{"id":65,"date":"2026-07-09T08:12:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T08:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/raeharvey\/?p=65"},"modified":"2026-07-09T21:51:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T21:51:40","slug":"hyperlinked-environments-the-hyperlinked-public-library","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/raeharvey\/2026\/07\/09\/hyperlinked-environments-the-hyperlinked-public-library\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyperlinked Environments: The HyperLinked Public Library"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gateways to Innovative Technological Access @michael<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For my Choose Your Own Adventure<\/em><\/strong>, I decided to take the Public Library route. Before choosing this adventure, it\u2019s worth noting that I also browsed the other CYOA options and came across interesting articles and media that also provided pertinent and valuable information for what hyperlinked environments look like across multiple and diverse settings. I chose the public library because its my main point of interest for where I hope to continue my professional journey after completing the MLIS program, so I was eager to review where this adventure led. I was really amazed and inspired by the Memphis Public Library article, \u201cHow Memphis Created the Nation\u2019s Most Innovative Public Library\u201d <\/em>authored by Richard Grant. The article highlighted the story of how the MPL system designed free innovative spaces for the communities they serve, and how those spaces have made a positive impact not only in those communities, but around the library world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reading about the different innovative tech and programs offered through MPL was fascinating, especially the Cloud901 Teen Learning Lab<\/a>, which is a remarkable multi-purpose makerspace (i.e. art studio, music studio, robotics lab). This impressive space is located at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Branch and was one of the first ambitious undertakings for the MPL director Keenon McCloy. McCloy also has additional plans for all the 18 branches that make up the MPL system, some of which has already been implemented. McCloy\u2019s strategic and unique approach, along with unwavering determination, allowed her vision of what could be, come to life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grant did a phenomenal job shining a spotlight on the MPL\u2019s efforts and successes in making their libraries gateways to innovative technological access. MPL is a great example of how hyperlinked environments can become a reality and be an asset to the user and the communities they serve. Below, I included two more examples, or innovation spotlights, that demonstrate how libraries can operate as hyperlinked environments and be gateways to innovative technological access.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Source: Cloud901 Lab image by Ariel Cobbert via Smithsonian<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Innovation Spotlight: The Octavia Lab<\/a> at the Los Angeles Public Library (Central Library Branch)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

About Octavia Lab, as described on the website:<\/span><\/p>\n

The Octavia Lab, named after the award-winning science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, is a do-it-yourself makerspace located inside the Los Angeles Public Library’s historic Central Library. Octavia Lab provides library cardholders free and unlimited access to state-of-the-art design, fabrication, preservation, and story-telling technologies (https:\/\/www.lapl.org\/octavia-lab<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Source: LAPL<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"

Source: LAPL<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n