1. Kellie Ouzts Philosophy
When I began my journey though the Instructional Technology program at
Georgia Southern University, I was clueless. I had no idea of the many roles of
the Media Specialist. I was like the seven mice in Ed Young’s work Seven Blind
Mice, on a quest to identify a mysterious “something” by only feeling one small
part. Yet, as I progressed through my classes, I discovered that the unidentified
“something” was really a compilation of parts that, when put together, formed a
much more accurate picture. At the conclusion of my Administration of School
Library Media Programs class, for example, I concluded that the role of the MS
was one of program administrator. Like the opening pages in Young’s book, I
had become the red mouse who was the first to venture out on an exciting
adventure of discovery. As the semesters progressed, my definition of the MS
was refined with each passing class. Eventually, I represented six of the mice,
each venturing out and returning with contradictory information. When I
completed my Reference and Information Resources class, my view of the MS
was further modified to include the role of an information specialist. Again, after
taking Selection and Development, I learned that the MS was also a partner and
facilitator. During my practicum, I broadened my view of the MS to incorporate
the concept of leadership.
As this phase of my education ends, and as I now compile my portfolio and
sift through the gems of knowledge I have gathered from my experiences in
classes, in projects, and through research and writing, I have come to realize that
I have become the white mouse. I have successfully ventured over all parts of
the Media Specialist program, and have discovered the whole. The Media
Specialist cannot play just one role. She must become an anthology of roles.
She must provide leadership, while becoming a partner. She must teach and be
the administrator. She must, above all things, become an Information Specialist
to every single person in the building. Like Plato’s allegory, I have ventured out
of the cave and have become enlightened.