Tag: Reflection

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.

I paused the lecture to write this quotation down.
I added underlines and circled it.
I added a star.
And I gave myself a little pep talk.
Maybe you could use one, too – so here is a peek into this past week’s journey through walking imposter syndrome out the door.

Do I belong here?
After spending the first week of this class wondering if I could meaningfully participate and contribute to this class because I do not work in a library, the Block quotation helped me remember who I am, what I have done, and why I started (and am soon finishing) this degree program. It’s an experience I have had a few times over the past three years.

While I have never shelved a book, I have spent my career connecting people with and through meaningful experiences while working in industries and environments more known for gatekeeping adaptation to change. Having started in non-profit work, my career has been very mission-based – I have had those tough conversations about how and if our efforts are fulfilling the organization’s mission and vision. I have developed and delivered countless trainings, events, and programs. I have even escorted intoxicated patrons out of the venue, evacuated the building a few times, and waited with patrons for EMTs to arrive and give them the care they need.

I did not start this program just because I love libraries and want to learn ways to connect people with information and services.

I am getting an MLIS because I want to help people connect and build healthy communities together.

Building relatedness

Libraries are one of the last truly democratic institutions we have in the US. Where else can someone simply walk in and spend the day without spending a dime? Libraries are opportunities for accessibility and connection through programming and access to resources. I was thinking of how the US Surgeon General has declared an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, issued a health warning about the negative impacts of social media on our teens, and confirmed that parents in the US are unhealthily stressed and unsupported. Libraries are public institutions that can help fill the gaps we need to have conversations, meet one another, and find the connections we need to build healthy communities.

A common theme I picked up through our foundational reading and lectures is that libraries, like many industries and institutions, want yet struggle to change their operations and services to optimally meet the needs of the communities they serve. I am well aware of the challenges – the funding, the institutional and organizational norms, etc. – that obstruct the implementation of programs and services.

In this moment, I appreciate having a semester together to play with possibility – play with ideas that may or may not pan out. Too often, in my experience, we don’t get the opportunity to ask “what if?”

The health of our communities is at stake. Libraries are not the only solution, but they can be a vital part of bringing us closer together.

I am all in for a rich, semester-long kickoff to a discussion of possibility and hope.

So, yes, I do belong here. And so do you – whether you have worked in a library for your entire career or, like me, found your way here through a more circuitous path.

Onward!