In my best of reflection blog post, I will discuss the topics that resonated with me most from my past blogs 2, 3, 4, and 5, covering the topics of the digital divide, embracing social justice, conversation bowls, homeless Tai Chi, human libraries, and digital literacy for children and teens. Although these topics are diverse, they are connected by common themes of libraries as inclusive spaces, digital literacy and equity, and the evolving role of libraries beyond being buildings filled with books. Exploring these topics throughout the Hyperlinked Libraries course helped me realize how much libraries have transformed. They have evolved from institutions centered primarily on book collections into spaces…

In this module, Library as a Classroom, I was most inspired by teaching children digital literacy skills and integrating STEM with cooking programs for children and youth. Children and Teen Digital Literacy Children and teens online safety is increasingly important in today’s digital world. I found Park’s (2016) article on digital skills and intelligence particularly insightful. Libraries should offer programs that teach digital literacy alongside online safety. As Park (2016) explains, these programs can address important topics such as cyberbullying, online grooming, technology addiction, hate speech, violent content, data theft, scams, obscenity, and radicalization. They should teach young people about their digital rights, relevant policies, and where to seek legal…

Please find attached PDF link to inspiration report: Faces of Parkdale Building Community Through Instagram

One of my earliest memories of discovering diverse stories comes from reading my favorite childhood book series, Magic Tree House, by Mary Pope Osborne. In the series, two siblings, Annie and Jack, travel through time in their magical tree house, visiting different historical events and countries. For example, in one book they travel to the night the Titanic sank, while in another they traveled through the jungles of India in search of ancient ruins and tigers. As Stephens (2019) mentioned, libraries are places where stories from around the world are collected and catalogued for everyone to discover. It was from my school library and local public library where I discovered…

Three topics that stood out to me during my exploration of the Module 8 New Models lecture were designing children’s spaces, conversation bowls, and homeless Tai Chi. Designing Children’s Play Spaces In the lecture video, there was a section about Copenhagen, where it was stated that “playing is an accepted part of library behaviour these days, and 25 years ago it was totally forbidden”. This part really resonated with me. It reminded me of my organization, Toronto Public Library (TPL) and how our branches have transformed the children’s areas into unique play spaces called KidsStop. For example, the Fairview branch has small ramps where children can climb and slide while…

The link to slideshow can be found below as I was unable to insert the PowerPoint slides. Innovation Strategy and Roadmap: Canadian Newcomers 101-Pathways to a Successful Life Canadian Newcomes 101 PDF

Reading the report by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (2015) and the article by Pyatetsky (2015) about how libraries around the world support refugees and immigrants reminded me of my own immigrant parents. My parents immigrated from Sri Lanka to Canada in the 1990s after fleeing the civil war. When they arrived, they spoke very little English and knew almost nothing about their new home. Their experience helped me understand the important role that libraries can play in supporting newcomers as they adapt to a new country. The neighbourhood where my family lived had a large population of Sri Lankan immigrants and refugees. As a result, the…

After completing the Hyperlinked Communities module, the themes that resonated most with me were the growing digital divide, social justice in libraries, and the role of libraries as safe spaces. These topics are particularly meaningful to me because of my strong commitment to social justice and ensuring everyone keeps up with the rapidly changing technology. Digital Divide and Libraries Reading the Williams & Muller (2021) article on how libraries are helping bridge the digital divide in their communities prompted me to reflect on my own role as a library staff member. At my branch, I am one of the staff members responsible for implementing a Wi-Fi hotspot lending program. Through…

What is participatory service, and why is it important for future teen services in the library? This concept was introduced in the Hyperlinked Library course and emphasizes involving the community that libraries serve in the planning and development of services and programs. It prompted me to consider how teen patrons could be actively involved in designing and brainstorming ideas about the resources, programs, and spaces they want the library to provide. Engaging teens in this process is important because it helps ensure that library services remain relevant, responsive, and meaningful for our community youth. My awareness of the lack of teen participation in libraries began during my library assistant job…

Hello Everyone, Welcome to my introductory blog post. My name is Nimaliny Kumaradevan and I am currently in my second semester of the MLIS program at San Jose State University. I have been fortunate to work at various Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches and departments in various job titles as a page, public service assistant, payroll clerk, and accounting clerk. Currently, I am working as a library assistant, and my dream is to become a children’s or youth librarian. Working as a front-line worker allows me to interact with patrons and hear about the different information and technological needs they have. At my branch, I have assisted the librarians in…