Written by Dear Hyperlinked Library Class Spring 2025,
I wanted to take a moment to reach out and share some thoughts. I’ve been deeply involved in chairing two significant committees within our College of Information, Data, and Society. It’s important work, but it has required much of my focus recently. On top of that, the recent national events have weighed heavily, and I imagine they may have slowed some of you down as well. Please know that I completely understand and empathize if you’ve felt similarly.
I will continue to grade work as it comes in, so please don’t feel rushed or pressured. It has been a joy to read your reflections and exchanges in class—they are thoughtful, insightful, and full of the kind of engagement that makes this learning community special.
During challenging times, supporting each other and fostering kindness can make all the difference. Let’s continue to lift each other up and spread positivity wherever we can. You all bring such incredible energy and ideas to this class, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside you.
Take care of yourselves, and please reach out if there’s anything you need.
M.
Image: Your professor kilted up! I ordered this from a kilt maker in October 2023 while in Scotland and just received it in late 2024. Tartan is Muted Hunting Stewart. I have found a lot of distraction, support and enjoyment in the kilt information communities on FB and Reddit these days.
This class happens to be a bit of an oasis for me. I also lucked out in having scheduled myself to take the 1-unit Civic Literacy class with Evangeliste this semester (highly, highly recommend). Even in these two classes and with these two empathetic and critically aware professors, I am struggling. I read so many of your amazing blog posts, and when I go to respond, my thoughts seem to evaporate. I am tired of living in interesting times, but I am grateful that I am able to experience them from within the library community. We are the guardians of information, and we become more important every day. I see you all, and I am so honored to share this space with you. Michael, thank you for your honesty and your example of empathetic professionalism.
@epistolaryacumen thank you for your honesty and your kind thoughts about my approach to this class. I really appreciate you are use of the word oasis. I have heard nothing but good things about the Civic literacy class. Please do what you can in class and don’t worry too much about comments, etc. I would just like everyone to have a lot to think about to maybe challenge themselves with some ideas and take these things forward into professional practice.