How do we find success in the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession? Michael Stephens (2019) presented an equation to help break down the necessary elements:

Essential Skills + Mindset² × Support = Success

The first element of this equation comes from formal and informal education, including MLIS courses as well as professional and general life experience. While this aspect is just as vital to success as the rest, I found myself reflecting more on both mindset and support as they relate to learning experiences. For me, the former breathes life into practice and the latter provides solid ground from which to continue that practice. So how do we address these ideas?

Mindset

Our approach to the LIS profession must be reflective and intentional. Stephens (2025) connected a series of concepts for what he referred to as soft skills or “❤️ skills”. Many of them resonated with me as ways to focus my mind – and heart – on the work ahead. Through curiosity, creativity, balance, and compassion, we can connect with people, explore deeper, and develop new ideas. I hope I’m not assuming too much by saying that I think most of us are here because we care about and want to help people. This is certainly true for me. However, it can be almost too easy for me to care so much that I end up with a great deal of compassion fatigue and I need time to get back to those ❤️ skills.

Support

Institutional leadership can help with professional growth through transparent communication and inclusive management practices. It’s also important that leadership is adaptable and open to new ideas – after all, the success of the staff can mean the success of the organization. This ideal scenario isn’t always reality, though, and the stress and setbacks of navigating professional growth without that support can be overwhelming. Hopefully, as long as we can hold onto our positive mindset, we have the capacity to guide our own professional development. This is where strategic, curious, and skeptical learners can navigate professional learning experiences in their own ways (Stephens, et al., 2021).

The important thing to remember is that we don’t just obtain the skills, mindset, and support to be successful and then move on. We are constantly learning and adapting, for our own knowledge-building  and to prepare us to use our learned skills for the people we are committed to serving. Finding ways to continue this work while also maintaining healthy self-care practices is also essential. Professional learning experiences can be found in formal conferences, individual resource exploration, and in partnerships or mentorships with other LIS professionals. Whichever is your preferred method of learning, be curious, be creative, find balance, and greet the world with compassion. Happy learning!

References

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.

Stephens, M. (2025). [Video lecture on reflective practice.] Retrieved July 24, 2025, from the course site for INFO 287: The Hyperlinked Library at San Jose State University.

Stephens, M., Partridge, H., Davis, K., & Snyder, M. (2021). The strategic, curious & skeptical learner: Australian public librarians and professional learning experiences. Public Library Quarterly.

I love books. I have always loved books. As a kid, I couldn’t stop reading and would get in trouble at school or for staying up past my bedtime. I was shy and had a difficult time finding comfort in building new relationships. Books were my escape into worlds of acceptance and camaraderie. 

Then in college, I was flung into depression and I read to avoid facing the pain and numbness of the world. Perhaps because I didn’t have a strong social network behind me, I suffered. I stopped caring about my own wellbeing and simply functioned on autopilot – going through the motions without thought or awareness. But graduation was approaching and I knew I couldn’t survive on autopilot for long. Amazingly, a job opportunity in a high school library popped up immediately. Still deeply enshrouded in mental fog, I pushed myself to apply and interview. I got it. 

The librarian at the school was excited for me to start and invited me to tour the library. It was class time and the hallways were quiet, but as we approached the library doors, a student was leaving. It was clear she was ditching, but the librarian graciously introduced us. In the awkwardness of the situation, the student was flustered and barely managed to greet me. 

That was the moment. 

It wasn’t about me anymore. I needed to start caring again. For her. I was awkward and I knew that feeling of being caught doing something you weren’t supposed to do. I was only a few years older and barely had any more life experience, but I wanted to be part of a support system that I had lacked. These teenagers were just trying to find themselves and their place in the world. And I wanted to help them.

This is my story, at least in part. So I ask you now, can you relate to it?

Did you read as much as I did?

Have you experienced mental health concerns?

Have you overcome mental obstacles?

Have you found what you want to do with your life?

Even if you can’t answer any of these questions, maybe you at least know me a little better. A small connection that can transform into a vast network of stories. Hopefully we can start to share a narrative, build empathy, listen to each other, and begin to understand the WHY.

Storytelling components for impact (Library 2.0, 2020).

Storytelling is a powerful tool for personal growth, getting to know a community, and creating an impactful library. Understanding why we’re here and why people come to the library will not only inform potential programming and services, but it can also communicate value to library funders (Library 2.0, 2020). Additionally, breaking down barriers between each other involves self-reflection, and being supportive means more than just acceptance – it requires action (Arne-Skidmore, 2021). Behavioral changes, leadership changes, or programming changes can make a huge difference in connecting with people.

Here are a couple examples of inclusive action through storytelling:

• 

  Reading Garden (Human Library, n.d.).

  The Human Library – This program offers readers a chance to check out “human books” and have a conversation with someone who has a particular perspective or life experience. By asking questions, engaging with new ideas, and finding shared understanding, individuals and communities are brought together (Wentz, 2013).

• 

  Sensitive Santa (Yarra Libraries, 2022).

  Sensitive Santa – This program is an alternative to a shopping center Santa experience for neuro-divergent children. A sensory-friendly environment with staff and a Santa who know each family’s needs provide a space for kids to connect without feeling overwhelmed (Library 2.0, 2020).

Finally, I leave you with a small reminder to be genuine and present. Michael Stephens (2019) shared a tip for fellow presenters, but I think it can also be applied to our interactions with each other and our communities:

“Be yourself, share your story honestly, and your audience will be right there with you.”

References

Arne-Skidmore, E. (2021, August 4). New study on the impact of the Human Library. Human Library.

Human Library. (n.d.). Human Library Reading Garden. 

Library 2.0. (2020, March 11). The power of stories [Video]. YouTube.

Stephens, M. (2019). Office hours: With a little twist & power of the pod. INFO 287 – The Hyperlinked Library.

Wentz, E. (2013, April 26). The Human Library: Sharing the community with itself. Public Libraries Online.

Yarra Libraries. (2022, December 22). Sensitive Santa | Yarra Libraries 2022 [Video]. YouTube.

I would love to explore the idea of meeting people where they are. I have applied this idea in the past by considering the mental, emotional, or developmental space patrons may be in and by gearing library materials and services to better serve them. However, I admit I don’t always think about a patron’s physical space. If a patron isn’t physically in the library, how can I help them? Perhaps by providing online options, or… – and this seems obvious now – GO TO THEM!

Popup Library (10TV, 2025).

Library Kiosk (Zuvanich, 2023).

Services like bookmobiles, pop-up libraries, little free libraries, and other similar options can provide different forms of support for patrons who are remote or unable to get to their main local library. Additionally, nonusers of the library probably don’t even realize what they’re missing! It would be great to design ways for anyone and everyone to interact with library services and resources no matter if they come to the library or not. This can be an important aspect of building social infrastructure and inclusion, which Eric Klinenberg addresses as promoting civic cohesion (Gaetani, 2018).

Rolling Library (SPL, 2022)

One example of bringing library resources to the public where they are is the Rolling Library Train in Sacramento (Sacramento Public Library, 2022). Doubling as public transport and a library, this train features QR codes offering downloadable materials and access to library resources while users commute to their various destinations. Through collaboration and innovation, this service removes barriers to literacy and lifelong learning as well as encourages the use of public transport over driving.

Library bench (Furbee, 2023).

Another innovative idea to connect with people where they are is the installation of solar-powered benches in the community, as was done by the Pioneer Library System in Oklahoma (Furbee, 2023). These high-tech benches offer free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and QR codes to access library materials. Originally installed to bridge the digital divide during COVID-19, they also support tourists and patrons while they’re out and about or just passing by.

Through strong partnerships with city officials, models for meeting people where they are in their day-to-day environments can be achieved. While working with the Friends group for my local library, a member of the public responded to our promotion efforts with, “Oh, I love the library! I didn’t know there was one in this town. Where is it?” “Right across the street!” we replied. So easily the little building was overlooked and forgotten. All the more reason to create access points for everyone, no matter where they are!

References

10TV Web Staff. (2025, February 15).  Columbus Metropolitan Library introduces pop-up library truck. 10 WBNS.

Furbee, B. (2023, May 1). Sit and Surf. American Libraries Magazine.

Gaetani, M. (2018, November 11). Q&A with Eric Klinenberg. Stanford University.

Sacramento Public Library. (2022, August 31). Read and ride on the new Sacramento Rolling Library Train. Sacramento Regional Transit.

Zuvanich, A. (2023, November 27). Houston Public Library launches self-service book kiosk at Hobby Airport. Houston Public Media.

I appreciate the efforts being made to incorporate diverse cultures into library settings and services, particularly the values and customs of local Indigenous communities. Creating respectful and inclusive spaces is such an important aspect of meeting a community’s needs and developing a place of trust. According to the National and State Libraries of Australasia, a culturally safe library is an environment “where people feel supported, can express themselves and their culture, history and identity with dignity and pride” (NSLA, n.d.). Making a change in this direction can open the doors to people who may have previously felt invisible or unwelcome.

Information organizations have existed for so long, creating ways of organizing and disseminating knowledge and providing outreach for the community. Over time, it may be easy to accept the traditional methods and not consider any institutional changes to reflect ongoing changes in the community. It is important to stay connected and to identify the cultural values  of the people being served to respectfully engage and honor them.

Northern Humboldt Indian Ed.

I work in a school with an Indian Education Program that offers language classes, club activities, cultural events, and support for Indigenous students (Indian Education Program, n.d.). Over the last few years, effort has been put into integrating language and culture into day-to-day school life. All around campus, including the library, posters and communications that have English and Spanish now also include Yurok – a local Indigenous language that was nearly extinct until it was offered as a class 25+ years ago. Collaborative efforts have also increased the number of events and activities for the entire student body, allowing Indigenous students and families to share their stories and customs while building self-esteem.

Other examples of Indigenous inclusion

In Galiwin’ku, a remote community in northern Australia, the library chose to do away with the Dewey Decimal system (Thompson & Trevaskis, 2018). The organization of books made little sense to the users of the space so a more culturally-centered method of organization was implemented. By grouping books according to local community values and interests, library users felt validated and were more empowered to use the space.

The Indigenous Knowledge Centre on Mua Island in northern Australia, offered free digital workshops for their local community (Reynolds, 2025). Not only did this program allow people to share their stories and artwork, it also gave them an opportunity to learn new digital skills and apply creativity to these learning experiences. The participatory environment provided users a space to gather, create, share, and learn together.

References

Indian Education Program. (n.d.). Brief History of Indian Ed Title VI in CA. Northern Humboldt Union High School District.

National and State Libraries of Australasia. (n.d.). Culturally safe libraries: Working with Indigenous collections. 

Reynolds, M. (2025, March 24). Digital skills spark new creative ideas in Arkai (Kubin) on Mua Island. State Library of Queensland.

Thompson, J. & Trevaskis, L. (2018, August 21).  Galiwin’ku library closes book on the Dewey Decimal System to prioritise Yolngu culture. ABC News.

I have been drawn to the issue of accessibility – not just making services accessible on site and online, but also accessible to remote patrons. Bookmobiles are one example of reaching the communities who are too far from and/or are unable to transport themselves to the nearest library. Without solutions like this, remote communities easily become non-users of the library, and then the question arises: are their needs being met? 

Libraries strive to support and engage their communities to create a strong and open society. Programs and services are designed to meet specific needs identified in these communities and statistics focus on the number of circulations or program attendance. Unfortunately, community-centered services can leave out remote patrons. This exclusion of part of the population can be extremely detrimental. As Lauersen (2018) noted, “inclusion makes you thrive mentally and physically, gives us the opportunity to learn from others and to help others and it can help us feel that we belong.”

In my own location, 47.6% of the population live in the largest cities, leaving most of the population spread out in rural, and often remote, areas (HCOE, n.d.). The bookmobile that serves some of those remote communities offers books and other library materials that can be browsed or requested ahead of time, prizes for kids, participation in the Summer Reading Program, and a knowledgeable librarian to answer questions and help connect people with resources (Humboldt County Library, n.d.). 

Rural areas are less likely to have consistent internet access, making online services difficult or impossible to use (Swan et al., 2013). Mobile solutions, like bookmobiles, are a great strategy for bridging the gap. Resources and opportunities delivered to remote patrons allow them to connect with needed information and remain an inclusive part of the community. From finding details on housing and job opportunities to engaging the imagination with mobile storytimes, on-the-go library services can make a huge difference in the lives of people who could otherwise struggle without this kind of support. Traditional services as well as technological services delivered to remote areas can build stronger communities outward. 

Examples of services for remote patrons

• 

  Lauersen, 2025.

  Lauersen (2025) reported on a Danish bookmobile that brought together people of small village communities. He noted that this service not only engaged the community with library resources, but also served to combat isolation and improve societal welfare. Investing in library services that can make strong connections such as this is necessary through collaboration between information organizations and the people they serve.

• A community-funded bookmobile for Quincy Public Library in Illinois supports their remote patrons, from kids to seniors (Muddy River News, 2025). They offer access to traditional books, audiobooks, movies, wireless internet, printing and copying, and a knowledgeable librarian. Budgetary issues removed the mobile library for some time, but the community saw the importance of the library experience for those who cannot physically get to the public library (Quincy Public Library, n.d.).
• 

  FELA, 2014.

  In Northern Colombia,  a “Biblioburros” – a mobile library carried on the backs of two donkeys – visits remote farming communities (Rocketboom, 2009). The schoolteacher who runs the program from his home is committed to providing books and personal connection for children. This service supports literacy, lifelong learning, and empowerment for those who would otherwise be without.

References

Federation of European Literacy Associations. (2014, May, 14). [Photograph of the Biblioburro in Colombia].

Humboldt County Library. (n.d.). Bookmobile. Humboldt County.

Humboldt County Library – Eureka Main Branch. (2025, May 10). [Photograph of a bookmobile parked on the side of a remote, rainy road]. Facebook.

Humboldt County Office of Education. (n.d.). Fast facts. 

Lauersen, C. (2018, June 7). Do you want to dance? Inclusion and belonging in libraries and beyond. The Library Lab.

Lauersen, C. (2025, February 5). The necessary nearness – an ode to bookmobiles. The Library Lab.

Muddy River News. (2025, April 25). Book nook: To the bookmobile! [Video]. YouTube.

Quincy Public Library. (n.d.). Mobile library. 

Rocketboom. (2009, September 30). Library on a donkey [Video]. YouTube.

Swan, D. W., Grimes, J., & Owens, T. (2013, September). The state of small and rural libraries in the United States. Institute of Museum and Library Services.