Entering an advanced field like Library and Information Science means committing to an ongoing pursuit of professional development. One’s own education, network, and mentored practice is never complete, as the field itself is constantly evolving. Within the context of the Master’s program, connecting with library professionals and learning about new aspects of the field is built into the experience. But one of the key outcomes of this program is to teach us how to continue developing professionally while working in the wider field. 

During my time in the program, I had the opportunity to attend the Information Literacy Summit held at my place of work, the College of DuPage Library. I made connections with library professionals at various stages of their careers, and I attended sessions covering a variety of emerging topics in the field, particularly AI and its effects on our work. Attending a conference about this work showed me examples of research projects and professional practice I could pursue in the future as my career develops. As I create my own professional identity, placing that distinct work within the larger field’s context will require participating in the professional network available to me. This conference was just one interesting example of that network.