Michelle – I so appreciate your thought on cultural humility. We actually just updated the lecture and info 200 from cultural competence to cultural humility because I think it is that important of a concept. Thanks for this post.

Thank you for sharing some of your own story here, Michelle! It sounds like libraries have had a profound impact on you; it also sounds like your life has helped you become a great librarian.

@mickeysosa97 This: “It is important to remember that library staff are human too and their wellbeing matters too.”

You are spot on. This library totally gets that! It is a good thing to encourage in our organizations.

@michael Thank you! I am all about empathy and inclusivity. Staff should feel comfortable and supported in their workplace. They are after all, the backbone of the library!

Hi Michelle,

I also really enjoyed discovering and learning about the Anythink libraries in this week’s module. I love their enthusiastic and empathetic approach to librarianship by encouraging library staff to view themselves more than just mere staff members. That truly is refreshing, and as you mentioned, it genuinely humanizes and uplifts librarians to remember “their wellbeing matters too.” I absolutely LOVE that! I hope libraries around the world, or at least most, follow suit!

Michelle,

I was also fascinated by the Anythink Library and loved that video as well. The environment just seems so comfortable and energetic at the same time. Whenever you see so many people using the library regularly together, it is so heartwarming and reminds me of why I’m doing this.

Michelle,

I really love this idea and think it would serve this community very well. It is important to be cultured and learn about others – their background, language, customs, etc. It makes us all more well rounded and respectful people. I also like your idea of including toolkits to assist with the process.

Michelle,

Wow, this library looks so cozy and home-like! One of the things I dislike the most is when an academic library just looks boring and stuffy… adding little details like rugs, cozier chairs, or artwork makes such a huge difference. Even changing the lighting, going from harsh overhead lighting to having lamps everywhere. The cozier you make it, the more people will want to visit!

Hi Michelle,

Thanks for sharing! Space is such an interesting aspect of librarianship, as it can really change how we and others engage and interact with one another. I like the coffee-house space you highlighted — seems like an atmosphere that encourages collaboration and community, for sure. Definitely some great stuff to think about!

Hi Michelle!

I work in a college library, and we are going through a very interesting period with regard to space. Our new (new-ish — she’s been with us for a year now) library director has implemented a huge weeding project which has, so far, yielded enough space to create large open areas on two different floors. We’ve added furniture to those, but left it up to the students as to how the pieces are arranged. It’s been interesting to watch certain chairs move all over the place, or to see where the whiteboards have migrated. We figure it’s their space, so we should let them decide how to use it!

@mickeysosa97 Great point of evidence from Alison head. We need to involve users always!

Michelle,

That is so amazing that the library helped you and your family learn English, and that it created a strong love of the library for you. I agree that libraries should focus on their regular patrons a great deal, as they are the ones that visit the most and use the facilities the most. While we should definitely think about everyone and how to reach further/bring more people in – it is pertinent that we bring our regular patrons books and activities that can be beneficial to them. It is almost like a thank you for being such a loyal patron and a supporter of libraries.

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for sharing your experience. Libraries are indeed sanctuaries for everyone from all walks of life. It also became my safe space as I transitioned from high school to college and struggled to make friends as an adult. And I agree that knowing what the community wants on a ground level helps craft programs and services that better meet their needs!

@mickeysosa97 That article about health and wellness has been on my mind a lot whilst I read blog posts and on Wednesday when I spoke to the newly formed members of a fundraising group seeking to renovate a new building. It just makes sense to promote wellness and caring for the whole person as we craft information services.