“BEING ADAPTABLE IN a flat world, knowing how to ‘learn how to learn,’ will be one of the most important assets any worker can have, because job churn will come faster, because innovation will happen faster,”-Thomas Friedman (Stephens, 2016). Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about how to continue learning even after I graduate. I’ve said before that I want to do many things. Unfortunately, it often feels like I don’t have enough time. I know I have to make the time for myself, but what does that look like? I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of thinking that in order to learn, I need a teacher to instruct me…

“Many readers may recall the mantra of Erik Boekesteijn, Doklab consultant and senior advisor to the National Library of the Netherlands: libraries should keep stories, share stories, and make stories” (Stephens, 2019). This module presented the perfect opportunity to return to my idea of fandom-infused critical librarianship, in which I’ve argued that libraries should embrace and encourage remix culture to better serve and connect with their patrons. As our online culture continuously homogenizes, bringing even niche subcultures to the forefront of the modern zeitgeist, everyday human interaction transforms into participatory culture. Fandom evolves from a group who share a specialized interest to become a major framework in understanding and connecting…

❁ “Why do some cities, including San Jose, fail to make the kinds of investments that help libraries become more accessible? I think it’s because too many cities are led by people who don’t recognize the enduring value of libraries. Too many American elites – in policy, business, and philanthropy – see them as luxuries, rather than as critical social infrastructures. I hope my book helps them change their perspective. (Gaetani, 2018)” ❁ I like learning about all of these new and innovative library models, and reading about them fills me with inspiration and hope. I get excited imagining what libraries can be, as a librarian and as a patron.…

WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT THIS WAY ✿ “I urged readers to explore alternatives and new ways of working to make sure efficiencies couldn’t be improved. I cautioned: if librarians are hiding behind that phrase because they’ve had enough new things or just want to keep things the same, it might be time to move on” (Stephens, 2019). This week, for my reflection on Hyperlinked Environments, I chose to engage with the section on hyperlinked Museums, Galleries, and Archives. I was initially excited to learn about new innovative technologies being used in museums and galleries, like those mentioned in the Museum Next and the Museums and the Web articles. Although I…

“The public library as a societal institution is an important response to the reading crisis, but no institution can carry the task alone. The crisis calls for a much broader approach, where the collaboration between institutions and actors (libraries, daycare centers, schools, etc.), and citizens’ daily lives (families, friends, associations, etc.) is unfolded and strengthened so that we can truly lay the foundation for a strong reading culture in Denmark” (Lauersen, 2025). A lot of the readings in module 5, Hyperlinked Communities, gave some really great examples of the different ways libraries and library workers have implemented to better meet and serve the needs of their communities. Each article I…

“In fact, if I keep my head down and accomplish my goals, I won’t add the type of value I’m capable of. I need to browse. I even need to play. Without play, only Shit Happens. With play, Serendipity Happens” (Levine et al., 2009). Why does this theme stand out to you? Is it pointless to dream? “Second, business hierarchies are power structures only because fundamentally they’re based on fear” (Levine et al., 2009). Recently, I’ve been thinking about my career. I’m working towards my MLIS, and I like the idea of working within libraries, but, in some ways, I still feel deeply dissatisfied with my potential future. I love…

Hello, my Name is Naikia Felder, but my artist name is Celeste. I am a writer, illustrator, and designer currently located in South Carolina. I lived in LA for the past four years, but unfortunately, I developed an autoimmune disorder that has forced me to move back home. Previously, I worked in TV animation, but recently I have started branching out into comics, game development, and, of course, libraries. I am in my second-to-last semester at SJSU, and I’m excited to graduate. My MLIS will be my third degree, and I’m definitely looking forward to not being in college anymore. ✿ I have zero experience working in libraries, but I’ve…