Module 13: Reflective Practice

Mindfulness, Meaning, and the Heart of Our Work

This week, we turn inward to consider the role of reflective practice in our professional lives. Reflective practice is mindfulness to the nth degree. It’s about being thoughtful with the decisions we make, the projects we take on, and how we present ourselves in both physical and digital spaces. Whether it’s a conference presentation, a blog post, or an article, these expressions become integral parts of our professional identity .

Reflective practice invites us to pause and ask: How did I arrive here? What choices have shaped my path? If you’ve found your way to this profession, it’s likely because you’re committed to helping others reach their fullest potential. We are the heart of our communities, and that only works because the people who run libraries give of themselves. They do it knowing that there will be hard days and disappointment, budget fights, and individuals whom they may not be able to reach. The best librarians make that emotional investment because they believe in the institution and the communities they serve .

As we engage with this module, consider how your experiences, decisions, and values inform your practice. Reflective practice isn’t just a professional exercise; it’s a personal journey toward becoming a more compassionate, effective, and self-aware librarian.

Lecture Recording

Things to Read

• Corkindale, G. (2011). The importance of kindness at work.
• Cheetham, W, & Hoenke, J. (2013). Making mistakes in our daily work: A TTW conversation between Warren Cheetham and Justin Hoenke.
• Stephens, M. (2016). “Always Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” in The Heart of Librarianship, p. 12
• Stephens, M. (2016). “Reflective Practice” in The Heart of Librarianship, p. 25
• Stephens, M. (2016). “What’s Your Pitch” in The Heart of Librarianship, p. 31
• Gershon, L. (2017). The future is emotional.
• Stephens. M. (2018). Champion of Confidence (Part 1)
• Stephens, M. (2018). Librarian Superpowers Activate! (Part 2)
• Stephens, M. (2019). A Wholehearted Approach To Service…And Burnout….Or Soft Skills Are Heart Skills.
• Stephens, M. (2019) “Librarian Superpowers” in Wholehearted Librarianship, p. 32
• Stephens, M. (2019) “Talk About Compassion” in Wholehearted Librarianship, p. 39
• Thompson, M. (2020). The 5 Key Traits of Socially Intelligent People.
• Lauersen, C. (2021). The Public Library is the Haven Where We can Rediscover the Ability to Immerse
• Brower, T. (2021). Empathy is the Most Important Leadership Skill According to Research

Things to Explore

• Grant, C. A., & Zeichner, K. M. (2001). On becoming a reflective teacher.
• Klerk, J., & Stephens, M. (2010). Open conversation: Being human.
• Frierson, E. (2011). Leading with heart.
• Cep, C. N. (2014). The pointlessness of unplugging.
• Anonymous, (2016). Who would be a librarian now? You know what, I’ll have a go.
• Sinclair, G. (2017). 13 Traits of People With True Integrity.
• Sandlian Smith, P. (2017). What are you thinking? #2.
• Stephens, M. (2019). “Hygge State of Mind” in Wholehearted Librarianship, p. 63
• Shalett, L. & Zandan, N. (2020). What Inclusive Leaders Sound Like.
• Herrick Juarez, A. (2021). Trauma-Informed Service with Bryce Kozla.

Things to Watch

Image courtesy Michael Stephens