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Roya Koutchekinia posted an update in the group Connection Cafe' 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Hi all, I just wanted to share this event at SFPL, in case you live in the area and are interested in attending: https://sfpl.org/events/2024/03/02/night-ideas-2024, happening this Saturday, 3/2 from 4:00- 11:45 pm. Here is an excerpt: SFPL and local partners, the Villa Albertine, KQED and Circuit Network, have lots of exciting surprises in store…[Read more]
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Roya Koutchekinia wrote a new post on the site Epiphanies 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Reflection Blog #1: Hyperlinked Communities- All Are Welcome When I think of community, I am reminded of my maternal grandparents. They lived in a small town in the northern region of Iran. My […]
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Roya,
Beautiful piece. Thank you for going to so much effort to share your story and to remind us to appreciate and highlight everyone’s story and to try and grapple with our own bias.
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@emmizo Thank you Emily!
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Hi Roya,
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Also, I got interested In the TEDx video by Chimamanda Ngoz and the “mental walls and fences.”-
Hi Rodrigo,
Thank you @deltoro87 for taking the time read my post. I adore Ngozi, and find that particular talk by incredibly compelling.
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@royaflin So much good here. The photo of your grandparents and children was absolutely lovely. And I so appreciate all the encouraging and inclusive quotes you pulled out of the modules resources to craft your ideas about belonging.
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@michael. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post and for your kind comments.
I had somehow missed the 250-300 word limit for the reflection blogs. I am wondering if I should be condensing this blog to turn in at the end of the semester.
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@royaflin There is no ;limit on word copunt…just a minimum 250-300 words. You are just fine. Students usually7 write more when inspired.
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Laura Wecksler wrote a new post on the site L-Dawg's Blawg 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Reflection: Hyperlinked Communities Considering all of the posts on our class blog about book banning lately, I thought it appropriate to explore how communities have […]
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@lauraw Nice to read this clearing house of what’s happening in the book banning adjacent space. What really troubles me is the division between what is happening in some states and what is happening in others. It hurts my heart to think about the young people that can’t experience the stories they should be able to as they grow.
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Laura Wecksler posted an update in the group Course Site Help 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Has anyone else encountered weird issues when composing posts in WordPress? I’ll be working on a draft and it will randomly not recognize my cursor and not let me go back to edit text…Sometimes I refresh or give it a second and it works again, but man, it’s aggravating!
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Melissa Kauth wrote a new post on the site The Hyperlink's Tale 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Hyperlink Communities and Family Units After watching Ciara Eastell’s Ted Talk, Read More »Hyperlink Communities and Family Units
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@kauthmeister I so appreciate the way you are thinking about your library;’s space. And what an amazing space it is – so much potential and promise!
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Quarry Pak wrote a new post on the site Excitations 3 months ago
Everyone Belongs in the Hyperlinked Library (X)In his chapter, ‘The Hyperlinked Organization,” David Weinberger calls out how technology, like email,blogs, and the web itself, are acc […]
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Frances Morovat wrote a new post on the site Unlock the Key to the Hyperlinked Library 3 months ago
Reflection Blogging 1: Belonging to the Community with the Hyperlinked LibraryThe Hyperlinked Community: What defines a sense of belonging to the community at the Hyperlinked Library? Several key factors define a Continue reading
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Melissa Kauth wrote a new post on the site The Hyperlink's Tale 3 months ago
How Libraries Can Bear Witness to History Through Participatory Service Participatory service is a foundational model that libraries have and must continue to utilize while designing services for their patrons. I was really drawn to the quote from Erik Boekesteijn used during our lecture: Keep Stories, Share Stories, Make Stories (Stephens, 2019). It really stuck with me because how libraries can preserve and share stories has been on my mind for some time now. I very much want it to inform my future practice as a librarian. The first idea that arose for me regarding how to share stories was oral histories. While oral histories are commonly used in documentaries, podcasts, and social media posts, I want to merge oral histories with libraries in a more personal and nuanced way. One study in New York in 2016 looked at what they called “Human Libraries” (Dobreski & Huang, 2016). Four different branches had human library events, where patrons could sign up to share their personal stories with a group of people in real time. Some patrons also just wanted to share their skills, such as knitting or their favorite subject from school. They even named the participants “Human Books.” The benefits from these types of programs were felt by both the human books and the readers themselves (Dobreski & Huang, 2016). I loved this idea, but I wanted something long-lasting. I wanted something libraries could keep in a collection that would be managed long-term. I wanted the human books to have a place in the library that other humans could access later. Participatory service requires the program or service to be malleable and reflective while creating a bridge between the patrons and the library. The program has to be able to evolve with time and possibly technology. It also requires long-term thinking, or the “long tail” (Casey & Savastinuk, 2007). The service idea I have been mulling over has all these components. Simply put, the service that the library would provide is the ability for patrons to record oral histories at no cost to them. The librarian would be the guide when creating the oral story. The ultimate goal would be for the library to become an active participant in documenting history while being a part of a communal process of sharing and passing on stories with the community. Inspiration: I want to share some of my inspirations for this idea to give a bit of context as to why I feel that this is something that libraries can and need to accomplish. My ultimate inspiration: death. As you are reading this, I’m sure you’re like, “Wow, we are really going to talk about this?” And my answer is, “Yes, yes, we are.” Death is a part of life. How we as humans handle and process death varies greatly amongst different cultures. In the United States, I feel like we are constantly bombarded with images of mass death. At the same time, we simultaneously do everything we can to avoid the topic altogether in our inner communities. In the last few years alone, we have witnessed mass death at an unprecedented rate. It’s been live-streamed in front of our faces. From the pandemic, to the genocide taking place in Gaza, mass death has been our constant companion. @Crutches_and_Spice, a creator in TikTok, posted a video about a week after the October 7th Hamas attack. She stated that she was saving hard copies of all the stories that have been posted on social media from Palestinians attempting to escape the conflict being perpetrated by Israel. As I watched this clip, I was in awe at how quickly someone wanted to preserve Palestinian stories. A quote that she said stuck with me: “History is not made by the winners or the losers, but by those who bear witness and keep a record.” (TikTok – Make Your Day, 2023). On a more personal note, I have also dealt with end-of-life realities myself in the last few years. My mother’s passing in 2020 opened up the floodgates of questions that I had about my mother’s life. My mother kept many secrets, and while I knew this before she died, I didn’t realize how much was kept from me until after she was gone. I found photographs of my mother’s early life that I had never seen. I found pictures of old lovers that she refused to speak about. I found pictures of my deceased grandmother, who was also extremely secretive about her life experiences. I was taken aback by all the different versions of the matriarchs in my life that I will never get to know or learn from. While I was excited to see these photographs, I was equally devastated. While this inspiration seems dark and bleak, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it can bring new life to our libraries. In pre-colonial times, losing a community member was considered sacred and felt throughout the entire community. Colonization has attempted to take that away from us. So why can’t libraries help bring it back and be a part of the healing process for our patrons? Service Model: The goal of the service is simple. Preserve and document oral histories for patrons and their loved ones. While death may have been the inspiration for this idea, a patron does not have to be near death or dying to participate. Anyone is allowed to record an oral history, and they can talk about anything that their heart desires. The service reminds us that life is ephemeral and that we shouldn’t take our loved ones’ experiences for granted. These services can be implemented into the structure of a library organization. This service can provide instant and long-term feedback from its participants, one of the requirements stated in Library 2.0 (Casey & Savastinuk, 2007). The service would have a setup similar to a small passport office (we have one at the branch I currently work at). The setup would be a plain film backdrop with chairs, stools, or couches. The film setup can be a simple tripod and smartphone capable of holding a large file that would eventually be transferred to the larger database within the library system. The library would maintain the oral histories much like we maintain the stacks for our book collections. Of course, there are many privacy and legal issues to consider and write policy about. That’s actually a part of the process. Before filming could begin, a consultation has to occur with the librarian conducting the oral history interview and the patron. The librarian would be a guide throughout the process, and I would equate this role to something shamanic in nature. Options would be discussed about who the oral history is for and what the patron’s goals are. Proper arrangements can be made if a patron only wants to record an oral history for themselves and their family members. If the patron feels like they have to get their story out into the wider world, consent and privacy agreements can be signed for the patron to decide where they would like their history shared. Social media and the library’s website can be options for the patron to choose from. If a patron witnessed a significant historical event, they can dictate that researchers can utilize their oral history. Live events like the Human Libraries mentioned above can also take place. And, of course, the oral history can always be removed from the collection at the patron’s discretion. The library will never own the history because it was always meant for the patrons and community members. Even with the removal of an oral history from a collection, the librarian will have had the honor to hear the stories firsthand while providing a safe space for our patrons to showcase their history. References: Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0 : a guide to participatory library service. Information Today. Dobreski, B., & Huang, Y. (2016). The joy of being a book: Benefits of participation in the human library. Proceedings of the ASIST Annual Meeting, 53(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1002/pra2.2016.14505301139 Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance (pp. 91-95). ALA Editions. TikTok – Make Your Day. (2023). http://www.tiktok.com. Retrieved February 18, 2024, from https://www.tiktoRead More »How Libraries Can Bear Witness to History Through Participatory Service
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This is powerful post. I am sure this resonates with anyone who has lost someone and has still has questions, questions that will never be answered. You are offering us a concrete solution. I would give almost anything to hear my grandmother’s voice again. I can almost conjure it up now. . .but not quite.
I also appreciate how well-thought out your plan is.
Amazing job.
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Quarry Pak joined the group Connection Cafe' 3 months ago
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Laura Wecksler wrote a new post on the site L-Dawg's Blawg 3 months ago
Assignment X: Hyperlink Yo'Self! Admittedly, before I started my path down library lane, I was not a library user. My experience using the library was limited to a few […]
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Hello Laura,
After reading your awesome post about human interaction, I thought about the same thing when I work at my library as well. The realm of human interaction happens every day when working in the library. Whether you are a reference librarian or even a library page, patrons will come up and ask you anything. Sometimes we might not know the answer, but we try our best to figure out the question and find an answer for the patron. As I look into my day to day, some of the tenure supervisors that I work with, still have a mentality of saying “no” to the patrons at times. In my mind, I wish they can do better when working with patrons. Sometimes we do get patrons that are entitled or with attitude, but we still have to respect them and do our due diligence as supervisors when interacting with patrons. The mentality of saying “yes” can speak volumes about how the patron can be delighted when there is a solution for that question.
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Hi Maverick,
First of all, thank you for taking the time to read my post! Secondly, I’m glad you are as enlightened as I on Stephens’ point of “Turning ‘No’ Into ‘Yes’.” It’s somehow a novel concept in library world. I’ve only been a library aide for a year, but as someone who is new to the profession, I can see that we (no matter what our role in the org. is) are the faces of the library to the public. When patrons approach you, to them, you are a librarian. So the ownness is on us to provide as much as is in our power to help the person in whatever way we can.
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Hi Laura,
Thank you for this insightful post! I haven’t worked in a library setting recently, but I have noticed how employees in all work settings can become jaded and lose their enthusiasm as they become overworked and underappreciated. I recently did a paper for another class that talks about using design thinking as a leadership approach. I think this is a wonderful way to turn “NO” into a “Yes” as it focuses on using a team based approach to improve user experience. The input of employees from all levels is actively sought and all viewpoints are appreciated!
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Hi @Roya,
Thank you for reading! I was just talking to the librarian on staff in the branch I work for today about how he was frustrated that the higher-ups wouldn’t ask for live musicians to attend their guitar classes because they were afraid of the Board or the Friends saying “no.” It’s discouraging and makes one feel that they have to “get in trouble” or bend the rules to create an innovative space. How are some libraries able to reach for the stars and others seem to be mired in the doldrums?-
Hi @lauraw. That is a great question! I think it begins with visionary leadership. I remember doing a strategic plan for a library that primarily served homeless patrons. While the library had collaborated with partners in the community, and had done a decent job of addressing the needs of their homeless community, the staff were burnt out by safety concerns of unruly patrons, and patrons overdosing in their bathrooms. I kept thinking this library needs to hire a social worker like San Francisco public libraries do. I wish there were more dual MLIS/MS in social work programs (in my research, I only found one). I think a lot of urban libraries would benefit from librarians with social work expertise.
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Hi @royaflin,
Wow, what a great experience to have had in the creation of a strategic plan for a library (it is such an abstract thing to me never having been a part of planning one). The issues with patrons you describe sound very similar to the one I work in now (the Downtown branch). There is an armed guard–no social workers–and police get called regularly or patrons get served with suspensions. I agree it should be part and parcel with librarianship and even think police officers should be trained in social work. It’s such a huge part of the job! I’m taking a “Serving Homeless Patrons in the Library” seminar now and hope to take away some interesting tactics that I can use in practice.-
Hi @lauraw I wish I had actually taken part in an actual strategic plan, but this was for an assignment for INFO 204. I’d love to hear more about your seminar. Do you recommend it?
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Oh right, 204! I’ll be happy to divulge once we’re farther along. It’s only just started. It’s a month long 1 unit course with Prof. Buckley. I took one of hers last semester and really liked the month-long schedule. It’s a great way to get in units if you can swing it.
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Frances Morovat wrote a new post on the site Unlock the Key to the Hyperlinked Library 3 months ago
Assignment X: The Six Concept's Foundation Aspect of the Hyperlinked Library How do the six concepts’ foundation aspects reflect upon the diversity, transparency, equity, radical trust, libraries, fines, and Continue reading
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Roya Koutchekinia wrote a new post on the site Epiphanies 3 months ago
Assigment X- Love Always Finds a Way I am writing this blog as we approach Valentine’s Day, so the idea of love and connection is at the forefront of my mind. I am not talking a […]
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Major applause, @royaflin! Your beautiful, personal story frames your case so well. I ran across the Human Library Org. last semester when researching for an assignment and just loved the idea. The Beatles’ song is in my head now, “all you need is love…” 😁 Well done.
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Thank you so much, @lauraw. Glad you enjoyed it. All you need is love would have been a great title for this post!
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Thank you so much @amyb ! That is so amazing that you got to interview Marie Østergård. I would love to see that strategic plan. I really want to visit Dokk1 as well. Maybe we should all go on a field trip😀! I hope that your local library has a successful redesign.
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Fantastic post @royaflin! I remember hearing about the human library in a previous class and was happy to hear more about in your post! I especially loved reading about your dream of the multicultural center and the cycling of different aspects of culture- the way you mentioned seeing it through “love” instead of hate reminds me of this quote- “we fear what we do not know”. And being able to learn and know is exactly what we need more of!
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Thank you so much @donna128! I totally agree that getting to know the “other” can break down barriers. Your reply reminded me of this story where an African American Blues musician convinces 200 klan members to give up their robes. Here is the link to the story if you’re interested https://www.npr.org/2017/08/20/544861933/how-one-man-convinced-200-ku-klux-klan-members-to-give-up-their-robes
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Thanks for sharing the article, @royaflin! Reading Davis’s experience and seeing how he communicated with klan members by finding common ground shows just how far being “armed with knowledge” can go and how important it can be to question idealogies and set beliefs as that can not only open up a brand new pespective, but the doors to a whole new world 🙂
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Beautifully put. The lonliness statistics are figuring into my project as well.
The human library project could do amazing things for combating prejudice, one person at a time.
Interesting story: My father, a prison guard, is racist and homophobic to the extreme, but one year when I was a teenager, I had tickets to see “Kiss of the Spider Woman” on tour, and he drew the short straw as my chaperone. He sat in a dark theatre for two hours and watched two mixed-race men fall in love in a prison cell, bringing them comfort in their misery. By the time we were coming home, he was quiet. “I never thought about it like that.”
It didn’t change him permanently, but it did make him think. If one piece of art can do that, what can an actual connection with a real human being do?
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Hi @jeanna. Thank you so much for sharing the story about your father. It’s a beautiful story and I do agree that personal stories are powerful in opening up people’s minds. My love of literature and film (and stories) stems from the fact that you can know the whole “story” of a person, rather than just the politicial/ideological viewpoint which is what is causing our culture wars. You might also be interested in this story about the African American Blues musician who befriended 200 klans members which led to them giving up their robes- https://www.npr.org/2017/08/20/544861933/how-one-man-convinced-200-ku-klux-klan-members-to-give-up-their-robes
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Laura Wecksler changed their profile picture 3 months ago
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Laura Wecksler posted an update in the group Ask A Question! 3 months, 1 weeks ago
Hi and Happy Friday, Everyone,
Does anyone have a hot tip about how to insert accents over letters (specifically accent aigu over an “e”) in Word Press? I could not locate in Post edit mode. Also, learned that when you import a movie from iMovie, it appears as a link instead of a player…Just sayin’!-
@lauraw Will have to do some searches about the accents. Not familiar with how to get those. The movie could be stored at YouTube and the URL would auto-embed. Or if stored in some cloud service a link is the best way to ge.
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GO. 🙂
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Take a look at this: https://www.greengeeks.com/tutorials/how-to-include-special-characters-in-posts-for-wordpress/
Looks like you can copy the HTML and add it that way.
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@lauraw I found the little copyright symbol of an R with a circle around it in Google Docs>Insert>Special Characters, then you just select it. It transferred over when I copied the doc into my WordPress blog. I am assuming other word processing programs will have a similar feature
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@emmizo, what a genius workaround, albeit a higgledy piggledy one! It worked. Thank you so much! Would be worth it to create a new doc for each posting anyway as a way to doc. e-portfolio evidence.
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@lauraw, I did a little overkill last year to save my blog for my e-portfolio. I have a copy of each one as a document in my google docs, I imported my entire blog into a different wordpress account, and I took a screen shot of each one! I am a little nuts though.
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@emmizo No shame in that game! Can never be too careful with that portfolio.
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Laura Wecksler wrote a new post on the site L-Dawg's Blawg 3 months, 1 weeks ago
Meet My Meelo As a way to not only introduce you to my fur child, but to practice embedding pictures and video into blog posts, here is Meelo, our […]
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Frances Morovat joined the group Ask A Question! 3 months, 1 weeks ago
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christine and Rodrigo are now friends 3 months, 1 weeks ago
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Roya Koutchekinia and jennyc are now friends 3 months, 1 weeks ago
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Frances Morovat and jennyc are now friends 3 months, 1 weeks ago
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Laura Wecksler posted an update in the group Ask A Question! 3 months, 1 weeks ago
Hi Guys!
Does anyone know if you are able to insert pictures into a comment? I was just about to share a pic of my dog in a response to Prof. Stephens’ post about his dogs… - Load More
@royaflin So cool! Thanks for sharing. If anyone goes, please share any thoughts!
If we are all healthy by then, I will try to go and take some pictures and share thoughts!
I just posted about this too! I think the rain might clear up by tonight