BACKGROUND

Namaste or should I say Muli Shani? Both mean “Hello”, the only difference being that they are two different languages of two different countries. Namsate describes my nationality and Muli Shani the country I was born in. Without further mystery, my name is Diptiben. Mehta, born to Indian parents who migrated in the 1960’s from India to Zambia, which is in Africa. I was actually born in Zambia in a town called Ndola.  Basically most of my adolescent growing up took place in Zambia with my wonderful parents and my lovely sister. A wonderful country rich in warm and loving people, wildlife, copper, Victoria falls one of the seven natural wonders of the world also known as Musi-O-Tunya, which means the smoke that thunders. The most significant to me was that

although we were so diverse in so many ways, we still had so much to learn, share and give each other.

I completed the rest of my high school education and my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Mumbai, Mumbai, India. My next destination was London where I completed my Masters in Business Administration from the University of Lincolnshire & Humberside. London is a city like any other city which exudes diversity and therefore a wealth of knowledge about different cultures. Before coming to University of Rhode Island, I was employed with Fontbonne Academy, Milton, MA as a Library Assistant and as a Teacher in Technology.

As a Library assistant at Fontbonne Academy, I was responsible for providing access to library collections and services by copy and original cataloging and description of acquisition, as well as developing bibliographies and research aids. I created catalog records for print and non-print materials using the Winnebago Spectrum 5 Server Program.  I also, enhanced existing cataloging based on current curriculum and user needs. I assisted students in achieving competence in library research skills using print, electronic and visual resources as well as provided reference and instructional services to students, faculty and other members of the Fontbonne community. I also staffed the circulation desk on a regular basis while performing the necessary circulation tasks. As a Technology Teacher I taught ninth graders Advance Technology Literacy course where I covered topics like Computer Hardware, Computer Ethics, Internet Safety and Effective Research methods. I also taught them various Microsoft office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Before working at Fontbonne Academy, I worked at Bridgewater State College as Reference Assistant. While working at Bridgewater State I pursued my Masters degree in Computer Science. As Reference assistant at Bridgewater State, I was responsible for providing reference services to more than 10,000 faculty staff and students in person, via telephone and e-mail. I assisted members of the college community with the library’s electronic databases and prepare instructional handouts and bibliographies. I also supported library services day-to-day technological needs which included managing, maintaining, and trouble-shooting library software, hardware, and network-based resources. I was also involved in providing training on computer-based applications as appropriate to Library Staff.

Although I have a Masters in Computer Science, it is my experience of three years working as a graduate assistant at Bridgewater State College Library that generated my passion and persistence in pursuing a degree in Library Information Science.

As a prism scholar it is important for me to achieve my passion through the knowledge and experience that I will gain from my GSLIS Program as well as working with other scholars and learning from each other and passing it on to our diverse community.