Kiana's Blog

@kianapouya

Inspiration Report – Virtual Reality for Museums

My Inspiration Report explores what Virtual Reality (VR) can offer the museum world. Imagine standing not just in front of a famous painting but stepping into its story.  Imagine what it would feel like to walk through historical sites long lost to time or to interact with ancient artifacts up close, unimpeded by a glass barrier. My report focuses on how VR can reshape the San Diego Museum of Art’s exhibitions by delving into the technology’s successes in other museums, its challenges, and the steps required to take to become a leader in this innovative future. By embracing VR, we cannot only redefine how people interact with art but also expand its accessibility, making the museum experience an even richer one that is inclusive for all.

You can check out the PDF here:  Virtual Reality for Museums-PouyaK   or the  LINK   *[I highly recommend the link option; that way you can access both the videos and the hyperlinked images on each slide]*

While researching examples of VR use in museums and institutions, I discovered an overwhelming number of fascinating cases. Initially, I ended up with 10 examples, which significantly increased the word count beyond the scope of this report. However, I couldn’t resist including these captivating examples, as they highlight some incredibly innovative use for VR in museums. To resolve this, I created a longer presentation featuring 7 additional slides, complete with videos showcasing these fascinating VR applications. If this topic intrigues you as much as it does to me, then you can explore the extended version:  HERE.

I really hope you enjoy my Canva presentation!

 

 

 

Reflection Blog #5: Learning Everywhere using Library Sensory Spaces

Learning is a lifelong journey, and for neurodivergent individuals, sensory-rich, interactive environments are especially vital in cultivating that natural learning. Popular among children aged 0 to 12,  library sensory spaces  encourage children to actively explore their curiosity by engaging with their environment through their senses of sight, sound, touch, and movement (Cooper, 2020).

Sourced from Public Libraries Connect (2020).

I can’t imagine how grueling it must be for neurodivergent children to visit their local library, faced with an endless selection of books, surrounded by aisles of cold, metallic shelves in a dead silent library space, all the while required to use your indoor voice at all times. The whole ordeal can be a nightmare for children with sensory processing disorders and their parents. Thus, it’s essential for libraries nationwide to address and accommodate the specific needs of this population to ensure and maintain inclusivity for everyone in their community.

Image generated using Canva from the prompt anxious child with sensory challenges navigating the library.

As spaces that encourage both quiet meditation and sensory exploration, many rooms are designed with equipment that appeal to all. In addition to kid-friendly play materials, like bubble tubes, gel tiles, weighted blankets, and cozy seating, these spaces can also benefit individuals recovering from strokes or traumatic brain injuries, as well as those with dementia (Fun & Function, n.d.).

Sourced from Hartford County Public Library (n.d.).

Multi-Sensory Room. Sourced from Neuse Regional library (n.d.).

Sensory spaces aren’t limited to public libraries though; even university libraries, like those at Penn State, offer neurodiverse students with sensory impairments access to at least three sensory rooms across the University Park campus. These multi-sensory environments are designed to alleviate the overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety many students bear by providing a calming and relaxing atmosphere for them to experience through gentle sensory cues. With only 39% of students with autism graduating from college compared to 52% of the general student population, the need for sensory spaces within university libraries is even greater for students who often face prejudice and stigma (University Libraries, n.d.).

Penn State Berks. Sourced from Sensory-Friendly Libraries (n.d.).

 

 

 

References

Cooper, D. (2020, February 17). Check out Marsden Library’s Sensory Space! Public Libraries Connect. https://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/check-out-marsden-librarys-sensory-space

Fun & Function. (n.d.). Library sensory rooms. https://funandfunction.com/blog/library-sensory-rooms?srsltid=AfmBOorLWSJ083ylHNQAtoI9b_oVbpUF7sVhz6Nxc2wHxyFpZUjEnJt9

Smith, C. (2022, September 1). Good vibrations: Libraries supply sensory spaces. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2022/09/01/good-vibrations/

University Libraries. (2023, October 27). Libraries piloting sensory rooms as supportive spaces for neurodiverse students. The Pennsylvania State University. https://www.psu.edu/news/university-libraries/story/libraries-piloting-sensory-rooms-supportive-spaces-neurodiverse-students

Reflection Blog #4: The Human Library Experience

I can’t believe I had never heard of the Human Library before this module; but, I absolutely love the idea and all the courageous people who participate in these events as both ‘books’ and ‘readers.’ Everybody has a personal story to tell, whether big or small or long or short; and there are many who simply want to listen and expand their perspective. It truly is a win-win situation for everyone. Libraries worldwide, particularly those in cities serving larger communities, should organize events like these for their patrons to actively engage in meaningful conversations aiming to challenge general assumptions, stereotypes, and biases that reduce others’ entire lived experiences to a few mere prejudices (Ray, 2019).

Sourced from PwC (n.d.).

Sourced from Human Library (2022).

There are many ways people can communicate and share their stories on the internet, such as through social media – notably reddit – but nothing beats the real-life version. Even if we were to assume everybody has pure intentions, some are better at lying or exaggerating their stories for attention and sympathy. But, the chance of that is significantly reduced during face-to-face settings, where anonymity is replaced with personal accountability.

Sourced from In The Loop | Columbia College Chicago (2018).

The Human Library’s long-term efficacy is more than apparent with the many participants’ surprising ability to vividly recall details of the event, in addition to recurring thoughts following months after the event. They were also able to increase their sensitivity to others by realizing that “inclusion goes further than acceptance or non-discrimination – it requires conscious action” (Arne-Skidmore, 2021). That is the precise sentiment our nation needs in order to heal the division tearing us apart.

Sourced from Unsplash (2022).

While this isn’t directly tied to the library profession, it still relates to information science. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out my favorite YouTuber, Peter Santenello, whose content has brought me closer to the raw and personal stories and perspectives of total strangers in a way that no news outlet ever has.

 

 

 

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/

Ray, M. (2019, April 12). Courageous conversations at the Human Library. Next Avenue. https://www.nextavenue.org/courageous-conversations-human-library/

Innovation Strategy & Roadmap – From Curiosity to Discovery: Citizen Science at the Library

My Innovation Strategy & Roadmap explores how Citizen Science can transform libraries and empower library users to actively engage in scientific research, collaborate with professional scientists, and contribute to real-world issues. Using an influential organization like SciStarter as my guide, I learned how science is made accessible to all through citizen science projects, events, and resources like pre-made project kits. My goal with this assignment is to demonstrate how libraries can adopt these impactful projects to spark curiosity and creativity in library patrons — especially children — by providing them with tools that anyone can use to actively and meaningfully contribute to real-world research and scientific discovery.

I hope you enjoy my Canva presentation! Here’s the LINK    or   PDF: Innovation Strategy & Roadmap-PouyaK

 

 

Reflection Blog #3: Exploring the Open Library System Model

It is not only necessary but vital for libraries to explore and embrace new service models that adapt to the evolving needs of their communities, shifting away from the outdated, conventional practices. One such model is the open library model, where library staff hours are combined with self-service to offer patrons greater access to the library by simply unlocking the doors with a keycard and pin code as video surveillance and RFID technology tracks their movements. This model has been highly successful in Denmark, attracting many happy loyal fans and even inspiring some to visit the library for the first time (Holmquist, 2016). 

Open+ Access Puts Library Staff Front & Center. Sourced from Bibliotheca (n.d.).

Swipe, type and enter. Sourced from Scandinavian Public Library Quarterly (n.d.).

Despite this technology allowing more libraries to increase their opening hours and stay open among widespread budget cuts, some locations across London have received backlash over safety concerns, such as disabled patrons being left alone and unable to access disabled toilets during unstaffed hours. Most of the contention, however, lies within north London’s Barnet borough, where 10 out of 14 libraries have part-time staffing while the rest are volunteer-run. As a result, Barnet’s council opted to use security guards for the entrances rather than raising staff hours, despite there being 33% less full-time working librarians since 2010 (Murray, 2019). 

Campaigners in Barnet, London, protest against cuts to libraries. Photo by Erini Rodis. Sourced from The Guardian (2019).

Furthermore, this video made by the Edgware Library in Barnet presents a few crucial risks inherent within the open library model. 

Although I don’t want to discredit the many benefits this model has created for patrons around the globe, it’s important to not allow it to be used against information professionals under the guise of budget cuts or unavailable funding. 

Because encouraging and inspiring staff members to view themselves as part wizards, geniuses, and explorers rather than mere part-time employees is how leading institutions, like the Anythink libraries, actually builds community through human connection, information, and engagement (Anythink Libraries, n.d.).

Anythink Backyard Concert Series. Sourced from Anythink Libraries Events (n.d.).

 

 

 

References

Anythink Libraries. (n.d.). Anythink staff manifesto. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/sites/default/files/imce_uploads/Anythink_Staff_Manifesto.pdf

Anythink Libraries. (n.d.). Anythink strategic plan 2018-2022. https://www.anythinklibraries.org/anythink-strategic-plan-2018-2022

Holmquist, J. (2016, April 6). Open libraries: Self-service libraries – the Danish way. https://janholmquist.net/2016/04/06/open-libraries-self-service-libraries-the-danish-way/

Murray, J. (2019, July 21). Backlash grows against unstaffed libraries. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jul/21/backlash-grows-against-unstaffed-libraries

Public Libraries News. (n.d.). List of staffless libraries in the United Kingdom and beyond. https://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/about-public-libraries-news/unstaffed-libraries

 

Reflection Blog #2: Exploring the Impact of Technology on Museums

The rapid technological advancement of the last decade has significantly transformed museums worldwide, reshaping how they engage with their visitors. Some believe that it has connected more visitors to museum exhibits and artifacts than ever before, while others disagree. 

As culturally hyperlinked environments, museums are some of the world’s leading institutions in utilizing incredibly innovative and emerging digital tools for enhancing user experiences.

For example, Tokyo’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation features the 6-meter OLED globe, Geo-Cosmos, to visualize near real-time changes occurring on Earth through geodata.

Geo-Cosmos. Sourced from Miraikan (n.d.).

In 2019, the Prado Museum in Madrid introduced its first 360-degree immersive experience using virtual reality. 

Virtual Tours. Sourced from Museo Del Prado (n.d.).

The Prado Museum | Madrid | Spain. Sourced from 360 Cities (2021).

In 2016, the National Museum of Singapore launched its Story of the Forest exhibition as an immersive, larger-than-life digital installation that would, along with a smartphone app, provide detailed information about the animated animals among the illuminated trees. 

Story of the Forest. Sourced from teamLab (2016).

Interview: teamLab. Sourced from TimeOut (2016).

In 2017, visitors to London’s Science Museum were able to immerse themselves in UK space travel history through a VR mission that reenacted British astronaut Tim Peake’s 400 km journey back to Earth, featuring a 12-minute video narrated by him while offering a unique view inside the Soyuz space capsule – an experience difficult to replicate without the use of technology (Charr, 2020). 

Moreover, researchers at the Melbourne Museum discovered that Bluetooth technology can enhance visitors’ experiences by (consensually) tracking highly engaged visitors’ movement to provide them with personalized guides based on their visitation patterns (Oliveira & Barba, 2018).  

However, opponents argue that although social media has sparked renewed interest into museums and garnered greater attention, attendance and revenue, it’s uncertain whether visitors are there to genuinely appreciate the art or make their next instagram reel (Daily Bruin Staff, 2016). 

Photo by Maria Mena. Sourced from CanadianArt (2017).

Consequently, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum created the #Startdrawing campaign to strongly discourage the use of cameras / mobile phones, encouraging guests to sketch the artworks rather than solely snapping pictures of them (Wanshel, 2015).  

Sourced from deMilked (2015).

 

 

 

 

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/

Daily Bruin Staff. (2016, January 20). The impact of social media on museums, art. Daily Bruin. https://dailybruin.com/2016/01/20/the-impact-of-social-media-on-museums-art

Oliveira, E. A. & Barba, P. D. (2018, December 11). How does learning happen in museums? Pursuit. https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/how-does-learning-happen-in-museums

Wanshel, E. (2015, November 23). Museum ‘bans’ cameras and asks guests to sketch art instead. The Huffington Post. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rijksmuseum-museum-bans-cameras-cell-phones-startdrawing_n_56532ff6e4b0d4093a585383

Reflection Blog #1: Serving Beyond Informational Needs

Better serving our communities and reaching everyone as @Michael noted in The Heart of Librarianship (2014) involves bridging the physical and virtual planes by “using technology to offer new ways to interact with the library” (p. 41). But before that, we need to explore resources that provide our patrons with trauma-informed care through “qualities such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and reflective action” emanating through everything we do (Garcia-Febo, 2018). 

Photo by Lina Trochez. Sourced from Unsplash (2017, September 14).

Libraries serving not only their patrons’ informational needs, but their basic mental and physical health needs too is, unfortunately, news to me. But reading about “Healthy Library, Healthy Life” (2022) and discovering the efforts librarians, like Cory Greenwood, have made at State Library Victoria to support their patrons’ health and well-being, worsened by the pandemic, is truly commendable. By creating the first strategic framework designed for public libraries to utilize globally, major libraries should follow suit and expand their crucial role as central figures representing and serving their communities and their rudimentary needs. 

Sourced from Medium (2022, December 5).

Hopefully, in the future, it will become the norm for librarians to assist their community members in distress by building library-health partnerships across various community groups and health organizations in addressing patrons’ “social connection, mental wellbeing and physical health” (Greenwood, 2022).

Sourced from Medium (2022, December 5).

Institutions enhancing this framework with emerging technological tools will be in a better position, “to support the development of healthy minds, healthy bodies and healthy communities, with a focus on prevention over cure, connection over isolation and collaborations that break down silos and amplify results” (p. 24). 

I absolutely LOVE this quote for many reasons; most of all is Greenwood’s emphasis on “prevention over cure” which I resonate with deeply. One of my many life mottos is to be as conscious as possible in every present moment; for doing so will inevitably reduce the number of mistakes and regrettable actions our egos are prone to making when we are operating within default mode. 

 

 

 

 

References

Garcia-Febo, L. (2018, November 1). Serving with love: Embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2018/11/01/serving-with-love/

Greenwood, C. (2022). Healthy library, healthy life. INCITE 43(6), 24. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Healthy-Library-Healthy-Life.pdf

Greenwood, C. (2022). Libraries for health & wellbeing: A strategic framework for public libraries. Medium. https://hohkyo.medium.com/libraries-for-health-wellbeing-a-strategic-framework-for-public-libraries-ce6657b79af3

Stephens, M. (2016). Reaching all users. In The Heart of Librarianship (pp. 41). American Library Association. 

Assignment X: Radical Trust in the Library Space

What I find most fascinating about radical trust is how it challenges the traditional boundaries that most libraries have operated within for a very long time. Throughout my life, I’ve only known traditional libraries with the “for books, not necessarily for people” mindset. However, I am excited to learn about libraries shifting away from this attitude to actually become more than just a place for books, but rather a third space for anyone to explore, create, and thrive within independently. That’s a whole new world to me!

 

Lending Beyond Books

Raymond Village Library.  Sourced from The Windham Eagle (n.d.).

Radical trust in libraries is a philosophy that emphasizes deep confidence in patrons’ ability to use library resources and spaces responsibly (Ashikuzzaman, 2024). As libraries evolve into community hubs offering much more than just books, they rely on this trust to successfully provide new services. An example of this would be the lending of non-traditional items like pots and pans, toys, tools, knitting kits, or fishing poles in regions like the Honeoye Library in the Finger Lakes, where people fish year-round (Blair, 2013). By enabling users to take ownership of their library experience through a newfound sense of accountability, libraries can actually transform into dynamic community hubs. By doing so, their patrons will feel more valued and more likely to actively contribute to the library’s future success and prosperity (Ashikuzzaman, 2024).

 

Creating Dynamic and Inclusive Spaces

Radical trust can also be found within the implementation of programs such as makerspaces. In these programs, users are often given access to expensive equipment or digital resources requiring proper care and safekeeping, while they explore various emerging technological tools like digital cameras (Stephens, 2010). However, how is one to know if they have any interest in, let’s say, photography or filmmaking without access to the right tools necessary for the endeavor? Trusting one’s library to provide access to such high-end equipment through the means of makerspaces allows users to actually know if a particular hobby will stick before spending loads of money on such expensive gear (Griggs, n.d.). 

3D Scanning at the Castlewood Makerspace. Sourced from the Arapahoe Libraries (2023).

 

Building Trusted User-Centered Services

As librarians, it is essential for us to trust our users to responsibly manage borrowed items and respect library spaces. Through this trust, we can build a positive atmosphere where patrons view the library as a collaborative space rather than a restrictive one, thus strengthening the relationship between the institution and the community. By trusting them, we will be able to reduce unnecessary barriers and truly improve their user experience, as well as our own. An example of this mutual sense of trust and respect can be found with the rise of self-checkout services. 

SFPL Book Stop on Treasure Island. Sourced from SF.gov (2023, March).

One notable example of such radical trust in action is the implementation of self-checkout systems, like the San Francisco Public Library’s first book kiosk, the SFPL Book Stop, which not only reduces the need for staff intervention but also allows users to manage their borrowing activities independently. The success of self-checkout systems is evident in their widespread adoption and positive user feedback from those who appreciate the increased control over their borrowing practices as they waste less time standing in long lines at the circulation desk (Bibliotheca, n.d.). 

 

Balancing Trust with Structure

However, trust does not mean a lack of structure. Clear guidelines and education on proper usage of these resources are essential to maintaining a healthy library-user relationship. Just as @Michael mentioned in The Transparent Library 2 (2007), rather than timidly avoiding patrons misusing library resources, our focus should remain on open communication and the continuous reinforcement of existing policies in lieu of banning the trusted service due to a few unpleasant users breaking the rules.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez. Sourced from Unsplash (2018, April).

 

Reflection 

As a future information professional, incorporating radical trust, for me, involves examining and addressing my own mental limitations and trust issues. Having witnessed others damaging resources or misusing library services in the past, unfortunately, I’m uncomfortable placing confidence in others’ ability to act responsibly without my close supervision. I even feel this way towards some family members. However, I realize this mindset is damaging to all, including myself, and can strongly limit any potential for innovation and community engagement. Moving forward, I will have to address these personal barriers in order to create an open and participatory environment where users are truly empowered to take ownership of their experiences within the ultimate library space.

 

 

 

References

Ashikuzzaman, M. (2024). Community engagement in libraries. LIS Education Network. https://www.lisedunetwork.com/community-engagement-in-libraries/

Bibliotheca. (n.d.). Why self-checkout is a game changer for libraries. https://www.bibliotheca.com/insights-trends-why-self-checkout-is-a-game-changer-for-libraries/

Blair, E. (2013). Beyond books: Libraries lend fishing poles, pans and people. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2013/08/13/211697593/beyond-books-libraries-lend-fishing-poles-pans-and-people

Casey, M., E. & Stephens, M. T. (2007). Ask for what you want. In The Transparent Library 2. Library Journal. https://tametheweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/TheTransparentLibrary2.pdf

Griggs, M. B. (n.d.). Libraries are great at lending all sorts of things—not just books. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/checking-out-tools-and-telescopes-local-libraries-180952662/

Schmidt, A. (2013). Earning trust: The user experience. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/Innovation/earning-trust-the-user-experience

Stephens, M. T. (2010). The hyperlinked school library: Engage, explore, celebrate. Tame The Web. https://tametheweb.com/2010/03/02/the-hyperlinked-school-library-engage-explore-celebrate/

 

My Introduction!

Hi all,

My name is Kiana. And I currently live in Laguna Beach, CA. I graduated with a BA in Psychology at UCI, initially wanting to become a therapist; but upon graduating, I discovered that it is not the right path for me in life. I just don’t think I’m emotionally strong enough to hear others’ issues whilst giving them advice. I have a new respect for those who do because I think it would be hard for me to draw the work/life balance within that field.

But Library sciences (with a specific focus on Archives) seem more objective and scientific, therefore, more so up my alley. I only recently discovered by passion for becoming an archivist after viewing some old family vacation pictures. So unfortunately, I didn’t take any specific internships or gain any experiences with information retrieval system designs at UCI’s libraries while I was still in undergrad, for I was really confused about my future during those years. And I can’t fully say that feeling has left me but it has diminished greatly since becoming an MLIS student.

I chose this course because I want to learn how the hyperlinked library model promotes collaboration between libraries and their communities or even global networks. Although my generation (gen Z) tends to be more versed in technology than other generations, I am excited to learn and focus on the hyperlinked libraries’ integration of technology into library services; and how varying digital tools and online resources can really enhance traditional library functions, while I, myself, get accustomed to utilizing WordPress and its “social media”-esque landscape.

As for my interests, I enjoy cooking and baking healthy, low-sugar options of classic pastries, spending time with family, going to the beach, hiking, doing jigsaw puzzles, reading fantasy novels and creating jewelry for myself and others.

 

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