Adventures in the Linkbrary

The concept of Narrative Inquiry really stood out to me in this module as a way to engage with the community, or even our colleagues, and make them feel heard and understood. Asking someone “When was the last time you felt really happy?” can tell you so much more about a person and what their wants and needs are, than asking simply “What do you like about the library?” The latter is almost a dead-end type of question that people either aren’t interested in enough to take the time to answer, or they might answer generically with what they think the questioner would want to hear so the exchange might come to a close (Stephens, 2020, 2025.

When we ask people about themselves, rather than their relationship to the library or its services, we show that we care about them and their experiences as individuals and as part of the greater community. As someone interested in archival work, I feel like this is such an important lesson to remember, because a major part of archives today involves restoring silenced voices to historical and current narratives. When we ask people to share their own stories and experiences, we might be better equipped to more deeply understand the world around us, and the past events that led us to this moment in time. This is especially important where recorded history has been primarily curated by and for men of European descent. If we create community archives where all folks can share their stories and the stories of their families, the community history becomes richer and reflects the lived reality of its inhabitants.

In this sense, I really liked the idea of the Human Library, where readers “check out” a “human book” to hear the person’s unique experiences in life, ask advice, or just get to know a new person through an organic conversation in a safe environment (Wentz, 2013). I could see this working well in a community-centered archival space as well, and it might even draw people into that space who might not have felt comfortable there under other circumstances. Arne-Skidmore (2021) reported that after attending a Human Library experience, participants later noted that the event “inspired them to reflect on their own biases and resulted in an increased sensitivity towards the diversity that exists beyond physical appearance.” This is the power of libraries, to help people grow and learn from the perspectives of others, while also forging connections between community members who may not have met otherwise.

As an aside, the Human Library reminded me of a video (see below) where a man traveling in Japan rented an Ossan (Old Man) for a day, and the man took him around to some local places and gave him advice on how to meet new people. I’ve heard of other similar services in Japan where you can rent a Grandma to help you around the house, give you life advice, or just be there for you during an emotionally trying time. Even though it might seem a little strange at first, I think this would be a wonderful way for older individuals to stay social and involved in the community, while also having a positive impact on others who might need assistance, advice, or maybe they’ve just moved somewhere new and are looking for recommendations for local food or recreation spots. I will admit that I don’t know if this would work out so well in America given the difference in cultural values, but it’s certainly something to think about, and I believe the Human Library is a related program that has similar benefits for all involved. 

References

Arne-Skidmore, E. (2021, August 4). New study on the impact of the human library. Human Library. https://humanlibrary.org/new-study-on-the-impact-of-the-human-library/ 

Nick.Discovers. (2024, August 28). I rented an old man [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/LjIbvGEyQ0o 

Stephens, M. (2020, April 9). Office hours: Narrative inquiry. Tame the Web. https://tametheweb.com/2020/04/09/office-hours-narrative-inquiry/ 

Stephens, M. (2025). Hyperlinked library power of stories [Video]. Panopto. https://sjsu-ischool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=25a905bc-6739-4f68-afea-af10013f32fb 

Wentz, E. (2013, April 26). The human library: Sharing the community with itself. Public Libraries Online. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/human_librar/ 

In the event that the embedded presentation does not appear, click here to view on Canva.

From WBOC (2023). A Telehealth kiosk in the library that can be reserved by those who need a private space for interviews, appointments, and more.

New Models for Serving the Underserved

One article that stood out to me in the New Models module was about Berkeley Public Library providing an Easy Access Card to residents of California who are unhoused or have no permanent address (Rees, 2018). The article was written a few years ago, but it appears that the cards are still available for those that need them. I think this is a fantastic option to have, as it makes library resources available to more individuals. The director at the time, Elliot Warren, mentioned that they used to have two alternate library card options: one that was temporary where the patron would need to show proof of address after 45 days, and another that required a letter from a shelter as evidence that the patron was staying there. Warren stated that the second option was “patronizing,” and I agree with this take, as requiring a letter from a shelter could add to the stigma associated with being unhoused. It could also ultimately make folks feel unwelcome in the library environment, which is typically the opposite of what we’re going for! 

In all honesty, this letter from a shelter is something that my library system requires for those without fixed addresses, and it does feel like a major barrier to access, especially since not all folks are able to stay in shelters. There just aren’t enough in my community to accommodate everyone that might need them. Additionally, one of the larger local shelters had a fire recently, so that’s just one less safe space for people to stay at night. 

That being said, I think this  is a great example of a new model for library access for those who are already living through a difficult situation, and I wish it were something my system would put into place. Simply being required to show any form of ID (the Berkeley PL updated its policies to accept identification outside of the usual state-issued IDs, as these can also be challenging for some to get a hold of), and then being given to access to in-house library resources, while also being able to check out a limited number of physical resources, could mean a lot to people who may have been turned away from other public locations. Computer and internet access alone can make a world of difference in terms of being able to connect with friends or family members, and to find food distribution sites or shelters with vacancies. Although the population of folks who might be in transitional housing situations may be small in any given community, it is clear that this is one of the most marginalized and ostracized populations, while also being one of the most vulnerable. Where a lot of other government-operated institutions fail to provide adequate assistance, libraries can step in and help. 

Advocating for Social Services workers within the library who can help patrons obtain IDs, apply for safe living accommodations, find mental health and substance rehabilitation providers, create resumes, apply for jobs, find clean clothing, locate hygiene facilities, and so on, can also make a huge difference. My library does have a Social Services specialist to help with these things, although I do wish we could have someone in-person on a more regular basis. Her time, along with a few other specialists, is currently split between different libraries in the state throughout the week. For those patrons who are working during the day but still need assistance, her available hours at our location might not work out. For this reason, I really appreciated the article about Salt Lake City’s full-time, in-house social worker (Harkins, 2023). She has brought in local service providers on a rotating schedule throughout the week, and according to Harkins, has helped thousands of patrons in just a few years. 

The main branch at San Francisco Public Library also has a full-time social worker on staff who has hired Health and Safety Associates directly from the community since 2010. These workers, also known as HaSas, have experienced challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, or domestic violence, and are familiar with the struggles of getting out of a cycle of oppression. In the last two years, some of the HaSas have been given full-time employment within the library system, which is truly amazing, and good of the administrators in that system for creating those jobs. HaSas act as empathetic peer support for library patrons who might be in need of any kind of social services assistance. I think this case draws attention to the fact that although anyone can experience tough times, you don’t have to be alone through that, the tough times don’t have to last forever, and that there are always caring people who are working to provide help and hope where they can (Qing, 2024). 

This model of hiring full-time social workers at libraries is something that I wish more governments and library stakeholders would recognize as being legitimate, cost-effective, and potentially more helpful than having social workers only available in more traditional office settings that can be intimidating. If we are thinking about meeting people where they are, then the library is certainly the right place for community navigators to meet those experiencing homelessness or other life challenges!

This video shows Telehealth Kiosks at a few libraries in my state, although there are more now than noted in the video. People can reserve these online or by phone, and can use them for medical or housing appointments, job interviews, and more! They are primarily available when Social Service specialists are on-site to assist patrons, and are a great resource for those who might not have access to a laptop, internet, or a safe and quiet space to meet with someone virtually.

DeRobertis, K. (2023, August 11). Delaware libraries broadening horizons with more telehealth kiosks. WBOC. https://www.wboc.com/news/delaware-libraries-broadening-horizons-with-more-telehealth-kiosks/article_30cfff78-387d-11ee-af39-bbc9aa106f2b.html 

Harkins, P. (2023, June 20). Salt Lake City downtown library’s new social worker has already helped thousands. The Salt Lake Tribune. https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/06/20/salt-lake-city-downtown-librarys/ 

National Library of Medicine. (2024, February 28). NNLM discovery | Telehealth kiosks [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boaNLHc8xQU&t=5s 

Qing, A. (2024, October 7) Library program offers path to employment, stability. National Association of Counties. https://www.naco.org/news/library-program-offers-path-employment-stability 

Rees, M. (2018, December 3). No permanent address? No problem. Berkeley library makes it easier for those without homes to get library cards. Berkeleyside. https://www.berkeleyside.org/2018/12/03/no-permanent-address-no-problem-berkeley-library-makes-it-easier-for-those-without-homes-to-get-library-cards

Image from MuseumNext/National Museum in Prague. Shows an Augmented Reality overlay of the Fin Whale at the National Museum in Prague.

Hyperlinked Environments: Museums and Archives

Something that caught my attention in the Hyperlinked Environments module was Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technology, specifically as used in museum and archival spaces. Charr (2020) presented a hopeful article on museums utilizing different forms of technology to bring more people to those spaces, both physically and virtually. From a virtual tour of the Prado Museum in Madrid, to virtually experiencing an astronaut’s return from space at the Science Museum in London, Charr illuminates the endless possibilities for these technologies in museum environments. In an article discussing the seamless blend of traditional education elements and a bluetooth-enabled, smartphone-accessible AR platform at the National Museum in Prague, Richardson (2024) notes that “by embracing innovative solutions like AR, museums can not only preserve cultural heritage but also reimagine how it is shared with the world.” 

The utilization of VR and AR solutions stands out as an engaging way to get those of all ages interested in visiting museums and archives. These solutions could also make museums and archives more accessible to those who may be unable to attend in person. From what I have learned in this program, a few of the goals of museums and archives are education and preservation of materials for those in the present and future to view and learn from. As the digital world continues to rapidly evolve, I think that providing more VR and AR resources would ensure that museums and archives continue to adapt to the everchanging digital landscape. In turn, a more diverse audience may be intrigued by museum and archival institutions and their holdings for many years to come.

At the present time, while Artificial Intelligence is being developed at seemingly unheard of rates, I think AR and VR tech offer more human-centric, and likely more environmentally-friendly, ways of learning and engaging with museums and archives. McGroarty (2023) notes that Virtual and Augmented Reality bring resources to the public that may only previously have been available to scholarly researchers or professionals in the fields those resources were related to. For example, some archival materials from the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, The Huntington Library, and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority are being used to build an augmented reality platform that will allow users to see Chinatown in early 20th century Los Angeles. Those involved with the project are working on reconstructing imagery of the area’s streets and buildings ca. 1850-1939, documenting information about some of the folks that lived in the area at the time, and showcasing the lived realities of people in Chinatown prior to the forceful removal of its inhabitants to make way for Union Station. This project represents the significance and power of AR technology when combined with archival material to restore silenced narratives to the greater historical record. I also think it’s just a really beautiful way to use this interactive technology to teach people about a history or event they might not have heard of before. The fact that librarians, archivists, historians, and scholars are working together on this project makes it an even more valuable representation of how we can all participate in creating new and meaningful environments designed around connecting with, and learning about, other people and their experiences. 

While I don’t think we’re quite in our Ready Player One era, we’ve come a long way from the first instances of Augmented and Virtual Reality technology, and are sure to see even more innovation in the future!

A short video about the creation of the original Virtual Reality headset (Immersed Robot, 2024).

References

Charr, M. (2020, June 17). How technology is bringing museums back to life. MuseumNext. https://www.museumnext.com/article/how-technology-is-bringing-museums-back-to-life/ 

Immersed Robot. (2024, December 3). Ivan Sutherland and the Sword of Damocles [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osH3Bmp-36k&t=9s 

McGroarty, M. (2023, June 25). Virtual and augmented reality bring historical objects to life. USCDornsife. https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/virtual-and-augmented-reality-bring-historical-objects-to-life/ 

Richardson, J. (2024, July 12). Bringing the fin whale to life: Augmented reality at the national museum in Prague. MuseumNext. https://www.museumnext.com/article/bringing-the-fin-whale-to-life-augmented-reality-at-the-national-museum-in-prague/ 

Hyperlinked Communities: Exploring Possibilities

To pull a thought from an earlier post, if it is true that libraries are everchanging entities, it must also be true that the wants and needs of the people that use them are constantly evolving. The hyperlinked communities module made me reflect on this thought and look back at the changes that I have witnessed in public libraries over the last few years. During the peak of the pandemic, we were considering ways in which we could adapt to the needs of our community. The library I worked at, along with many others, shifted priorities to providing more virtual services and programs, diverting funding to provide greater accessibility to eBooks and audiobooks, and we became a center for handing out vital resources such as free COVID tests, and more recently, free baby formula. As time moved on and priorities shifted once again, we pivoted to re-establish in-person services and programs relevant to changing community needs. 

While we now have more available online resources to help fill in service gaps for those who are unable to attend in-person library programs, I do still wonder if we are reaching as many people as we could be. Stephens’ 2019 question of “What would make their lives easier?” (p. 80) when thinking about library patrons really resonates with me at this point in time, particularly as I have been thinking hard about how I can make a difference at the library I currently work for, and wherever I may end up later.

Stephens (2019) also mentioned that digital literacy will always be a necessity in terms of program offerings at libraries. Many of the folks in my community struggle with computer literacy, and so this is a service we focus on. We all depend on having an understanding of digital devices and platforms for daily life, and in finding and keeping employment. While digital literacy will remain a fundamental service in the teaching aspect of libraries for the foreseeable future, the hyperlinked communities module made me consider that we also have to think about what we can do for other patrons who may be looking for more of a new and explorative experience from libraries. 

An article by Warner (2024) stood out to me in the hyperlinked communities module. The author discussed 24/7 book kiosks and book lockers in detail. I honestly had never heard of the library kiosks prior to this course, although I am familiar with paid versions that exist for renting movies. My state does not have any of these kiosks, but I found one about 45 minutes away from me in Maryland that is located at a public park. I imagine it is a great location to draw in families and others who are enjoying some time outdoors. The kiosk is stocked by staff at the Queen Anne’s County Library, and is filled with books, movies, games, and more. The kiosk also has a screen where libraries can advertise their programs and online services that users may not otherwise know about, and in turn, this could help improve library program attendance or use of online services. Numbers always assist in budget validation, too! 

An advertisement for the Queen Anne’s County Library Kiosk located at Crumpton Park in Maryland.

I really like the idea of having these kiosks added to other public areas that have high foot traffic, such as malls, grocery stores, or public transportation stations/stops. They may be a bit pricey, but I think that if the kiosks fit within a given budget, the outreach with local businesses and centers for connection, along with the ability to reach community members whose schedules or busy lives may not align with their local library’s business hours, would be really beneficial for all involved! Having this option available for patrons would certainly help make their lives easier, and would make people reconsider preconceived notions they may have about libraries being outdated or irrelevant in the interconnected digital world of today.

Other strategies and services that I think would help strengthen the emotional and social impact of the library as a foundational community service include creating a Library of Things, setting up Little Free Libraries in the community, meeting people where they are with Bookmobiles, and facilitating general outreach and program collaboration with other community institutions that provide interactive, informative, and innovative services. As Lauersen (2025) wrote, “The ability to fantasize, dream, and imagine is a crucial driving force throughout our lives.” Wonder and curiosity are what propel us through life, and libraries provide services that help us develop our ability to dream of endless possibilities. The connections people build through library services are the fuel that keeps communities growing and thriving in both times of calm, and in more turbulent times, such as the ones we are living through today.

A photo of my coworker and the owners of the family-friendly Beer Garden where our library’s newest Little Free Library was installed. The location hosts many community events such as local music artist performances, yoga classes, and a running club, making it the perfect community gathering place to collaborate with!

Lauersen, C. (2025, February 5). The necessary nearness – an ode to bookmobiles. The Library Lab. https://christianlauersen.net/2025/02/05/the-necessary-nearness-and-ode-to-bookmobiles/ 

Queen Anne’s County Library. (2024, November 25). 📣 Exciting New Additions at the Kiosk! Make time this week to visit the Library on Your Schedule Kiosk at Crumpton Park. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=1002509138581825&id=100064682439547&_rdr 

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. American Library Association.

Warner, L. (2024, January 17). Revolutionizing public libraries: Three ways that alternative service delivery strategies can meet the challenges of a booming population. Medium. https://medium.com/@lauracwarner/revolutionizing-public-libraries-ff7fed3d12c5

For this post, I wanted to discuss foundations and the concept of Library 2.0 in the context of public libraries, primarily in the sense that public libraries are ever-changing spaces, and that this constant evolution really is the whole point of library services.

Something I found interesting is that in both Buckland’s 1992 text, Redesigning Library Services, and in Casey and Savastinuk’s 2007 text, Library 2.0, the same questions crop up that we still ask ourselves today in public library services. 20 to 30 years later and we are still curious about the same things, albeit in a world that has changed fairly drastically in terms of technology. We ask ourselves: What comes next? Where do we go from here? What will the future of libraries be? Are we still relevant?

In a way, these questions have remained unchanged for decades simply because libraries are always changing. There’s a level of uncertainty there that is, hopefully, embraced by every new generation of librarians. Buckland (1992) wrote that the library has two purposes: providing access to information, and ensuring that library services align closely with the needs of the people they serve. Although the methods of information delivery, the services provided, and the technologies present have changed over time, I do think that the ultimate purpose of libraries has remained constant: to be used by people who see themselves and their needs reflected in the services offered there.

While reading some of the other foundational texts in our earliest modules, something that stood out to me was the thought that I, and many of the colleagues I have worked with, can get so easily caught up in the challenges, bureaucracy, and red tape of librarianship, that we might end up forgetting why we are there in the first place. It’s not difficult to get lost in the need to “prove” that libraries are important, because often, numbers and statistics are what keep funding coming in from financial stakeholders. While these certainly are valid worries when considering how we can continue to provide services and adapt our services over time, we also need to remember why we have those services. Library patrons are not numbers on a budget sheet, but integral parts of their communities. In recognizing this, we can go back to our foundations and see what makes libraries so crucial. In my own view, the answer here is that public libraries bring people together. Libraries exist purely for the people that they serve. As information professionals, I think we are obligated to find out what our communities need, and attempt to fill in the gaps of service to the best of our abilities, while abiding by the limitations set forth by our budgets and governing bodies. This is the whole point and purpose of the Library 2.0: adapting to the changing technological environment, learning so that we can help others learn, and providing a space for creativity and community.

The very first thing I read for this course was the beginning of Stephens’ 2019 text, Wholehearted Librarianship. There is a part in the preface about the Community Closet run through the CADL in Lansing, and this reminded me of the personal care and hygeine organizer we have in my own library’s teen area for youth in need of those products. The items offered are basic, but they are necessities, and if they can help even one teen feel comfortable, safe, and cared for, then we’ve done our jobs right. I think Wholehearted Librarianship has really resonated with me, because it’s reminded me of the reason I wanted to be involved in libraries in the first place. Libraries are more than just spaces for books and quietude (although, they are still that at times, too). They are also spaces of comfort and connection. The notion that “The library should be human” (Stephens, 2019, p. 21) really rings true for me, as does the idea of the Caring Zone. Libraries only work well if the people working inside them genuinely care about the patrons using their services. Down below, I’ve included a video from the Santa Monica Public Library that showcases what public libraries really do for their communities. The “almost forgot this is the whole point” trend that’s been circulating on social media lately has really stuck with me, in both my personal and professional life. It’s a reminder that we’re not here for a long time, but we have to take care of each other and enjoy the little things while we can!

@smpubliclibrary

Almost forgot that this is the whole point 💖 We love our community! #SMPL #SMPublicLibrary #SantaMonicaPublicLibrary #TheBestLibraryOnTheWestCoast #TheWholePoint #Fyp#ForYou #LibrariesOfTikTok #BookTok #LibraryLove

♬ Take My Hand – Matt Berry

References

Buckland, M. (1992). Redesigning library services: A manifesto. American Library Association.

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007).  Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Information Today.

Santa Monica Public Library [@smpubliclibrary]. (2025, May 15). Almost forgot that this is the whole point ♥ We love our community! [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@smpubliclibrary/video/7504831836346928414

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. American Library Association.

Hi everyone! My name is Mollie and I am located on the East Coast in tiny Delaware! I have been working in public libraries for 11 years now and am currently working as a Reference Assistant in Adult Services. I started my library adventures working as a Page during my undergrad years while I was earning my B.A. in Anthropology, and was able to apply for a reference position in another location upon completing that degree. After quite a few years of doing what are essentially the same tasks as the librarians I work beside, I finally decided to go back to school for my MLIS, and started this process in the Spring of 2024. I am hoping that earning my MLIS, combined with my experience, will open the doors to some new opportunities. This is my fifth semester here at SJSU, and my final semester before taking the E-port course this Fall. I chose to take this class because of the wonderful reviews it has received, and because I think the content is highly interesting and relevant to the world we live and work in. I believe keeping up with emerging technologies, and being aware of their pros and cons, is a key part of being a great information professional!

For fun, I enjoy playing cozy video games, reading (mostly fantasy and sci-fi, but I really am open to anything!), finding new TV shows to binge, traveling with my partner, and going for walks with my dog Lucy. I also love to try out new creative hobbies and discover new music of all genres – if you have any suggestions, please feel free to share!! My current hyper-fixations are crochet, K-pop, and baking anything with lemons (the first very easy and fantastic recipe I tried, if you are interested: Sally’s Baking Addiction lemon bars, which I shared at a book club). Only time will tell what will be next!

(Lucy)