Although public, academic, and school libraries are considered information grounds, information is shared and created everywhere. Therefore, information professionals must understand how information-seeking behaviors differ and the role libraries play in supporting them. By connecting patrons from where they gain and explore information, the library in effect becomes a classroom. This blog post will explore this idea more in-depth. Learning happens in libraries constantly, and it is sometimes not even recognized by the patrons themselves. To be a classroom, the library’s programming, collections, and services must be as advanced as possible and relevant to the diverse interests of patrons. One way that libraries do this is by making libraries and…

Libraries are a place for research, for leisure, and most importantly, but often forgotten, connection. While libraries hold stories in the form of books and movies, and history, the stories of the patrons are rarely shared. Therefore, in order to become a fully hyperlinked library, all stories must be shared and amplified. In this reflection blog, I will discuss the best way to highlight other stories. One example of a library encouraging patrons to share their stories is the Human Library. In the Human Library, people are the “books” as they share their real-world experiences with listeners. The purpose of this program is to amplify diverse voices and combat stereotypes…

Libraries’ place as central features of local communities or academic grounds requires them to be constantly growing according to new trends and technologies. Recently, one of the most prominent technologies impacting library services is artificial intelligence. AI has become ingrained in our society, from grammar-checking programs to more advanced software like ChatGPT that can answer complex questions. Because of this, information professionals must become proficient in AI to better support patrons. In this reflection post, I will discuss AI’s place in modern libraries. While AI has its faults, including biases and “hallucinations,” it is making major moves to improve people’s professional experiences. According to a Pew Research study completed in…

Hyperlinked environments refer to where innovation and connection work together to improve library services. All information grounds and library and information science grounds can be considered hyperlinked environments when they embrace the fundamental qualities of hyperlinked libraries. In this reflection blog, I will analyze the ways in which school libraries have embraced emerging technologies and trends to better support student library users. Specifically, Loertscher and Hamilton’s articles each explain how school libraries adapt and innovate according to the technological landscape around them and respect students’ learning styles and interests in the process.    The article “Flip This Library: School Libraries Need a Revolution” outlines patron-focused adjustments’ impact on library functions.…

Over the past weeks of this semester, I have gained a greater understanding of the meaning behind a library being “hyperlinked.” One common theme I have found throughout the course lectures and readings is the idea of inclusivity through library programming and design. This week’s readings about hyperlinked communities, specifically highlighted inclusivity in information grounds as encouraged through innovation and connection. Authors Dorte Skot-Hansen, Jessica Klinker, and Lauren Warner each discuss different ways libraries embrace inclusivity through innovation and connection. Dorte Skot-Hansen, for example, introduces the concept of the 4-Space Model. This model makes libraries an interactive experience by including four spaces with different focuses: The Inspiration Space, The Learning…