Becca Slick's Director Connections

Stories are powerful things. They have the ability to let our minds travel to the past, to the future, to countries we may never see in real life. We can live a lifetime through stories. We can live experiences through other people’s stories. Stories have the power to bring people together to share memories, to discuss important topics, and to facilitate perpetual learning. I strongly believe in the power of stories. @Michael really honed in on the power that stories have to be many things to many people and also act as a catalyst for change.

The great thing about stories is that they can be told in many different formats. From written words to human libraries. Podcasts and video blogs as well as the telling through emojis. Finding different paths upon which to share stories keeps alive the creative process and can reach more people in different ways. I like how @michael talked about in the video lecture about the fact that if you tell your story through emojis, you could cross language barriers! I found this neat website called Emojistory and had to try it out.

👧🧹😢✨🧚👗👠🏰💃🤴💍👸

Can you guess the fairy tale?

I loved the thought of writing love letters or breakup letters to books. Stephens’s example of Annie Spence’s book Dear Fahrenheit 451 (2017) had me looking for it almost immediately (Stephens, 2019). She has a way with words that make people think, good or bad, about the books in question and follows up with additional suggested reads. It’s almost as if she can help shape a “To Be Read” list for us and for us to take on our own sense of love or loss to create our own letters.

  courtesy of: amazon.com

I have been trying to get into listening to podcasts. So far I have not found one that I have been able to stick to and listen for more than say a couple of minutes. But the sheer number of podcasts that are currently out in the world is astounding. According to a natural language search on Google, the AI assistant stated that there are 4.5 – 4.8 million podcasts currently in the world featuring around 190 million episodes! I was astonished at that general fact, but it alludes to the popularity that podcasts have. They are informational, more importantly mobile, and provide a way for people to learn information while multi-tasking. Currently Podcaststatistics.com states that in the United States alone, 55% of the population listen to 1 or more podcasts. Podcasts are generally real people telling real stories. Listeners can connect with the hosts or storytellers in a much different way that simply reading the same story in print or online.  When @michael collaborated with Evans Groth, Kylie Carlson, and Felicity Macchion to present at a Next Library Conference in Denmark, they used the medium of podcasting to record the stories that were being told there to show how these stories strengthen the library in relevance, space, etc (Stephens, 2019). The use of Narrative Inquiry to gather valuable information typically in an interview format shows the varying ways people learn and their unique experiences that can contribute to better services (Stephens, 2020). Not only is narrative inquiry important when talking to patrons, but the librarians and library staff also have stories that are just as unique and worthy of inclusion into this process.

One other story telling idea that I would love to see come back to my college and more specifically my library is the Human Library organization. This thought provoking program seeks to challenge stereotypes, opens up dialog, and creates an atmosphere of learning maybe at least of what it is like to “walk a mile” in someone else’s shoes. Wentz (2013) states that Human libraries are patterned after public libraries and so these are perfect places to hold such events, but I feel like academic libraries can be just as fitting if not more so with the diverse nature of the student body. Most programs like these have people reflecting on their own biases and internalizing what it means to be more inclusive.

Here is my story:

I am a single mother of two teenage children. I earned my master of arts degree in History in 2011. I have worked in higher education the majority of my adult life and love every minute of it. Unfortunately, in March of 2014 my husband died unexpectedly, leaving me to raise two small children on my own. I was not prepared. I had two wonderful college friends who came to my rescue and have helped me co-parent my kids. They as well as my work family supported my decision to go back to school and get my MLIS which will be completed in December 2026. I have learned so much since starting this program and if it wasn’t for the “family” that I have, I don’t know that I would be where I am.

So, what is your story?

References

Stephens, M. (2019). Office Hours: With a Little Twist & Power of the Pod

Stephens, M. (2020). Office Hours: Narrative Inquiry

I was intrigued by the concept of “Hygge” (pronounced hoo-ga) that @michael describes in his book, The Wholehearted Librarian, that it roughly translates to mean “coziness” (p. xvi). I began to ponder what this meant exactly and what would it mean for my library. So I did some more reading. What I learned is that it means so much more than just coziness, that it is like a state of mind, about comfort, conversations, and connections (Stephens, 2019). It means sharing time over coffee, having close conversations, playing a board game or even watching a movie with friends and family (Larsen, 2019). The overall feeling of companionship, togetherness, and belonging (Larsen, 2019) are largely reflected in spaces like the library that can facilitate these types of scenarios.

But how do I incorporate this concept of Hygge at my library? I gave some thought to what we already have and it occurred to me that we have already started our version of Hygge at the SWCC Library.  we have a cozy fireplace with comfortable seating for students to gather. We have several seating areas located throughout the library where groups can gather to collaborate or study quietly. We recently reduced the number of desktop computers from 24 to 12 to open up space as well as providing laptops for usage throughout the library and for students to take to class if they don’t own a laptop.

We also invested in a coffee cart where students can grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at no cost. We have established a “Stress Free” zone where students can pick up coloring pages, practice Origami, put together jigsaw puzzles, and some have even asked to play Checkers and Chess. We create book displays for binge reading during adverse weather, or to incorporate an activity to pursue in good weather (Stephens, 2019). Users are allowed to have food and drink in the library, and people have been known to bring in baked goods and other extra food to feed the students. They know that this is a place where students can come to and unwind and take a breath. While our library may be oddly shaped (a half-moon with 49 windows making up the longest side of the library) and no room for individual study rooms, our library is open and inviting and overlooks a courtyard that students are encouraged to use as an extension of the library. To this end, I feel like we are heading in the right direction of Hygge for our library, but with anything else, more can always be done.

Looking to the future, I would like to incorporate our glass panels to encourage dialog amongst the SWCC students, faculty and staff with writing a question and leaving markers for users to respond and generate good thoughts, feedback, insights and more. A non-digital space where people can express themselves. I don’t know if I ever see us having pillows and blankets in the library, but students have been known to bring in their own blankets because it can get cold even in the summer months with the air conditioning.  Although, in February of each year, we host a quilt show in the library that allows faculty and staff as well as an outside quilt guild to bring in their creations and we hang them in the library and match with a book from our collection. It has received many compliments and makes the space (especially in the winter) a more inviting and colorful place to come.  I can see us investing in the electric candles to create intimate spaces during different times of the year. We have been the organizers of the “Hall of Christmas” in the winter where departments or classes can come and decorate Christmas trees around Thanksgiving. We could offer up programming on making connections such as in my Innovation Strategy and Roadmap by bringing in area restaurant chefs to facilitate nutritional literacy amongst the students and advocating for helping local businesses.

Much can be said about how to get your “Hygge” on. For me and my library, we are on our way and will continue to provide a space where our students feel connected, comfortable, and that they matter. This space is here for them.

References

This question brought up a lot of interesting thoughts for me as I pondered it in the sphere of teaching a one-stop session on information literacy for a College Experience class. The article, “Sparking Curiosity-Librarians’ Role in Encouraging Exploration” by Ann-Marie Deitering and Hannah Gascho Rempel was very engaging as many librarians know all to well that students more often than not, don’t pay attention in information literacy sessions or other courses. Not all students, but we have all seen those students who even after they have been informed to not be on devices during class, are sneaking peaks at their social media, or “forget” to take out their earbuds and are listening to whatever else they are deeming important.  The goal here in getting their attention back is by asking them the question, “How are you curious?” This question is not a simple yes or no answer, but a discussion on the complexities of what interests and motivates a student to learn. To open up about their curiosity and to use that to show them that even research projects on topics that they know nothing about can be an exciting adventure that has the student on a trajectory to learn in a way that stays with them.

This plays into the part where faculty and librarians collaborate to create conditions or an environment that students will feel motivated and safe to explore and learn. This may mean re-evaluating library spaces to include more than just books. Carl Straumsheim (2017) speaks to the reorganization of libraries as there has been an increase in the use and demand for electronic resources. This means that the physical collection, while still important, has less usage than prior years and students want more collaboration space that also includes places for creativity and relaxation. In my library we have a small makerspace, a coffee cart (coffee is free to students), and collaborative areas designated for students to gather and discuss projects, sports information, or just hang. We also have created a “stress-free” station where they can color, learn origami, or put together puzzles. This re-imagining of space within the library walls has had positive effects for our student population and we have even found that our faculty and staff have taken advantage of these spaces too. In addition, we actively check out bikes and disc golf sets to students while our student services have expanded to fishing poles and other recreational items to be available to students.

Linda Spice (2019) discussed the food-share program that developed after noticing a need within their own staff of college students who were skipping meals. This is an ongoing issue at many colleges and I think that it’s wonderful that they started a collection and distribution process that takes away the judgment and allows the students to access food when needed and even provides advice on what to stock more of as many of these students look for ready-to-eat meals rather than ones you have to put together. My college has a “food pantry” of sorts called the Spartan Corner and students can come and get what they need from the food available as well as hygiene products. It is housed in our student center outside the bookstore and from time to time the college sends out notices when it is time to “restock” the Corner. We have even had community members donate food to the cause and it has gone over very well since its inception four years ago. I make sure to donate to the Corner when I can, because I remember when I was in college and food was not always something I could afford while attending school and they didn’t have this type of thing available to students at my college back then.

I also liked the article on library signage. Luca and Narayan (2016) really showed what the difference in signage could do to the overall aesthetics of the library while still being informative without all the wording. Many times we take for granted that our signs should be easy to comprehend, when in fact, they aren’t because they are written from a librarian’s point of view and not from a student’s point of view. While the article really engaged what larger colleges and universities could do in their much larger library spaces, it really did make me re-think about the signage that I have in my community college library and if it really was engaging and informative at the same time without making the users more confused or frustrated and walking right out the doors. I will have to take some time and see where I can improve and this is even a cross-over into display signage where sometimes I think we also need to re-evaluate what the signage says and how it may be interpreted.

Resources

Created by ChatGPT EDU for reflection blog.

Reflecting on what it means to be a Hyperlinked community that connects my library with participation and outreach really got me thinking about how my college library can do more to serve the community, not only inside our campus, but to the whole community with which it resides. How can or has the library been a steward of the hyperlinked library model in relation to participation and outreach? How are we connecting with our users?

Illustration by Boxicons on Unsplash

I know that we try and provide excellent customer service and being a small college we really get to know many of our users because we can take the time to get to know them. Whether it be through helping with assignments, study hall hours for athletes, or the go-to place for general technology questions….we have formed bonds with students, faculty, and staff. Stephens(2016) writes about how we have interactions across both the physical space as well as the virtual space and I can honestly say that we do much better in the physical than the virtual. With such a small staff, it’s been hard to dedicate time to tend to the virtual side when through this class, I have learned that I need to make it more of a priority because not all of our patrons can make it into the physical space.  And this goes for more than just social media content. In speaking with my soon to be former boss, I asked her about what activities she felt (through the hyperlinked library lens) did she wish she could have implemented, but didn’t get a chance to?  Her reply?  It was more connection with the faculty. Exploring options for an embedded librarian in our LMS system, Canvas. The opportunity to create signage for the different Career and Technology programs showcasing what the library has to offer these majors.  It was an amazing conversation with her. It also got me thinking about wanting to move those things forward.

You see, July 1st will be here before I know it and then it will be my turn to make these decisions. This class and specifically this module has had my brain on overdrive with possibilities (maybe a bit grandiose given my current staffing issue) about how to make connections with our community. I know what you are thinking…it’s summer…..how much connection can you do when most of the students are taking online classes right now?  The answer would be I don’t know, but what I do know is that I want to make sure that the library communicates effectively and with more transparency with the active involvement of the college community. They are the reason we are still here. They are the reason we look for those connections. I like the saying that being hyperlinked isn’t all about technology, that its truly about connection in many forms, and that includes the human connections (Stephens, 2016). In fact, I also sit on the Board of Trustees for the public library and I have sent the library director there some of the things that I am learning in this class and hopefully collaborating with her in the future to partner on programming that benefits both our libraries.

Beyond Buzzwords by Michael Stephens (2025) was super informative. I wrote down every single one and attempted to think about how to incorporate, if I hadn’t already, into the daily activities of the library. All 10 items were down to earth connections that helped the library show compassion, empathy, and overall care for the patron. Finding those things that we have in common with our users, asking them about their wants and needs, making sure our mission includes a commitment to inspiring the user to learn. Making sure to value every person and include all walks of life. We have a poster like this when you first enter our library:

Courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/1551319118/in-this-library-we-are-helpful-we-are.

I like this sign because we really do strive to accomplish all the items on here and we hope that students feel the same way. We attempt to have displays that show diversity and inclusion. Even our Student Services department will, every fall, have the International Students put a pin on a world map and then ask to showcase this sign in the library highlighting where all of our international students are from. It’s really cool to see people stop in and look at the map and be surprised at how far some of our students come to attend college.

In conclusion, getting to know our users, honoring them, listening to them, and reaching out to them through other platforms when they can’t always come to the library are vital to the continued existence of libraries. We are not just a place for knowledge. We are so much more. We are the “heart” of the community where people can feel welcome, feel loved, and allowed to spread their intellectual wings.

Resources

• Stephens, M. (2025). Beyond Buzzwords: Ten Invitations to Build Library Connection and Community
• Stephens, M. (2019) “Libraries in Balance” in Wholehearted Librarainship, p. 78
• Stephens, M. (2016). “Reaching All Users” in The Heart of Librarianship, p. 41

As I sit in the quietness of the library, I reflect on the significance of the Hyperlinked Library model and how it can help our library move forward. Stephens (2011) emphasizes the importance of building meaningful connections between libraries and their users to meet community needs. Today’s libraries are about much more than books. At the Southwestern Community College Learning Resource Center, we provide access to technology, collaboration spaces, stress reduction resources, creativity, comfort, and quiet study areas.

Although we maintain a website and Facebook page, our online presence is limited and not regularly updated. This raises an important question: how can we better connect with our users?

Social Media

Students today use a variety of social media platforms to communicate and gather information. While our library currently only maintains a Facebook page, platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat offer additional opportunities to engage users where they already spend their time. As Pasipamire (2025) notes, libraries must meet users where they are rather than where staff feel most comfortable.

The Hyperlinked Library model encourages two-way communication, making social media an ideal tool for engagement. Short videos could provide tutorials on information literacy, printing services, finding books, and using library resources. More importantly, these platforms create opportunities for feedback through comments, suggestions, and conversations. Research shows that libraries increasingly use social media to market services, strengthen their reputation, and increase community engagement (Athukorala & Jayasundara, 2025).

Many libraries have successfully used creative content to showcase the human side of librarianship and challenge outdated stereotypes. By highlighting staff personalities, library activities, and student success stories, libraries can create stronger connections with their communities while promoting available resources and services.

Visual Displays

While technology offers valuable communication opportunities, physical spaces remain equally important. Throughout the library, visual displays can serve as communication hubs that encourage interaction and transparency.

While technology offers valuable communication opportunities, physical spaces remain equally important. Throughout the library, visual displays can serve as communication hubs that encourage interaction and transparency.

For example, a clear panel near our entrance could be repurposed as a feedback station where students respond to questions using sticky notes. This simple, low-cost approach allows users to share opinions, interests, and suggestions while fostering a sense of participation. Stephens (2011) reminds us that libraries do not need to rely exclusively on new technology. Effective communication can occur through both digital and traditional methods.

By using displays more intentionally, the library can create welcoming spaces that invite students, faculty, and staff to engage with library services and contribute ideas for improvement.

Future Trends for the SWCC Library

Reading about Hyperlinked Libraries in Information Services Today encouraged me to consider additional ways to strengthen communication with users. One idea is developing departmental newsletters for faculty that highlight resources, services, and collections that directly support their curriculum.

Communication between the library and academic departments has not always been consistent, contributing to outdated materials and missed opportunities for collaboration. Strengthening these relationships could improve collection development while creating new opportunities for programming and outreach.

The library has previously hosted successful events such as Book Tastings, a Human Library, and a multicultural potluck. These programs brought students, faculty, and staff together while showcasing the library as a community-centered space. Reviving similar events would support the Hyperlinked Library model by encouraging participation, collaboration, and relationship-building.

Reflection

I am enthusiastic about incorporating the Hyperlinked Library model into the daily operations of our small library. Although challenges such as limited staffing and budgets exist, the model encourages creative thinking and meaningful engagement with both users and non-users.

By expanding our social media presence, creating interactive physical spaces, strengthening communication with faculty, and reviving community-centered programming, the library can become more responsive to user needs. Listening to feedback and demonstrating that user input influences decisions helps build trust and strengthens relationships.

As Stephens (2016) explains in The Heart of Librarianship, the library extends far beyond its physical walls. It exists wherever people connect with information, learning, and one another. By embracing the principles of the Hyperlinked Library model, the SWCC Learning Resource Center can continue evolving as a dynamic, welcoming, and essential part of the campus community.

Resources

Stephens, M. (2011, February 21). The hyperlinked library: A TTW white paper. Tame the Web. https://tametheweb.com/2011/02/21/hyperlinkedlibrary2011/

Stephens, M. (2022). Hyperlinked libraries. In S. Hirsh (Ed.), Information services today: An introduction (pp. 229–239). Rowman & Littlefield.

Hello! My name is Becca Slick and I am currently the full-time Library Assistant at Southwestern Community College. Starting July 1st, however, I will be taking over the Library Director position here and starting a new chapter in my library journey. I have been with this library since 2019 and have loved every minute of it. Working with students, faculty, staff, and public patrons and guests has afforded me the pleasure of getting to know and working with a wide diverse set of individuals. In addition to working full-time at the library, I also adjunct teach for the college in the areas of history and college experience.

Through this MLIS journey I have learned so many new and valuable skills and information that I try to use in my everyday. I have been able to better assist with library functions as well as explore new and exciting topics and skills such as AI that allows me to provide additional skills and know-how to improve displays, promotional materials, literacy information, etc. I hope to learn a lot from the hyperlink library course this summer and try my hand at more blogging, which I hate to say, I am still a novice at.

I was interested in taking this course because the role of the library is constantly changing and finding ways to keep the library relevant with emerging technologies all the while still promoting the standard library resources. Being able to learn about what it means to be a hyperlinked library and how I can apply it to my own library. I watched instructional videos of the instructor in one of my other classes and I was struck by how comfortable he was talking about library information in a way that I could easily understand and showed his passion for the subject.  I am trying to soak up as much LIS information as possible as I start my director role and I want to be able to provide the type of service that will keep students, faculty, staff, and the public coming back whether its in person or online.

As you can probably gather from my babbling, that my passion and interest lays with academic libraries. I have worked in higher education for almost 20 years in various capacities: Student Records/Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, Adjunct teaching, and the library. You could say the academic world has become a special place for me.

I look forward to learning from all of my fellow classmates and how to stay connected and help bring my library into the next level of service. Come with me on my new director journey!