Over the course of this summer, I’ve learned a lot about stretching what it means to be an information professional. Before this course, I thought of libraries and archives primarily through the lens of collections, preservation, and metadata. Because most of my graduate coursework focused on technical services, I viewed those behind-the-scenes systems as the more important parts to learn in this program. Throughout this course, I started to realize that those systems are only meaningful because they help support the people using the library/archive. Hyperlinked librarianship shifted my perspective from asking “how do we organize this information?” to asking “how will people experience this information, and how can we build connections around it?”

There are two main subjects throughout my blog that I’ve continuously returned to- emerging technologies and how these technologies could (or could not) be useful in a GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) environment. I frequently related our coursework to my work and thinking about ways that I could incorporate these concepts into my job. 

For example, in my reflection post about hyperlinked communities, I discussed social media use in GLAM, particularly the Getty’s approach to incorporating its collections into social media posts to connect with the general public and encourage further engagement and community connection (Getty Museum). As I thought more about how I can apply this to my work, I thought about how I could apply that same logic and create themed posts that celebrate different local holidays or organizations. For example, for Halloween I’m creating an “art graveyard” post to celebrate temporary art installations that are no longer on view.

A lot of the principles that we are taught in this program is to emphasize information dissemination and collaboration with others, which are also helpful outside of the library field. However, instead of focusing on maximizing profits or production, information professionals can better measure success through relationships, trust, accessibility, and meaningful community impact. This course reminded me that our work is more than just maintaining collections but also creating opportunities for people to connect with the information and each other (Stephens, 2019). Whether that happens through programming, a social media campaign, or a project, people should feel included, informed, and inspired by what we do.

As I continue my career in art and collections, I hope to carry on these ideas by designing programming and projects that prioritize community participation over presentation. I want to continue exploring how emerging technology, social media, and collaborative partnerships can create more accessible collections that center community voices. I understand now that those technical tools (metadata, etc.) serve as a means to an end and the people we serve will always be the most important part of the work.

References

Getty Museum [@gettymuseum]. (2026, July 23). Happy Leo season! [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DbJxDObj34k/

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