In reading about hyperlinked libraries and communities over the last couple weeks, I can’t help but recognize the theme of accessibility and inclusivity  throughout the articles and other materials.  At its heart, hyperlinked libraries and communities revolve around the idea of connection, communication, and creativity, and they inherently promote the idea of libraries expanding their reach to include more people and populations.

I appreciated how Lauersen explains the differences between diversity and inclusion, writing that “Diversity is being invited to a party. Inclusion is being asked to dance” (Lauersen, 2018). Of course, diversity in libraries is important, especially in the contexts of representation of marginalized identities through library materials’ authors, characters, and library staff. However, the presence of diverse people and library materials  isn’t enough  to sit back and call it a day. Inclusivity is an active process that necessitates consistent efforts to ensure that there is equitable access to information and library resources.

With the event of the COVID-19 pandemic and related shut downs of physical library services, many libraries put more emphasis into virtual and online library resources.  Although, this expansion of services contributes to library accessibility efforts outside of a pandemic setting as well. Many people face barriers to accessing physical library spaces for a miriad of reasons, such as transportation limitations, physical disabilities, or lack of childcare support. Online and virtual library services promote accessibility outside of a physical library setting, and Lauersen writes in a recent 2025 article about the use of bookmobiles and how they aid in library accessibility (Lauersen, 2025). I personally have a spot in my heart for bookmobiles and remember them fondly from my childhood, but they’re also an excellent tool to promote reading, literacy, curiosity, and education for our communities outside the walls of a physical library location. For people with limited internet access at home, bookmobiles can be a way to better fulfill the library and information needs of our underserved community members.