Portfolio Overview
The MLIS portfolio is the culminating experience of the MLIS program and is submitted at the end of your program of study. You must assemble a portfolio that provides evidence demonstrating how you, while enrolled in the MLIS program, have developed a number of the qualities and skills essential to your future success as an information professional.
Specifically, each portfolio includes evidence of work in five essential areas: a significant teaching or training experience, a significant leadership experience, a significant practical or service experience, a sustained intellectual argument or experience through the creation of a professional-level document or presentation, and participation in the design and development of a significant project or product involving information technologies. Each portfolio includes a summary and synthesis of all elements together with an explanation of how each experience contributed to your individual intellectual and professional development.
The Portfolio Process
The portfolio process begins when you first enter the iSchool as an MLIS student. It finishes during the quarter in which you plan to graduate. During your time in the program it is advised that you document your activities for the five essential areas by keeping a journal or saving supporting evidence such as emails, papers, websites, etc. You’ll find these archived materials extremely valuable when you are ready to assemble your portfolio.
All MLIS students are required to attend a Portfolio Information Session (offered during the first week of each quarter). We suggest attending one at least 3 quarters prior to graduation, if not earlier. Click here to view the Portfolio Information Session dates and other important deadlines.
The key element to a successful portfolio is communication with your faculty advisor. You should talk to your faculty advisor early on in your program. Update your advisor each quarter on possible portfolio projects and on your progress with completing the portfolio. Your faculty advisor serves as the first reader of your portfolio and will provide you with advice on how to improve and revise your portfolio. You should submit your portfolio and submission form to your faculty adviser for review by the deadline (be sure to communicate with your faculty advisor about how far in advance they would like to do the first review of your portfolio).
You should also take the time to:
If you have questions on the portfolio process, contact Marie Potter, MLIS Academic Advisor, or your faculty advisor.