I decided to experiment with Adobe Express’s animation features to create this presentation on a few takeaways from the reflection blogs I wrote this past semester. The YouTube video provides captions, but just in case, a transcription is available below.

Hi everyone.
My Name is Monica Sandoval
The following presents a few takeaways from my reflection blogs from the INFO 287 Course on the Hyperlinked Library with Dr. Michael Stephens.

Before I begin, I would like to say that this course has been a pleasure to be a part of, and the things I have learned I will forever reference back to.
Let’s Begin.

Hyperlinked Communities & Environments:

While writing these reflection blogs, I found myself being more forthcoming than I had in previous courses about my experiences as an anxious person going to art school and feeling alone in my research needs. At this point, it became clear to me that as an information professional, I don’t want anyone in my community to ever feel alone in their pursuit of knowledge, especially those from marginalized communities. So, libraries that find ways to invite the public into their spaces, like art installations, really resonate with me.

But one of my favorite projects is the Human Library, which seeks to challenge societal stereotypes and promote understanding. Each “human book” has a unique story, often sharing personal experiences related to their identity, culture, or life challenges.

New Models & Infinite Learning:
Through my research I began to delve further into mental health data to figure out ways to approach and remedy loneliness for library users. In fact, just last year in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General and the world Health Organization declared Loneliness as an epidemic.

One of my favorite examples that is approaching this issue is from the Kent and Northern Beaches Libraries in the UK, which adopted a program called the Home Library Service in their branches. This service employs library staff and volunteers to connect with and foster relationships with community members who may find it challenging to physically visit a library.

Also, Infinite learning initiatives are another way that consistently inspires me. Programs that address the digital divide, such as one-on-one assistance on using new technology and how libraries are informal centers for this approach, can truly have a positive impact on lives.

The Power of Stories

This was my favorite module to reflect on. Storytelling is just so inspirational because everyone has a story of their own. And there’s so many ways to approach storytelling, such as participatory services where the public is invited to share something about themselves via recording or photographs.

What I enjoyed the most about this section is that due to all the possible ways to help others tell their story, this aspect of library services feels hopeful—hopeful that libraries will continue to help their communities well into the future.

Overall, what I took from the Hyperlinked Library concept and reflection blogs is that empathy is at the for front of all library services. Leading with one’s heart can create greater opportunities to produce stronger bonds with our communities, create new models of service, inspire informal learning, and provide a safe place for personal expression.

Thank you everyone for a great semester, I appreciate all of you!

Please click here to view my Inspiration Report. Thank you so much!

The “Infinite Learning: Learning Everywhere” module struck a chord with me. I strongly believe that emphasizing informal learning within the library setting is one of the most effective approaches to engage the community. Informal learning offers people a welcoming and less intimidating entry point to the library, encouraging exploration and participation. There is something quite simple and beautiful about learning outside our everyday routines; it can make things seem so much more casual and stress-free.

Informal learning opportunities, such as storytelling sessions and collaborative projects, can attract diverse groups of people who might not typically engage with the library. By offering these services, we can remove barriers and make the library an inviting space for everyone. This approach not only enhances the library’s role within their community but also reinforces the idea that learning can happen anywhere, at any time. One of the main tools driving this concept is the use of technology. For instance, the library can leverage digital platforms to host virtual workshops, give access to online resources, and create interactive learning experiences for different age groups (e.g., a Makerspace). However, how do libraries keep up with the ever-changing technology landscape without becoming overwhelming and expensive?

Truth be told, libraries are criminally underfunded, especially in communities that may rely on library services and resources the most. Offering the latest gadgets or even offering a Makerspace may only be possible with extensive funding. So, how can libraries still be centers of informal learning without the latest tech or innovation? One approach is to leverage community engagement by organizing events and workshops that focus on skill-sharing and knowledge exchange. For instance, inviting volunteers to lead programs in areas like crafting, art, or digital literacy workshops can foster learning without breaking the bank.

The following are a few of my favorite examples of how libraries are approaching informal learning within their communities:

Digital Literacy initiative at the Cuyahoga County Public Library

This is a great example of offering personalized assistance to community members who feel anxious about learning to use technology.

I often watch my parents as they interact with technology, and I’m continually impressed by how well they have utilized it in their daily lives. Due in part to my siblings and I making sure we’re available to help with any questions and issues. But what amazes me most is how they have taken the initiative to learn independently once they understand the basics. Not everyone is so lucky to be able to have such hands on help. So, seeing libraries addressing the digital divide (regardless of age) through various programs truly warms my heart to see their positive impact on individuals’ lives.

Bringing the library to you:

The “Wash & Learn” pop-up library program created by the Libraries Without Borders (BSF) in collaboration with The DreamYard Project and the LaundryCares Foundation is a genius program that conveniently brings information into a public setting (Bibliothèques et al., 2017). As people and families wash their laundry, a weekly occurrence, they are given the opportunity to ask any questions they have. One of the main concepts that are focused on is financial literacy, such as providing information to families about school scholarships and how to apply for them. How cool is that?!?

Using art as a means to connect with one’s community:

Library volunteers are invaluable!
Now, imagine, for a moment, having volunteers with academic or professional art backgrounds who freely dedicate their time to teach or engage with individuals outside of traditional settings. These volunteers could include accomplished artists, educators, and art historians who want to share their knowledge and experience. The general public would, in essence, receive the same education as top students in the nation for free. Allowing people of diverse backgrounds and economic statuses to learn without financial barriers. That is mind blowing!

Ultimately, by prioritizing lifelong learning in informal settings, LIS professionals can engage and motivate a greater number of individuals to either visit their library for their information-seeking needs or to take part in various programs that extend into their communities.

Bonus Video! Check out how public libraries in Singapore emphasize local artists by providing them with a space to create:

References

Bibliothèques Sans Frontières. (2017, October 11). “Wash & Learn” pop-up library program in the Bronx. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HM7pQiqDZY

There’s something profoundly touching about how a simple story can evoke a whirlwind of emotions. For example, in just three minutes, a StoryCorps video can move me to tears one moment and have me chuckling the next, reminding me of the shared humanity we often find in the narratives of strangers.

It’s truly wonderful to think about the power that stories hold in our lives. For example, I deeply appreciate documentaries and podcasts because they offer us intricate glimpses into the human experience through storytelling. Arguably, documentaries can be more elaborate at times, especially if produced by powerhouses like Netflix or HBO, which could potentially favor sensationalism over individual subjects. True crime documentaries, in particular, often face the issue of the narrative becoming larger than the victims involved, which is problematic. However, when done correctly and ethically, documentaries can be a beautiful way of telling an individual’s story.

For example, the documentary Flee is an adult animated documentary film directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen. It follows the story of a man under the alias Amin Nawabi, who shares his traumatic past of fleeing his home country of Afghanistan to Denmark for the first time (Shapiro et al., 2022). The film is beautifully animated and depicts Amin’s past and present. The presence of a factual narrative intertwined with anonymity allows the individual to feel safe in retelling such displacement and trauma. As for the viewer, they are not being told a story of a refugee but rather, as Nawabi puts it, a story of ” a circumstance of life” (Shapiro et al., 2022).

Nawabi’s story is truly remarkable, and sharing it with others creates a connection that words alone cannot express. Without establishing a safe space for Nawabi to share his experiences on his own terms, humanity would miss out on such a beautiful narrative. In essence, powerful stories, especially those shared in public spaces, require safe environments to be told.

Another medium for stories is podcasts. Podcasts, like documentaries, are no stranger to overshadowing their subjects in favor of ratings, but they remain a powerful tool for storytelling nonetheless.

The podcast This is Actually Happening, hosted by Whit Missildine, stands out as one of my favorite nonfiction podcasts due to its unique format, which removes external influences and places a strong emphasis on personal storytelling. Each episode begins with the host posing an intriguing question related to the guest’s experience, setting the stage for a deeply personal narrative.

What makes this podcast especially compelling is that the guests are given the freedom to express themselves without interruptions. The host is not present throughout the episode, which allows the story to flow naturally, encouraging the listener to focus on the guest’s thoughts and feelings. This approach fosters an intimate atmosphere and allows subjects to be the primary voices in their stories, ensuring that their perspectives and emotions are front and center. There is also a certain amount of anonymity, such as name changes and omitted information for privacy concerns. Overall, it’s a powerful platform for authentic expression and understanding in the realm of true crime storytelling.

Now, within the context of libraries, why are stories powerful?

Libraries have a beautiful legacy as nurturing spaces for storytelling, particularly for children who are discovering the world through books. However, it’s important to recognize that these spaces also provide invaluable support for adults. They create safe environments where we can explore and reflect on our own stories, helping us process our experiences and emotions. Through various events, discussions, and workshops, libraries invite us to connect with ourselves and each other, reminding us that we are not alone in our journeys.

For instance, the Storycorps DIY (2024) initiative provides resources and training to help libraries effectively document and preserve the personal stories of their community members. By offering guidance on best practices for storytelling and audio recording, StoryCorps empowers libraries to create a platform where individuals can share their unique experiences and histories in a safe environment. This not only helps to enrich the library’s collection but also fosters a sense of connection and belonging within the community. Additionally, these stories are shared with the public, which can help others cope with similar circumstances. For example, StoryCorps features various interviews with individuals dealing with grief. Listening to others who have faced such dark moments in their lives can be profoundly impactful.

Ultimately, whether through visual storytelling like documentaries or auditory experiences in podcasts, stories have the unique ability to resonate deeply with us, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of connection.

References:

Shapiro, A., Bior, A., Handel, S., & Levitt, M. (2022) ‘Flee’ creators on being a refugee: It’s not an identity, it’s a circumstance of life. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2022/03/21/1087606916/flee-film-documentary-oscars-sundancefilmfestival-refugees

Missildine, W. (Host). (2013-present). This is actually happening [Audio Podcast]. Wondery. https://wondery.com/shows/this-is-actually-happening/

StoryCorps. (2024, November 12). About StoryCorps DIY. https://diy.storycorps.org/about/

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“People forge bonds in places that have healthy social infrastructures—not because they set out to build community, but because when people engage in sustained, recurrent interaction, particularly while doing things they enjoy, relationships inevitably grow.” – Eric Klinenberg

Exploring New Models of Library Services has ignited a new curiosity in research for me. In addition to resources such as the Human Library (as mentioned in my last post), there are wonderful ways to engage and connect community members to each other outside traditional library settings. This type of service, in essence, encourages those seeking human connections to actually go outside their comfort zones and join in the conversations with others. However, what if someone cannot physically visit a library or other locations to connect with others? Senior citizens and individuals with disabilities or mobility issues may not be able to frequent these places, leading them to miss out on valuable resources and human interactions.

This is a huge issue, considering that in 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic. The World Health Organization has also identified loneliness as a global health issue. Loneliness can dramatically affect physical and mental health issues and increase the risk of premature death by 26% (Our epidemic et al., 2023). “Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter,” and yet half of American adults have reported experiencing loneliness (Our epidemic et al., 2023).

Man, apologies for the downer tone of this post so far, but I had to go into detail about the issue of loneliness to highlight my next, and much more positive, note.

Libraries are sanctuaries; they are one of the only places that truly welcome individuals from all walks of life (there are some unfortunate outliers, but for the most part, this is true). The many resources, services, and outreach programs libraries produce to combat issues affecting their communities are inspiring, such as the Anythink program offered through all the libraries in Adam County, Colorado. My favorite community outreach service they produced is bringing awareness of the resources provided directly to the doorsteps of their community members, making all members, current or new residents to this area, aware of what their local library branch offers. Although brief, it is a simple, straightforward approach that includes a social connection component that can be highly effective. But one of the greatest examples I’ve seen that can aid in loneliness indirectly but in a profound way is the “Home Library Service,” primarily utilized by U.K. libraries.

A few examples are the Kent Libraries and Northern Beaches Libraries, which have adopted the Home Library Service in their branches. This service is genius in its simplicity; a librarian, library staff member, or volunteers connect with community members, figure out their needs (do they want to borrow books or have tech issues), and bring desired materials to that patron’s doorstep. Now, the big difference here is that it is not a delivery service; it is rather an opportunity to connect and foster a relationship with that person, where each interaction the librarian or volunteer has with their assigned patron is another opportunity to learn from each other. The delivered books or materials are simply an ice-breaker to start a conversation.

I love this concept so much, and it makes me feel grateful that these types of services exist! It is heartbreaking to know so many people are suffering from loneliness, a subject that is not easily spoken about, and yet these types of services exist and thrive to combat this issue.

Now, the Home Library Service seems successful in smaller communities, so I wonder how this will look in major cities in the United States. How would a program like the Home Library service look like in your local branch library? Would it be an impossible thing to do? Or maybe you have seen or heard of similar services that have worked? Let me know your thoughts.

References:

It’s challenging to make a convincing argument that incorporating the arts into a library setting could have negative impacts. By providing a platform for local artists and encouraging participation, libraries have become vibrant hubs of culture and creativity, further solidifying their role as essential in their communities.

The purpose of including the arts in a library setting is worth exploring, particularly the type of art commonly featured in these spaces. One predominant form is installation art, which can exist both in private and public spaces. However, I will focus on art installations that exist in public areas and can be “activated” by entering the space they occupy or, in some cases, physically engaging with them.

Installation Shot of the Reading Nest by Mark Reigelman.

Take, for example, the 2013 Reading Nest art installation as part of the See Also program by the Cleveland Public Library. This temporary installation was created by Mark Reigelman, who sought to encourage community engagement and reading. The structure invites the public to enter and immerse themselves in a comfortable, open-air environment surrounded by a wood nest-like structure. A quirky but meaningful art installation that creates a safe place to explore and feel connected to something literally bigger than you. This enhances the aesthetic appeal of the library, fosters a sense of community (social connections with others experiencing the artwork with you), promotes awareness of the library and its resources (a big nest thing in front of a library? Who wouldn’t be interested in it?), and ultimately encourages a love for the arts as well an appreciation of their local library among visitors.

Check out this Video of Mark Reigelman’s process in creating this installation.

In the context of installation art and libraries, something magical occurs when these installations are introduced into spaces where access to information is already abundant. Traditionally, art housed in museums is often kept at a distance from the public—literally placed at arm’s length behind barriers, security guards, and protective glass. While this is understandable, museums have a sterile quality that can be hard to overlook due to this physical separation from the artwork.

Check out this Hyperallergic article: Why Libraries Have a Public Spirit That Most Museums Lack by Laura Raicovich. Raicovich argues that libraries are designed to be welcoming spaces, encouraging interaction and engagement. They provide a tactile experience, especially through their book collections, inviting visitors to touch and explore materials firsthand. This accessibility fosters a connection with knowledge that is often lacking in a museum setting.

Engaging with installation art allows libraries to further enhance this sense of community and creativity. By integrating various artistic expressions, libraries can create inviting environments that promote learning and curiosity, effectively bridging the gap between users and library resources. In other words, libraries that embrace creative outlets to enrich the experiences of their users stay relevant.

Also, museums are not as easy to visit compared to libraries. For instance, while growing up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, I needed to have some financial means to commute to a museum and back. I didn’t visit my first museum until I was 16 (via a school field trip), which isn’t ideal because I believe children should be exposed to as much art as possible and as early as possible. Public libraries, on the other hand, can serve as mini art hubs for communities that lack the resources to visit museums. They offer a welcoming space where individuals can explore art, literature, and educational programs without the financial burden. For those who may not have the means to travel to a museum, libraries provide invaluable opportunities to engage with art and culture.

Writing this reflection has made me realize that accessibility is truly foundational for one’s interaction with the world. Libraries bridge the gaps between the impossible and the possible. Moreover, access to art is indispensable; it enriches our lives, fuels creativity, and offers various perspectives that shape our understanding of the broader world.

Going through this module on Hyperlinked Communities reminded me that we’re not alone in the world. I don’t know, I think we get caught up in the daily grind of life and forget to look up once in a while to see the bigger picture. Libraries are just a few places in the wild that can aid in breaking up the mundane by reminding us that we are part of a larger community living the same grind.

For example, my local library offers a Community Ofrenda, or altar, during the week leading up to the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead. Community members can honor their past relatives by donating an image or object to the Ofrenda. Allowing for a shared experience of grief and love for everyone involved. No additional funding needs to be accounted for such a project; it is a simple community outreach resource that makes the lives of the community served a bit easier. The simple act of contributing one’s own history in a public and safe way is amazingly simple and quite a beautiful way to engage with others.

The following image is not from my local library but instead from another library in the LAPL system, but it’s the same concept.

Image taken from the Atwater Village Branch Library Instagram. The sign at the bottom right corner states: Join us in honoring loved ones who have passed. Bring a photograph of a loved one to add to our Community Ofrenda.

Speaking of beautiful ways to engage with others, I have to mention the Human Library. The ability to check out a “human book,” ask difficult questions, and have difficult conversations about whatever topic that person brings to the table is mind-blowing! It’s a great resource for those who suffer from anxiety, too. As someone who has dealt with anxiety for most of my life, a resource like the Human Library, to speak with someone who just gets it would be beyond beneficial.

Other than geeking out on community outreach resources, I also wanted to delve a bit further into the significance of applying these resources in my future career. The further I go through my journey here at SJSU, the clearer the career path I want to take becomes. As I mentioned in my introduction, I’m interested in both art librarianship and special collections. But more and more, I’m leaning towards an art librarianship in an academic setting. As a Mexican-American woman earning an MLIS degree, I’m more than aware that I’m part of the minority in this field. So, I believe representation of diverse voices is essential within libraries because it is one of the best ways to aid in engagement with the communities they serve.

As a visual art student in the 2010s whose art practice dealt with difficult subjects such as the female body in relation to race and fat body politics, I was not exposed to enough diverse literature or resources that aided my research. In retrospect, I had no mentor figure, such as an instructor, administrator, or even a librarian, who looked like me. In addition, as a student, creating visual content on, for example, fat politics without many modern literary or visual references to be inspired by (I’ve seen enough Rubenisque figures in my lifetime!) was not only frustrating but lonely.

So, “…how can we connect with our users, find ways to be present in their lives, and let them know what we can do for them? What little things can we do?” (Stephans, 2016). Prioritizing diversity and inclusion is the bare minimum that can be done for library users today. Simply having a book section in my school’s library or a workshop that provided information on authors of color who write about female body politics would have sufficed! Making sure there is space for everyone is the essence of community engagement. And as a future information professional, I don’t want anyone in the community I serve to ever feel alone in their pursuit of knowledge, especially those from diverse backgrounds.

References

Stephens, M. (2016). Reaching All Users. In The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change (p. 41). University of Chicago Press

Hi there,
Welcome to my blog.

My name is Monica, and I am in my second year at SJSU. My focus is on obtaining a special collections librarianship within the arts. I love everything and anything related to art; I have earned multiple degrees in visual art from California State University, Northridge, and Cranbrook Academy of Art. In fact, during my stay at Cranbrook, I gained experience working as a library aide in an art-focused library and their special collection of thesis books (I had access to thesis books from famed artists such as Sonya Clark! I Loved it). Being a part of an environment solely focused on art information ultimately inspired me to earn my MLIS degree one day. And here I am, my third semester in the MLIS program, and I have learned more than I imagined. Amazing!

As for taking this specific course, the themes explored have genuinely piqued my interest. Especially the idea that the library is more of a concept than a physical or virtual environment. That it transcends itself in a way…. I’m a sucker for poetics.

I’m looking forward to the learning journey this semester and beyond. I’m eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible and apply it to my future career.

Thanks for reading,

-Monica