Beginning the Work of the Hyperlinked Librarian
This week, we continue laying the groundwork for our exploration of the hyperlinked library by immersing ourselves in a set of foundational readings that have shaped—and continue to shape—how we think about library service in a world of rapid change and constant connection.
We’ll spend time with the voices that encourage us to think critically about our roles as librarians in an increasingly networked society. From Buckland’s Redesigning Library Services, which offers a framework for thoughtful evolution, to Library 2.0, which emphasizes participation and flexibility, and Think Like a Startup, which pushes us to embrace agility and experimentation—these texts serve as guideposts for the road ahead.
As you read, begin to consider what it means to be a hyperlinked librarian. This approach to practice emerges from our socio-technological landscape and responds with openness, curiosity, and heart. Hyperlinked librarians gather evidence of all kinds to guide decisions, stay alert to emerging trends and shifts in user behavior, and thoughtfully integrate new ideas—all while staying rooted in the core values of librarianship. There’s also room for play: for experimentation, for creativity, and for crafting meaningful learning and service experiences that connect people to ideas, resources, and each other.
This module is about more than just reading—it’s about beginning to imagine what kind of librarian you want to be in a world that won’t stop changing. Let’s dig into these ideas together and start shaping your own evolving philosophy of service.
Continue to explore the course site and get comfortable.
Foundational Readings:
- Buckland, M. (1999). Redesigning Library Services: A Manifesto. Please read Preface, Introduction, The Electronic Library, & The Challenge.
- Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Medford, N.J: Information Today. Please read Chapters 1, 2, 3, “An Open Letter to All Library Directors” in Chapter 4 on page 40, and Chapters 5, 7 and 8.
- Mathews, B. (2012). Think Like A Start Up.
- Stephens, M. (2016). Chapter 1: The Hyperlinked Librarian in The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change
Happy to provide my 2016 and 2019 books published by the American Library Association throughout the semester. Please download below 🙂
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- Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change
- Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance