Category: Reflection Blog Posts

Learning Anywhere and Everywhere 

The idea of learning everywhere stood out to me in the Infinite Learning modules. To quote Michael Stephens (2016) on the shift away from in-person or place-based learning: “People expect to be able to work, learn, and study whenever and wherever they want to,” (p.124). I also like the idea that libraries promote all types of learning regardless of where the people they serve happen to be located (Stephens, 2012).  As we approached the end of the semester, I became very aware of the different locations where I was working, learning, and studying. Because the MLIS program at SJSU is a virtual program, I have gotten used to being expected to complete my coursework anywhere and everywhere. I have been taking advantage of the shift towards distance learning and learning everywhere, from parks to libraries to cafes. I’ve spent enough time in my local Starbucks that I’m practically an honorary employee.

Balancing Library Spaces and Patrons’ Needs

Libraries must respond to changing learning environments, not only to the shift away from placed-based learning but also to the shift towards collaborative learning environments. Libraries promote all types of learning regardless of where the people they serve happen to be located. Libraries are no longer just solitary spaces where patrons locate materials and read quietly. Instead, libraries are collaborative spaces that facilitate creative learning experiences (Stephens, 2016).

The question arises: how can libraries serve the needs of patrons seeking to use physical library spaces as places for completing independent work with the needs of patrons seeking collaborative learning experiences that require audible activities? People prefer different learning and working environments, and libraries need to create spaces that balance the need for quiet spaces and spaces where noise is acceptable and expected. Another question arises: how can libraries address space use conflicts and noise management? Libraries are responsible for balancing users’ differing needs and making the space as welcoming and practical for as many people as possible. However, addressing concerns and balancing needs can be challenging due to space limitations and existing designs (Jarson, 2018).

Image 1: The conflict between quiet and collaborative use of library spaces has library staff wondering, “To shh or not to shh?”  (ITC, 2018).

I work at the San Jose Public Library’s Almaden Branch Library. One of my pet peeves with the design of this branch is the uneven distribution of quiet spaces with collaborative spaces. Patrons at this location frequently complain that there are not enough quiet spaces. There is one study room that can be reserved, but the room is in high demand. There is also a designated quiet room, but the walls are thin and noise from the children’s area and information desk penetrate the walls. We try to enforce consistent policies surrounding noise and accommodate patrons concerned about noise to the best of our abilities. Still, I know firsthand that from a library support staff perspective, it is challenging to balance the needs of patrons in a shared space. I am curious to learn more about the potential solutions other libraries have implemented in addressing the needs of multiple users.

References

ITC. (2018, May 1). To Shh or Not to Shh That is the Question. Retrieved May 12, 2024, from https://inthecove.com.au/2018/05/01/to-shh-or-not-to-shh-that-is-the-question/

Jarson, J. (2018, April 8). What is library space for?: Reflecting on space use and noise management. ACRLog – Blogging by and for Academic and Research Librarians. https://acrlog.org/2018/04/08/what-is-library-space-for-reflecting-on-space-use-and-noise-management/

Stephens, M. (2012). YLibrary? Making the case for the library as a space for infinite learning. https://www.dropbox.com/s/p46kkmbkvwpdsng/YLibraryInfiniteLearning.pdf?e=1&dl=0

Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change. American Library Association.

This course has helped me understand that libraries are so much more than just places for books. Instead, libraries are places where people have the opportunity to interact with information in new ways and participate in new experiences. From maker spaces to seed libraries to robots, libraries are going beyond books to deliver innovative experiences and services to their communities (Hood, 2014).

New Models: Robotic Pets and Public Libraries 

I read an article today by Rosie Newmark (2024) in the new issue of the American Libraries magazine that reminded me of the new models of service being explored by public libraries. The article discussed several libraries that have added robotic animals to their collections. One such library, the Ela Area Public Library (EAPL) in Illinois, has added three animatronic cats and one dog to their collection since 2022. EAPL uses the animals during outreach for older adults at assisted living and memory care facilities to provide health benefits and companionship. Other libraries, like the Buncombe County Public Library in North Carolina, use robotic animals during storytime, where children can practice reading aloud to “Puptart” the robotic dog.

That’s Just My (Robotic) Baby Doggie – EAPL on TikTok

@elapubliclibrary

Check us out later for our next furry friend reveal! #dogsoftiktok #librarypets #robot #outreach #foryou

♬ That’s Just My Baby Doge – Chicky Milky

Benefits of Lifelike Robotic Cats and Dogs

Animatronic cats, dogs, and even birds can be purchased from the manufacturer Joy for All for around $150. The interactive animals breathe, purr, bark, meow, and wag their tails- providing all of the companionship and health benefits of real animals without the upkeep or allergen concerns. Robotic animals possess a wealth of benefits for people of all ages. A 2020 study supporting robotic animal therapy in the library found that using robotic animals reduced stress and increased happiness in patrons (Edwards et al., 2020). I first heard about animatronic animals being used for therapeutic or companionship purposes around 2016, likely when Hasbro launched Joy for All. It is wonderful that public libraries are beginning to facilitate access to robotic animals for their patrons who might not be able to afford to purchase their own furry companion.

References

Edwards, A., Edwards, C., Abendschein, B., Espinosa, J., Scherger, J., & Patricia, V. M. (2020). Using robot animal companions in the academic library to mitigate student stress. Library Hi Tech, 40(4), 878–893.

Hood, G. (2014, September 15). 5 ways Colorado libraries are going beyond books. https://www.kunc.org/arts-life/2014-09-15/5-ways-colorado-libraries-are-going-beyond-books

Newmark, R (2024, May). Librarian’s pet: Public libraries add robotic animals to their collections. American Libraries Magazine, 55(5), 10-11.

Little Free Library (LFL) is a nonprofit organization that promotes community, inspires readers, and expands book access through a global network of volunteer-led LFL book exchange boxes. The first LFL was created in 2009 by LFL’s co-founder Tod Bol, but the “take a book, share a book” concept would soon expand to become a global book-sharing movement to develop systems of sharing and learning from one another (Little Free Library, n.d.). The LFL organization provides education and guidelines for establishing new book boxes. Anyone can build and open their own LFL. Most LFLs are volunteer-led by LFL stewards, but some are run in partnership with schools, public libraries, local businesses, or other groups (About Us, 2022). 

There is increasing involvement in public libraries placing LFLs in their library neighborhoods. Public librarians can utilize their collection development skills to curate an LFL collection sourced from community donations and secondhand stores. LFLs are an exciting community-focused project that fosters a sense of community by sharing knowledge “within a framework of caring and familiarity”, (Stephens, 2012).

Library-As-Intervention Model

Public libraries operate under a progressive interventionist model- that is, they prioritize putting knowledge into the hands of the poor, immigrants, and people who have been historically excluded from educational institutions. Similarly, the “library-as-intervention model” is demonstrated by the LFL’s outdoor book-sharing boxes, which make use of the excess unwanted books that would otherwise end up at secondhand stores, recycling centers, or landfills (Agresta, 2014).

LFLs in My Community (San Jose, CA)

San Jose is home to hundreds of registered LFL book exchange boxes that can be viewed on an interactive map, and even more unregistered book exchange boxes scattered throughout the neighborhoods. The map is useful for locating LFLs in your community but does not include the LFL book boxes that have not been registered on the LFL website by purchasing a charter sign for $50-70. This high price point can be a barrier to entry for some, but registering your LFL is not a requirement for creating a social hub that fosters a sense of community.

Figure 1: A LFL in San Jose, CA built in 2014 by community member Mike Tierney. This steampunk-themed LFL was one of the first 2,000 LFLs to be registered (Morris, 2023).

My neighborhood in south San Jose is fortunate to have at least 10 LFLs that I am aware of within walking distance of my house. I dream of someday becoming a steward of my own LFL book exchange box, whether in partnership with the public library as a librarian or as an independent venture. I love coming across new LFLs in coffee shops, near schools, and outside of libraries. LFL co-founder Tod Bol dreamed of a world with an LFL on every block and a book in every hand, and I believe his dream is steadily becoming a reality.

References 

About Us. (2022, May 3). Little Free Library. https://littlefreelibrary.org/about/

Agresta, M. (2014). Will Libraries Exist in the Future? If So, They’ll Be Very Different. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/04/the-future-of-the-library-how-theyll-evolve-for-the-digital-age.html

Little Free Library. (n.d.). Todd H. Bol. https://littlefreelibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Todd-H.-Bol-Notice.pdf

Morris, J. (2023, January 15). Curbside Little Free Libraries popping up all over the Bay Area. The Mercury News. https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/01/15/curbside-little-free-libraries-popping-up-all-over-the-bay-area/

Stephens, M. (2012). Little Free Libraries. Library Journal. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/little-free-libraries-office-hours

A recent surge in book challenges and attempts to censor or remove library materials is negatively impacting libraries and their communities across the country. In response to growing censorship attempts, the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom provides support to libraries and library professionals through legal and strategic guidance. Bok challenges and attempts to remove materials from libraries are referred to by the ALA as acts of censorship and intimidation (ALA Statement on Book Censorship, 2021).

From 2022 to 2023, public libraries saw a 92% increase in the number of unique titles targeted for censorship (Book Challenges Set New Record, 2024). To brace for the increase in potential material challenges, public library staff must work on improving their conflict resolution skills and preparedness. Staff should familiarize themselves with their library’s selection and reconsideration policies and feel comfortable answering patron’s questions and concerns. Communicating clearly and consistently to patrons about their policies relating to challenged materials will build transparency and improve trust between patrons and the library (SinhaRoy, 2023). This is especially important because hyperlinked libraries promote transparency and trust by welcoming user feedback and communicating honestly about policies and procedures.

Figure 1: A graph showing the attempted number of book challenges since 2000. From 2020 to 2023, the number of unique titles challenged increased from 223 titles to 4,240 titles (Book Challenges Set New Record, 2024).

The increasing number of book challenges is evidence of an organized conservative political movement with goals that include removing books and materials that contain content that does not meet their approval or is deemed sexually explicit and inappropriate for young readers. Many challenged materials are about race, history, gender identity, sexuality, and reproductive health. The majority of challenged titles are written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or by and about Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color (Censorship by the Numbers, 2023).

As a public library support staff member at the San Jose Public Library, I am grateful that the area where I live and work is generally open-minded, supportive, and inclusive of multiple perspectives and voices. I have not personally experienced a patron challenging our library’s materials. However, I am aware that book challenges and patron complaints regarding the materials in our collections have occurred within the library system. As a result, our team has been tasked with familiarizing ourselves with the library’s selection and reconsideration policies and trained in conflict resolution. Consistency in staff responses to material challenges and patron concerns not only improves transparency between the library and its users but also helps staff form a unified front. In the words of Leander (Texas) Independent School District’s library coordinator Becky Calzada: “We [library staff] need to lock arms and stand strong together,” (SinhaRoy, 2023).

Figure 2: A heat map of the United States showing the number of attempts to challenge books in 2022. The details for California are highlighted, revealing 32 attempts to restrict access to books. While this is not a particularly low number, it is lower than the number of attempts in other states, such as Texas (93) and Pennsylvania (56) (Censorship by the Numbers, 2023).

References

ALA Statement on Book Censorship. (2021, November 29). Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/statement-regarding-censorship

Book Challenges Set New Record in 2023. (2024, March 14). American Libraries Magazine. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/book-challenges-set-new-record-in-2023/

Censorship by the Numbers. (2023, April 20). Advocacy, Legislation & Issues. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/by-the-numbers

SinhaRoy, S. (2023, June 27). Become Challenge-Ready. American Libraries Magazine. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/blogs/the-scoop/become-challenge-ready/

Libraries engage with hyperlinked communities of all kinds by finding ways to be present in the lives of their users, letting them know what the library can do for them, and giving them a reason to depend on us. To reach library users and provide them with services that will benefit them, library staff must actively reach out and make connections with their users (Stephens, 2016). Hyperlinked community engagement and library outreach services strengthen community-library partnerships and can take many forms. Focusing on which underserved groups would benefit from additional services can help libraries narrow the scope of their outreach endeavors. It is important to think strategically and prioritize the library’s messaging, communications, and online presence. (Los Angeles Public Library, 2015).

San Jose Public Library’s Outreach Services

The San Jose Public Library (SJPL) is committed to connecting with and listening to its users. SJPL has a variety of ongoing community engagement endeavors both virtually in the form of surveys and blog posts on their website and in-person at schools, farmer’s markets, festivals, neighborhood association meetings, and Community Conversation events. SJPL uses community feedback to guide its community-library partnerships, develop strategic plans, and improve library services (Maglio & Langner, n.d.).

The SJPL website contains updates on its recent community engagement outings. Senior Librarian Melissa Maglio writes quarterly blog posts to share what the library has learned from its communities by visiting local public events. During community outreach events, librarians ask residents and neighbors questions regarding the kind of community they would like to live in, any concerns they have about their neighborhood, and what kind of services and programs they would like to see at their libraries (Maglio, 2024). This is a great way to get feedback from library users and community members on how SJPL can improve library services.

Figure 1: A librarian from San Jose Public Library’s Vineland Library performing outreach services at the Princeton Plaza Farmer’s Market (Maglio, 2024).

References

Los Angeles Public Library. (2015). IMLS Focus: Engaging Communities. https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/whitepaper_convening3_final_9-2-2015_tagged.pdf

Maglio, M. (2024, February 13). Community Engagement: What We’ve Learned From Listening to our Communities (Winter 2023). https://www.sjpl.org/blogs/post/community-engagement-what-weve-learned-from-listening-to-our-communities-winter-2023/

Maglio, M., & Langner, I. (n.d.). Community Engagement: Your Voice Matters. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.sjpl.org/community-engagement/

Stephens, M. (2016). The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change. American Library Association.

Hello! My name is Mikayla (she/her) and this is my second semester in the iSchool MLIS program!

I graduated from San Jose State University in May 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Anthropology.  I am local to San Jose and am currently working for my local library (San Jose Public Library) as a part-time library page. I enjoy solving problems, answering questions, and connecting people with resources that are available to them. I am interested in pursuing public librarianship. However, I am excited and curious to learn more about other pathways!

I chose to take this course because I had Micheal Stephens as my professor for INFO 200: Information Communities last semester. I enjoyed the course structure and loved using WordPress to create blog posts for course assignments. Above all else, I appreciated the professor’s passion for libraries and information science. I look forward to watching more of his lectures in Panopto this semester and learning about the evolving nature of libraries.

My hobbies and interests include hiking, rock collecting, and embroidery. I love being in nature and learning to identify birds, insects, and plants. I am jealous of people who can identify and name the different types of clouds. I enjoy listening to audiobooks, and my current favorite authors are Stephen King, G.S. Denning, and David Grann.

I look forward to learning alongside everyone this semester!