printing. Today, the Makerspace has a permanent home on the main floor of the library and boasts three 3D printers, a 3D scanner, and a laser cutter/engraver. To date, Makerspace staff have printed over 600 objects, collaborated with faculty, students, and staff both inside and out of the classroom, presented in front of the College Technology Council, presented at conferences, to name just a few. Through all of this, there is one event that stands out in all of my Makerspace endeavors that has become a moment of great satisfaction. On March 1, 2016, I had the opportunity to co-present with Dr. Megan Norcia and her students at one of Brockport’s Mornings with the Professors seminars. While my part of the presentation wasn’t anything outside of my usual Makerspace spiel, I was struck by the opportunity to witness the full arc of the very definition of ‘lifelong learning.’ Dr. Norcia’s students presented their essays on symbolic imagery in works of children’s literature, Makerspace-made objects in hand. The Makerspace’s role in the collaboration with Dr. Norcia’s class was to print these objects selected by the students, creating a tactile link and incorporation of current technologies not often seen in the field of humanities. Following our presentation, emeriti and retired faculty members had the opportunity to ask us questions and discuss our collaboration. At one end were students, in the midst of their academic careers at Brockport, and at the other, the products of a lifetime of knowledge and experience. This dialog spanned generations of learners who have witnessed the rapid expansion of technology, underscoring the incredible changes that Brockport, librarianship, and humanity have undergone in the last sixty years. I was truly humbled to contribute to this conversation, as a lifelong learner and as a librarian.
This is but just one anecdote. I could go on and on about those rewarding moments where I witnessed that ‘a-ha’ moment when a student grasps a new concept, or coming into the library expecting a typical day and leaving having learned how to install and configure a custom Linux kernel onto a computer the size of a credit card.
All of this could not be possible without continuing support and assistance from my fellow librarians. I am honored to work with such fine colleagues, who have not only had the time and patience to help me grow professionally, but who I am also proud to call friends.
Brockport and the Drake Memorial Library took a chance on a librarian fresh out of library school all of those years ago, for which I will be forever grateful. I humbly my submit my portfolio for review to the APT committee and with their recommendation, hope to continue my growth and service to the students, faculty, and staff of the College at Brockport.
Respectfully,
Kenneth R. Wierzbowski, MLS
Senior Assistant Librarian