I started, stopped, deleted, and restarted this blog post several times. I loved the opportunity to see (and celebrate) how libraries are evolving to meet the needs of their unique communities in ways that are accessible and welcoming.

Emerging technology has been one of my focuses throughout this MLIS program and I was (in a good way!) overwhelmed by the discourse and programming possibilities presented in these two modules. I found myself in a bit of a “shiny object” spin at times.

Two trends inspired me and made me pause:

I believe there is a desperate need for digital literacy among our citizenry. Librarians and LIS professionals have the skills and knowledge to be on the frontlines, creating hands-on opportunities for people (students, patrons, educators, coworkers, etc.) to engage with AI tools and gain a foundational understanding of what AI actually is (it is not conscious!) and how it influences our information ecosystems.

The key to this is that librarians and LIS professionals must be open and curious about learning and adopting new technology.

I found a lot in Michael McShane’s article about VR and field trips interesting. The VR and interactive offerings through Explorable Places sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole full of ideas and possibilities. Banyan Global Learning experiences are a great example of how technology in the classroom can bring experiences from around the world to students who may not have access to travel or different cultures. These experiences can show students (and adults) that they are global citizens, connected to a bigger world outside their hometown or classroom.

However, these experiences require high-speed internet, hardware, and a venue. Additionally, VR field trips need institutions and communities that support diverse programming.

My main takeaway from these two modules is that librarians can (and should) be inspired by emerging technologies and innovative programming ideas. However, this should not compromise their ability to meet the needs of library patrons.

Emerging technologies have the power to both mend and fray the fabric of our society. Librarians and LIS professionals must approach emerging technology program development with curiosity, responsiveness (rather than mere reactivity), aspiration, and creativity. To be effective and impactful, though, they must stay grounded in the specific needs of their community, be in alignment with the library’s mission, and be mindful of the capacity of their community, venues, and staff.