Hyperlinked Communities: Heterotopias and Super Connectors

The readings and videos covered many aspects related to how the Hyperlinked model works to serve and assist all communities and all users with their information needs. As we have learned throughout all the MLIS courses thus far, the library is more than just a place for books, it’s a hub of endless possibilities and opportunities—that are available to all people and communities. From multiple programs and technological services to social interests and innovative changes, the library is a beacon for sharing, learning, growing, and serving. The hyperlinked model seeks to illuminate this beacon by teaching and demonstrating how the library physically and digitally offers meaningful connection and effective service. The material provided a lot of helpful, supportive, and encouraging strategies to ensure that libraries are moving in the right direction and that they are striving to be of service to all users and communities.

There was a specific piece of material that I found to be extremely thought-provoking and lingered with me for a while. Ciara Eastell delivered a short, yet powerful and compelling message in her Ted Talk entitled How Libraries Change Lives. Eastell discussed many great points that focused on the value and need of the library, and how the library is a vital contributor to the community in numerous ways. Her speech packed in all the wonderful and important roles the library plays in everyone’s lives and for communities. Not only does her speech stand well on its own, but I found that it tied in with the topic and themes presented in the readings touching on the digital divide, importance of d.e.i principles, literacy skills, outreach, community engagement, and programming.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/GoLibraria/posts/libraries-dont-just-hold-books-they-hold-communities-from-tech-access-to-safe-sp/122219764238322214/

The portion of Eastell’s speech that specifically stayed with me, is when she shared two terms/phrases, which were Heterotopias and Super Connectors. Eastell described the library as heterotopias, which was defined as “places of transformation, places of possibility, places of multiplicitous possibility, places that are inherently inclusive.” Furthermore, she goes on to add that library workers are super-connectors, which she explained by stating, “library workers take notice. They see the whole person. They’re supper connectors within their local communities forging new connection between different groups and individuals that just wouldn’t happen otherwise.” The reason these two terms resonated with me is because they define the overall purpose, mission, and calling of the library as an institution, and the library professionals who are responsible for reaching and serving all users and communities. Eastell’s speech was a great motivator because it emphasized why the library exists and how the library professional should perform, as “new radicals committed to bringing good quality information”.  Eastell’s observance of libraries as Heterotopias and library workers as Super Connectors sums up the ideas of how Hyperlinked Communities can be “dynamic, inclusive, and deeply connected” (Stephens, 2026).

References

Stephens, M. (2026). Module 5: Hyperlinked communities. The Hyperlinked Library. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/module-5-hyperlinked-communities/

TEDxExeter. (2019, June13). Ciara Eastell: How libraries change lives [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Tvt-lHZBUwU