Lilia,

I really like this idea and think it would serve this library very well! As a first gen student myself, when I was getting my bachelors degree at Ole Miss, I had an optional class that helped me explore the library in more detail and it really helped me in school. It helped me meet the librarians, learn where to go for what services, and what all was included in my student experience. After doing this immersive class, I used the library all the time – and now I even work there!

@catladylilia I LOVE this! I use virtual study YouTube sessions all the time, and I would love to get something like this started at the college library where I work. It would even help *me*! ; ) Also, this presentation is gorgeous.

P.,

I work part time as an intern at an academic library in the area – and I was pretty surprised how easy it was just to talk to them and get in there for experience. I am not even a student at the school, but they have allowed me to have a position that is very helpful to my career and has taught me a lot. At the university I work for, it seems that the librarians are always motivated and there is always room to grow or take on new positions.

I will say the reason I went into school for my MLIS was to work in public libraries, but I actually went to offer volunteer services at my local public library and was turned down. They did not have any positions open, so I offered to help however I can to gain experience, but they claimed that they legally were not able to, and I wonder why that is? Why would they turn down free help, especially from someone learning in the MLIS field?

You know I would totally advocate for part-time staff having access to continuing types of learning. Even if it’s 30 minutes of watching a video, etc. I think that could be very powerful and useful. I hope that change comes to your library.

Hi Kiana,

Great post, thanks for sharing! I really like your point regarding how face-to-face settings are instrumental to strengthening connections between people. Sometimes I wonder when I see hate comments online…would these people say the same in real life? Personal accountability is key, as you said.

Kiana – I am so glad the human library concept resonated with you. Also, I have followed Peter the YouTuber for a long time and some of his videos were so moving and challenging to watch an interesting. I kind of fell out of watching him recently and I need to get back to. It might be really helpful for my frame of mind.

Just getting to this recording. What a great chat! Casey had a lot of great insights to offer. I have seen first hand how signing up k-12 students for cards increases patronage. I appreciate that he shared his honest opinion of social media marketing, he made a fair point when he mentioned that followers have already made the effort to seek out a library’s page.

@acorey Oh yes. Such a powerful moment in the video..and when the librarians presented it at Next Library 2019.

@acorey ,

This was very heartwarming to watch and I loved it. I also agree that having different types of spaces for different types of library experiences is crucial. I love the idea of having sensory rooms in libraries. I would definitely use one to help with my anxiety at times.

@inabookbind That is cool! I’m glad they also have environments that assist those with ADHD, like the tactile rooms.

@michael Thank you so much for your empathy. It’s been such a hard week….I’m still mourning but I’m slowly starting to feel better. I appreciate your kindness and patience so much!

@saraschwan I am glad Anythink and the focus on civic civility and connection resonated. I am very hopeful for the future.

@terribeth I think this is a fantastic idea! Things can get very heated, especially around election time, and this could help alleviate that. It is important for people to be able to have open conversation and be respectful, and it’s also super important that our communities stay educated with politics – so that they can stand firmly beside their beliefs and ideas, and feel confident in their choices. This could also help them learn about the power that they have in their communities and where there is opportunity to present change politically.

Hi Terri,

Such a thoughtful post, thanks for sharing! For the past few weeks, we’ve been getting an influx of people coming in with so many election-related questions at my library, with some being outside of the scope of our knowledge. So it would be such a great idea for libraries to provide a space for civic engagement aside from election years!

@terribeth 100% yes! Civility in conversation might lead to empathy in action.

@michael Happy Halloween!!

Here is another witchy song lol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU35oCHGhJ0

Happy Halloween! 🎃🍬🍭🍫

@crlhayd I’ve never been a huge fan of VR tech, only because it’s made me dizzy and feel kind of a sense of vertigo at times – but when I saw the HoloLens 2, I was like “I wanna try that!” I just think it’s a great work tool, and really great for brainstorming – as it can really make ideas come to life.

@crlhayd The Flipped Classroom has a special place in my heart! It was so apprentices to me in my days of face to face teaching that the time could be better spent on group learning/proijects instead of listening to lectures. I think this is why I was so drawn to SJSU in 2011!

@michael Thank you for sharing this – what a gorgeous, engaging space! My parents recently moved to an Austin suburb and are still trying to settle in to feel at home. I’m going to Austin in December and will definitely check this place out. I think my parents (and my kids) will love it.

@kylehanson I believe that video games can teach many different skills and are important, and it is so sad that these games can not be openly shared. I really hope the Video Game History Foundation is able to help battle this, so that these games can be played and shared again.

@kylehanson thanks for this insightful post about making sure that video games are available. When I was on a speaking tour in Germany, we visited the gaming museum in one of the cities and forgive me. I can’t remember which one where they were actually able to bring up virtual games from arcades in the 80s when I used to play those games. This is the one they showed me:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_(video_game)

I was obsessed with that one in 81!

@pfulumirani I absolutely love the title of this post and all you had to say about stories! ❤️ Last paragraph = 🔥

This is such a powerful reflection and testimony! The difference between Indonesia’s actual vs. needed librarians is staggering, you’re right. Also, I agree with Dr. Stephens on your last paragraph.

Wow @pfulumirani,
Thank you for sharing your experience! I had no idea Indonesia is in such dire need of librarians. Your story about making your own book collection or mini library is such a powerful reminder of how important equitable access to the library can be, especially for those not yet in school. I completely agree that visiting the library should never be a privilege, and like you, I hope that one day children everywhere around the globe will have the access and opportunity to explore the stories and knowledge libraries can provide.