Reading about how museums, galleries, and archives stay connected to their communities even when members are no longer physically on institutional spaces through technology innovations made me realize how much of these aspects I took for granted.

Titlow’s (2016) article about how New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art was informative when they spoke about how their competition was not among other museums or galleries, but rather apps and content people find on their screens, such as Netflix and Candy Crush. Even though this was written 10 years ago, I believe it to still be true. How can these institutions capture people’s attention just long enough for them to be curious about what the institution has to offer? It was a brilliant idea to digitize and upload pieces from their collection to their website to reach a wider audience. Because of our phones, so much of everyone’s attention is based on visual interest. If the MET decided not to digitize their collection, many users would likely decide not to visit the site and explore because most of the population would find browsing through pages an pages of descriptions boring. This ides can also work in reverse. A visitor can be enamoured by a piece and once they leave (whether they are in the same neighborhood or thousands of miles away), and take a deeper dive into the details. The experience continues on.

I was actually curious how their website looked like today and I must say, it really made me want to visit the museum!! I am amazed at the breadth of their collections. There are all sorts of workshops, media content, DIY workshops for kids, adults, and families, etc. Their “Learn With Us” section is full of content to watch, listen, and read. Families with children can find videos of crafting projects at home as well. There is so much to interact with the museum without having to enter the building.

This aspect on linking museums to their communities via technology segways well into Charr’s article about using technology as part of guests’ experience within the exhibitions themselves (2020). This offers users to experience artists’ perspectives in an immersive way that is completely different than standing in front of a painting or sculpture.

I can relate to this aspect of using technology to help bring users into a museum when The Broad museum in Los Angeles featured Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room installation. It may not be a VR experience, but I think having an experiential exhibit for guests makes the visit more unique. They allowed guests to bring phones, take photos, and if I remember correctly, record video as well. This helped spread the word about this exhibit through social media posts. Not only was it a more affordable avenue for the museum to market the limited time exhibit, but also spark curiosity and intrigue from folks seeing their friends post about their experiences online. It easily trended and sparked conversations among previous and potential patrons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–@patricia

 

As we dig further into how libraries are hyperlinked communities, I feel more inspiration from all the creative and thoughtful ways libraries break free from the traditional ideas of what a library is thought to be and instead practice ideas that actually reach out into the community and provide access to resources, lifting up its members.

I was especially touched by the library pop-up program at laundromats in the Bronx. A brilliant idea to expose those unaware of library resources while they are waiting for a chore to finish up. Even though it’s just a short 30-minutes or so, now they know libraries are a reliable source for practical information and they could stop by if they need more assistance or have more questions later on regarding other topics. It also seemed like a great way to reach all different age groups within the community because the majority of people need to wash their clothes.

Accessibility and exposure to what libraries offer are important. From Warner’s (2024) article, hold lockers can make all the difference for someone who may have health issues. Just having the option to pick up the items they chose to borrow without having to expose themselves due to health compromises is all they might need in order to use library services. Having a little kiosk or area to borrow books in an area of public transit like Halifax International Airport is also a great idea! For those who travel often or are doing a round trip, being able to borrow a book for a short duration is better than having to buy a marked up book. I understand that the chances of books not being returned in this setting is greater, but there probably is a way to track different types and values of books provided to patrons so that not too many library resources and staff energy are lost in this setting.

The last part I will mention that resonated with me was Ciara Eastell’s Ted Talk, “How Libraries Change Lives.” She spoke about how the resources of a library should be available to everyone, no matter their background or income. She also says libraries help build community in a world where loneliness has been on the rise and I think this is a very important point. I recently attended a mental health panel with a clinical expert and he was a strong advocate for “purpose instead of pills.” In short, he advocated that building and belonging in a community should be prioritized instead of being written a prescription as the first solution. Of course there are many nuances and situation specific aspects, but overall, community is healthy and benefits all.

–@patricia

 

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.

 

Hello all!

My name is Patricia and I began the MLIS program Spring 2025. My background is in animation with a BFA from CSUF in Southern California. I am a professional in the industry for almost 10 years now and am working towards a career pivot. The description and focus of this class really interested me because it felt like a peak into other insights a career in this field would entail besides technological skills and knowledge. Looking forward to learning about the humanistic impacts this career potentially holds!

Some other things about me:

I enjoy exploring Los Angeles through hiking and discovering good food. My two dogs, Leopard tortoise, and two small fish tanks keep me busy when I’m at home. In the next few years, my goals are to visit Korea, Peru, and Spain!