Romanticizing Libraries

5 Comments

  1. Carlee Hayden

    This is a really cute presentation! Super cozy.
    I really want to focus on the “appreciating libraries” slide. One of the biggest things that users say to me after attending a program is… “I didn’t know you guys offered this”. It is always astounding to me but also something that I brought up in my class with Professor Tunon. I think that users get information overload and find it hard to understand how much a library truly offers. I have users who just visit to say hello and I love that for them. They find it is a safe space where they feel connected. Of course I help with book requests but often find myself talking about their accomplishments, families, and other unrelated to library topics in order to bond on a deeper level.

    • Michelle Sosa

      Hi Carlee! Thank you so much for your comment! I completely agree, sometimes I get carried away with explaining library resources and I realize that I leave some patrons like a deer in headlights, haha. You’re totally right, sometimes it’s just too much information at once and patrons don’t know where to start. I try to ease them into as best as I can. It’s nice to witness when they find their place in the library.

  2. Kiana Pouya

    Hi Michelle,

    First off, your slides are absolutely exquisite. They’re so beautifully colorful and engaging. If you don’t mind me asking but which presentation tool did you use? It’s a must have.

    Also, I had never heard of #hygge before; but even after searching it, I don’t quite understand it other than a Danish quaint or cozy lifestyle, but regardless, I learned something new today 🙂

    Anyway, I wholeheartedly agree with you regarding shifting library’s focus from books to nurturing relationships and community. But that definitely begins with a happy staff and “staff orientation and guidance” as you mentioned. When a library system focuses on contented staff members, then that will naturally translate to satisfied users. Honestly, a “happy staff = happy patrons = happy library” mindset is true for almost every facet there is in life, including private businesses.

    • Michelle Sosa

      Hi Kiana!
      Thank you! I used canva for my slides! They have so many cute things there!!
      I got the word hygge from Dr. Stephens’s chapter in his book Wholehearted Librarianship. So glad you agree with these concepts! I love the idea of a happy and cozy library!

  3. Jemielyn Llaguno

    Hi Michelle!

    Thank you for mentioning staff contributions! As much as the library is diverse with its community, a huge part of the experience that people have are because of the staff that are there. It is so important the staff feel just as valued as the community. I think sometimes that is where there can be some issues with the library, because there is such a big emphasis on user experience, but I keep thinking: who is looking out for the library staff?

    Also, the way you presented this is just ADORABLE! Thanks for sharing!

Leave a Reply

The act of commenting on this site is an opt-in action and San Jose State University may not be held liable for the information provided by participating in the activity.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *