Tiffany Newton

My name is Tiffany Newton. I grew up in southern Missouri. One of my first memories of childhood was about reading and checking out books from my library. It has sort of just grown from there. I've loved books and libraries my entire life. I began volunteering in the library while I was still in middle school.

I graduated from Emporia State University with an Master in Library Science in August 2013. This website served as an online portfolio for my capstone course to demonstrate my achievement of the School of Library and Information Management's (SLIM) outcomes. I have spent the last two years here honing my skills and knowledge to meet the needs of a diverse patron group.

My graduate coursework focused on reference, instruction, and service in libraries. I also have a strong personal interest in life long learning and empowering patrons of all ages, from all backgrounds, and with all levels of skills.

In the future, I believe that libraries will be as important as ever. Libraries are not simply about the books. Libraries are, and will continue to be, a community center. Libraries will be a place to spend time in the community: a place to learn and a place to grow. Librarians will help patrons learn, but also the patrons will use the library technologies to gain knowledge. Libraries are in the information business, whether that information is in the form a physical book, or in the form of e-books, electronic resources, and websites. People will always need information, and the role of libraries will be to help assure that information is freely available and accessible to all people.

I am currently looking for a library position in the midwest. Although I would prefer to stay near my family, I'm flexible with location as well as position. I have experience in several areas of library services: Circulation, reference, instruction, technical services, event programming and marketing, youth services, and employee training.

Some of my professional interests include sustainability in libraries, reducing the library's carbon footprint, promoting eco-friendliness, information seeking behaviors, overcoming technological barriers, and teaching underpriveldged computer skills.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, crocheting, knitting, green living, and spoiling my cat. I also volunteer at I Need A Library Job (INALJ.com), as the Head Editor for the Missouri jobs page.