Participatory Service & Transparency

Why does this theme stand out to you?
A concept that really stood out to me in the first couple of modules so far is the participatory services a library offers. Growing up with immigrant parents, my mom really took advantage of visiting the library together and using its resources in gaining information and learning skills, but it was mostly through books. Now looking back, I am not sure if the local library we visited did not offer as many participatory services or she was unaware of them. Either way, see the amount of services and events that invite participation from the community now is really inspiring!

What are your initial reactions or questions?
My initial reactions were mostly of appreciation for my local libraries. I realized the article by Candice Mack about the Los Angeles Public was from 2013 and it mentioned inspirations from the Maker Movement and questioning if libraries should have makerspaces. Now in 2026, the main LAPL branch has an absolutely amazing makerspace called the Octavia Lab, named after author Octavia E. Butler. Patrons may come in and use sewing and embroidery machines, 3D print things from files or use their 3D scanner, create a podcast or livestream using their gear, and this is just naming a few. I was actually curious about other services they offered and discovered you can borrow solar panels, mobile hotspot devices, computer bundles, and more. Actually, there is A LOT more on their website than I can list here.

How might this idea shape your perspective on libraries, learning, and community?
Libraries are central hubs for many different types of resources in regards to learning and community—much more than my initial understanding of libraries from when I was a kid. As excited as I get about spreading the word on how much libraries offer, it really worries me about their future as funding can be difficult to obtain and as the years come and go, budgets for libraries continue to be deliberately diminished . 

Can you connect it to your past experiences or future goals?
Two past experiences stand out to me in connection to the section of “Age of Participation” in the Heart of Librarianship. Last summer, I volunteered at my local library and noticed an event on their calendar that caught my attention. It invited kids who had trouble reading out loud to attend the event and practice reading to therapy dogs. It evoked a feeling of belonging and community to have a safe and caring space for kids to read without judgement. An example of empathy and kindness.
Another experience was when I joined a friend’s DnD campaign. He wanted to meet and build relationships with colleagues through something he enjoyed—being a DM (Dungeon Master). It was made possible by going to the LAPL to use their large poster printers to print out a large map of the land and he used their 3D printers for a few small figurines. This helped build community among us that would not have existed before and without this opportunity.

Where do you see this theme showing up in practice?
I can see this showing up in practice at libraries who communicate with their community. I don’t think it will matter much on what type of library it is, whether public, special, or academic. If librarians have conversations with their patrons through surveys, observation, or anything else, they would be able to create and build participation with limited resources through creativity and innovation. Obviously, it is much easier said than done. Another example that comes to mind through a quick exchange I had with the librarian during my volunteering was she mentioned they were putting a social event together for patrons to talk to each other. They had noticed that patrons were trying to have conversations with a lot of the staff, so they wanted to try creating an opportunity to build community among the patrons themselves in a place they already felt familiar and safe in.