The Hyperlinked Era, Chelsea’s Version (Virtual Symposium)

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As I look back on my journey through this course, I am surprised by how much my understanding of libraries has transformed. What began as a child, a simple appreciation for books and quiet study spaces, has evolved into a deep recognition of libraries as dynamic ecosystems of learning, empathy, and connection. Each of my blog reflections represents a different strand of this interconnected web. Together, they form a picture of what the modern library truly is: a living, breathing network of people, stories, and possibilities.

Relationships psychology concept abstract illustration with couple human heads silhouettes isolated on white background. Vector eps 10 illustration
Photo from Getty Images. (2023, May 3). Accessed via Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/illustrations/relationships-psychology-concept-abstract-illustration-with-couple-human-heads-silhouettes-isolated-on-white-background-vector-eps-10-illustration-4SIwBlKD8JA

In From Stacks to Stars: Exploring the Library’s Expanding Universe, I began to see libraries not just as repositories, but as responders, or places attuned to the evolving needs of their communities. From libraries lending telescopes to offering social support like diapers or literacy programs, I saw that the library’s power lies in how it serves the community. I really resonated with Casey and Savastinuk’s (2007) vision of Library 2.0, or participatory, ever-changing, and rooted in user voices. This realization marked a shift in my thinking from seeing libraries as static institutions to understanding them as collaborative networks of care.

Later on in The Library Reimagined: A Hyperlinked Environment for Growth and Discovery, I deepened my understanding of Library 2.0 by exploring how design and space shape human experience. Drawing on Skot-Hansen’s (2017) framework, I began to view the library as a constellation of inspirational, learning, meeting, and performative spaces. The example of Memphis’s Cloud901 studio revealed that when libraries blend technology and human connection, they empower people to create culture, not just consume it (Grant, 2021). This insight helped me see that every library space, whether physical or digital, is part of a larger hyperlinked environment, one where creativity and collaboration thrive.

a piece of cardboard with writing on it
Photo from Zaric, M. (2022, June 3). Accessed via Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/a-piece-of-cardboard-with-writing-on-it-9iFxTVTiKag

My post on The Next Chapter of Librarianship: Caring for the Whole Person brought me to another facet of the hyperlinked library, or what it means to serve the whole person. The Salt Lake City Public Library’s integration of social work services reminded me that libraries are often the last truly open, public spaces where everyone belongs (Harkins, 2023). Through this example, I began to understand librarianship as both humanistic and hyperlinked, a practice grounded in empathy, equity, and connection. My personal experiences, from being a student who found refuge in the library to now leading storytime, have affirmed this vision. Libraries have always been my home, but now I see them as homes for humankind.

People admire a large globe in a grand library
Photo from Hunko, A. (2025, August 20). Accessed via Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/people-admire-a-large-globe-in-a-grand-library-B69I5gPsias

I then found Magic in Every Story when I reconnected with the emotional heart of librarianship: storytelling. Stories are how we make meaning of the world, and libraries are the vessels that carry them. Through concepts like Bishop’s (1990) “mirrors and windows” and the Human Library model (Wentz, 2013), I saw that storytelling is an act of empathy and empowerment. Libraries today don’t just keep stories, they make and share them. This understanding reminded me that every user, every voice, and every narrative has a place in the library’s ongoing story.

Finally, in The Library of Everything: Exploring Infinite Learning in Modern Spaces, I explored how libraries are becoming platforms for lifelong learning and creativity. Whether through makerspaces, flipped learning models, or self-directed discovery, libraries embody Stephens’ (2014) concept of infinite learning, spaces where curiosity never ends. My childhood memory of learning piano from a borrowed book symbolizes this perfectly, since the library is an open invitation to learn, explore, and grow without boundaries.

group of readers with books in hands characters vector illustration design
Photo from Getty Images. (2023, April 23). Accessed via Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/illustrations/group-of-readers-with-books-in-hands-characters-vector-illustration-design-ERW1nBerH-w

Across all these reflections, a clear theme emerges in that the library is no longer just a place, but it is a relationship. It is where empathy meets innovation, where stories meet technology, and where communities meet possibility. My vision for the future of librarianship is one where libraries continue to evolve as hyperlinked networks of care. As I move forward in my career, I carry with me a commitment to being both a humanistic and a hyperlinked librarian, or one who leads with empathy, listens deeply, and designs services that reflect the diverse lives of the people I serve. Libraries have always been about connection, but now I understand that connection itself is the service.

the word together spelled with scrabble tiles on a wooden surface
Photo from Ling App. (2023, January 12). Accessed via Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/the-word-together-spelled-with-scrabble-tiles-on-a-wooden-surface-qo455fyS_Vw

References

Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, 6(3). https://readteachwrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/mirrors-windows-and-sliding-glass-doors.pdf 

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Information Today. 

Grant, R. (2021, November). How memphis created the nation’s most innovative public library. Smithsonian Magazine.  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3g4juvioz86g1m2uj529i/How-Memphis-Created-the-Nation-s-Most-Innovative-Public-Library-Innovation-Smithsonian-Magazine.pdf?rlkey=25yzrxk37civvks7bg6hwaafs&e=1&dl=0 

Harkins, P. (2023, June 20). Salt Lake City downtown library’s new social worker has already helped thousands. The Salt Lake Tribune. https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/06/20/salt-lake-city-downtown-librarys/ 

Skot-Hansen, D. (2017, August). Library development: From collection to connection. University of Copenhagen. 

Stephens, M. (2014, November 26). Y Library? Making the case for the library as space for infinite learning. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zt1yliwb2ffzr8euix2p/YLibraryInfiniteLearning.pdf?rlkey=m0v6lkd43ufilkp5aktawhlpr&e=1&dl=0

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.

Wentz, E. (2013, April 26). The human library: Sharing the community with itself. Public Libraries Online. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/human_librar/

Western Governors University. (2020, July 21). What is humanistic learning theory in education? https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-humanistic-learning-theory-education2007.html

Rolling Access: Reimagining Library Services Through a Bookmobile (Inspiration Report)

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When the Palm Springs Public Library temporarily relocated for renovation, many residents suddenly found themselves without easy access to the services and spaces they loved. Rather than letting distance become a barrier, this moment sparked innovation. My inspiration report explores how a modern bookmobile could bring the library back into the heart of the community by rolling into the community to deliver books, Wi-Fi, and creative programming right where people are.

Drawing from successful mobile library models across the world, the report envisions a flexible, technology-driven outreach service that embodies the library’s enduring mission of providing “our community with opportunities to discover, enjoy, enrich and connect with ideas and people throughout all stages of life.” (Palm Springs Public Library, n.d.).

Due to its large file size, I have uploaded the report on Google Drive. You can access it by clicking here. Please note: All images included in this presentation are either sourced directly from Canva (no citation included) or from external sources that are properly credited with APA-style citations. In-text citations are provided for all evidence and examples referenced throughout the presentation, with full details listed on the References page. I did not include image citations on the reference page.

 

Reference for the quote above:

Palm Springs Public Library. (n.d.) About us. https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/library/about-
us

The Library of Everything: Exploring Infinite Learning in Modern Spaces (Reflection Blog #5)

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Libraries today are vibrant, community-centered spaces that foster learning, creativity, and connection. The modern library has become a hub for exploration, where people of all ages can engage with information, technology, and each other in meaningful ways. As the role of libraries continues to expand, so does the responsibility of information professionals to design learning experiences that are inclusive, innovative, and grounded in theory and practice. My own experiences have shown me that libraries are not just places to access knowledge, but places to create it. From teaching myself piano with a borrowed book to witnessing how libraries now support hands-on learning through makerspaces and technology labs, I’ve come to see how these evolving spaces embody what Michael Stephens (2014) calls “infinite learning.”

Of course, much can be said about the kind of learning that naturally comes from reading. I still remember being in middle school, eager to learn how to play the piano. Music lessons were something my family could not afford, but we did have a keyboard and a library card. I went to the library and asked the librarian if they had any piano sheet music. They led me to the section, and I checked out Taylor Swift’s Speak Now Piano Book. I taught myself to play “The Story of Us,” a song I already knew all too well (see what I did there?). I never became a concert pianist, but I did develop a new skill and discovered a hobby I would not have had access to otherwise, all thanks to my library.

Beyond the books, libraries are places where hands-on learning takes place in what Michael Stephens calls “spaces for infinite learning,” where participation and collaboration reign (2014). In his work, Stephens describes libraries evolving into educational hubs that encourage self-directed, lifelong learning through makerspaces, hackathons, and other participatory experiences. Similarly, Bookey (2017) highlights the next generation of libraries as spaces that foster exploration and creativity, noting examples such as Arapahoe Libraries’ gadget checkout program, Kent District Library’s cutting-edge technology lab featuring 3D and robotics tools, and Cleveland Public Library’s video game zone. These examples reflect how libraries are continually adapting to meet their communities’ changing needs by providing opportunities for users to create, experiment, and learn without limits. In these dynamic environments, learning becomes infinite, rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and the freedom to explore new ideas as quickly as technology evolves. 

KDL Lab from Kent District Library. Taken directly from Bookey, J. L. (2017, December 6). 8 awesome ways libraries are making learning fun. Huffpost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/8-awesome-ways-libraries_b_7157462

This vision of infinite learning aligns closely with principles of collaborative learning, which emphasize shared responsibility, peer support, and the co-construction of knowledge. Research highlights a wide range of social, psychological, and academic benefits, such as improving communication, reducing anxiety, and promoting deeper understanding through peer engagement (Laal & Ghodsi, 2012). Libraries, through their physical and digital spaces, are uniquely positioned to foster this kind of interaction. Makerspaces, group study rooms, and shared digital platforms allow users to work together to solve problems, explore new technologies, and build community. These approaches not only align with modern educational practices but also reflect the library’s evolving mission as a participatory, inclusive learning environment.

Equally important is the support libraries provide for independent, self-paced learning. This learner-centered approach fosters autonomy, personal responsibility, and lifelong learning, which are core values in library and information science. One strategy that exemplifies this is flipped learning, which allows users to engage with foundational content independently before applying it through discussion or practice. Becker (2021) explains that this model encourages critical thinking and ownership of the learning process, while Snipes and Slone (2015) found that it increases motivation and engagement with complex tasks. Whether through digital literacy programs, online workshops, or self-directed projects, libraries are creating flexible pathways for learning that meet users where they are.

Taken directly from Macmillan Education. (2024, February, 22). Establishing a collaborative learning environment. https://www.macmillaneducation.co.za/news/education-news/establishing-a-collaborative-learning-environment.

In many ways, today’s libraries embody the idea of infinite learning because the hyperlinked library and Library 2.0 is all about adapting to new technologies, ideas, and community needs. They are no longer defined by shelves of books, but by the opportunities they provide for curiosity, experimentation, and growth. Whether someone is checking out a gadget, playing an instrument, or simply finding a quiet place to think, the modern library empowers individuals to learn on their own terms. As Michael Stephens suggests, libraries are “spaces for infinite learning,” and their continued evolution ensures that everyone, regardless of background or resources, has the chance to explore, create, and connect in meaningful ways.

References:

Becker, B. (2021, September 22). The flipped classroom and teach identity. [Youtube video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-Fhu4bPV0c

Bookey, J. L. (2017, December 6). 8 awesome ways libraries are making learning fun. Huffpost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/8-awesome-ways-libraries_b_7157462 

Laal, M., & Ghodsi, S. M. (2012). Benefits of collaborative learning. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences 31, 468-490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.12.091 

Macmillan Education. (2024, February, 22). Establishing a collaborative learning environment. https://www.macmillaneducation.co.za/news/education-news/establishing-a-collaborative-learning-environment.

Snipes, P. R., & Slone, M. B. (2015, April). Successful flipped instruction. School Library Monthly 31(6), 17-20. https://research-ebsco-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/linkprocessor/plink?id=db1d8d94-0bd6-3214-be77-159c0ac01cca. 

Stephens, M. (2014, November 26). Y Library? Making the case for the library as space for infinite learning. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4zt1yliwb2ffzr8euix2p/YLibraryInfiniteLearning.pdf?rlkey=m0v6lkd43ufilkp5aktawhlpr&e=1&dl=0

Finding Magic in Every Story (Reflection Blog #4)

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My love for reading started early, long before I understood how deeply books could shape a person. I can still picture myself as a child, standing in front of my local library’s catalog computer, typing in “magic tricks.” To my astonishment, the results revealed an entire section devoted to magic. That discovery felt like unlocking a secret world, and it was the moment I fell in love with reading. Every book since then has left its mark on me, adding small but meaningful layers to who I am today. Now, as an adult, I find myself wanting to share that same wonder with others and to help them see how stories can transform, heal, and connect us.

This week’s readings reignited that early sense of awe and reminded me that libraries are more than buildings filled with books; they are living spaces filled with people, each carrying their own untold story. As Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop (1990) famously said, literature serves as both mirrors and windows, with mirrors that reflect our own lives, and windows that reveal experiences beyond our own.

Taken directly from McGree, P. & Pappas, E. (2021, September 2). 24 Positive teacher resources. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/positive-teacher-resources/

When I was young, Junie B. Jones and Ramona Quimby taught me to be bold, outspoken, and unapologetically myself. Later, through the emotional landscapes of Kristin Hannah’s novels, I began to grasp the human cost of war and the resilience born from pain. Her stories were not just entertainment, but they were lessons in empathy and identity, quietly shaping how I saw myself and others.

Taken directly from: Bright, D. (n.d.). June B. Jones. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/414612709422315293/. A direct quotation from Barbara Park’s Junie B Jones.

Libraries have always been guardians of stories, but their role continues to evolve. We are no longer merely stewards of information; instead, we are facilitators of storytelling. Modern libraries empower people to find their voices, to connect through shared narratives, and to recognize themselves as part of a broader human story. The motto of the DOK Library, “Keep stories, make stories, share stories”, (Boekesteijn, n.d.) captures this spirit perfectly. Libraries today are vibrant, participatory spaces where stories come alive through conversation, technology, and creativity. From Human Library events to podcast studios and community archives, libraries are redefining what it means to tell and preserve stories in the digital age.

The Human Library model, as Wentz (2013) describes, is a powerful example of this evolution. Sitting face-to-face with another person and listening openly to their lived experience transforms storytelling into a bridge of empathy. In those moments, the library ceases to be a quiet repository and becomes a living sanctuary for understanding and a place where every story, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, holds value.

Looking back on my own journey, from the child captivated by a shelf of magic books to the adult who now finds magic in human connection, I see that libraries have always been about transformation, and they give us access to one another. Every shared story has the power to shift how we see ourselves and the world around us.

As library professionals and advocates, it is our responsibility (and privilege) to nurture that magic. Let us continue to build spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. When we honor every kind of story, we do more than preserve knowledge, because we strengthen the bonds of community and remind one another of our shared humanity. So, what is your story? What moment, book, or experience shaped who you are today? Leave a comment down below!

 

 

References:

Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, 6(3). https://readteachwrite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/mirrors-windows-and-sliding-glass-doors.pdf 

Boekesteijn, E. (n.d.). A culture of innovation at DOK and Doklab. https://www.culturehive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/A-culture-of-innovation-at-DOK-and-Doklab-final-2.pdf 

Wentz, E. (2013, April 26). The human library: Sharing the community with itself. Public Libraries Online. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/human_librar/  

The Next Chapter of Librarianship: Caring for the Whole Person (Reflection Blog Post #3)

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Libraries today are living ecosystems, or places where stories, people, and possibilities intersect. Librarianship is at its best when it takes a humanistic approach, one that values people within their unique social and cultural contexts. When we lead with empathy and cultural awareness, we create spaces that inform and empower. This idea echoes humanistic learning theory, which focuses on the growth of the whole individual, meaning the emotional, social, and intellectual sides of learning, not just academic success (Western Governors University, 2020).

Stephens (2019) takes this further with his idea of the hyperlinked library: a model that stretches far beyond the library’s walls to connect with people wherever they are. It is a vision of librarianship that is human, open, and deeply connected to community life. When we look at this model through a global and equity-focused lens, the library becomes more than a place of access; it becomes a model of cultural responsiveness, where librarians actively listen, adapt, and design services that reflect the diverse experiences of the people they serve.

We are seeing this vision come to life in places like the Salt Lake City Public Library, where a new model of librarianship is taking shape. In late 2023, the downtown branch hired its first licensed clinical social worker, Nicole Campolucci, as a social services coordinator (Harkins, 2023). Just like other library employees, Campolucci meets human needs, but in a scope that goes beyond traditional library services. From helping patrons sign up for EBT and access housing resources to offering crisis intervention and mental health support, Campolucci is helping bridge the gap between library services and social services (Harkins).

(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) Nicole Campolucci, right, helps a woman experiencing homelessness with her Section 8 housing paperwork in the Salt Lake City Library, June 12, 2023. Campolucci is a licensed clinical social worker, and helps connect people experiencing homelessness with available resources.

This approach reflects a growing recognition that libraries are among the last truly free, third spaces because they welcome everyone, regardless of circumstance. By integrating social work into the fabric of library life, Salt Lake City is reimagining what it means to serve the community as connectors, advocates, and partners in well-being. It is a powerful example of what happens when librarianship evolves to treat the whole person.

For me, these new models of librarianship are more than just things I am reading about in class, they are personal. I grew up in my local library, first sitting cross-legged at storytime and later, as a first-generation, low-income student at the University of Southern California, finding refuge among its shelves. When I felt out of place, the library grounded me by connecting me to tutoring, quiet study spaces, and a sense of belonging. Now, standing where I once sat, reading to children as the employee leading storytime, I am reminded daily of the library’s power to transform lives.

The humanistic and hyperlinked models reflect what I have experienced in libraries as spaces of connection, care, and growth. Initiatives like the Salt Lake City Public Library’s addition of a social worker show what it means to serve the whole person, or recognizing that information needs are intertwined with emotional, social, and economic realities.

My goal moving forward is to continue breaking down barriers to access and belonging. I strive to be both a hyperlinked librarian and a humanistic one who leads with empathy and care. Ultimately, librarianship is not just about connecting people to information, but it is about connecting them to possibility.

Before leaving this post, I ask that you think about a time when a library made a difference in your life. What did that moment look like, and how did it shape your connection to your community? Then if you are comfortable, share your story in the comments! I would love to hear how libraries have supported your growth and sense of belonging.

Remember:

Taken from Hafuboti. (n.d.). https://www.hafuboti.com/lafelibrary/.

References:

Harkins, P. (2023, June 20). Salt Lake City downtown library’s new social worker has already helped thousands. The Salt Lake Tribune. https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/06/20/salt-lake-city-downtown-librarys/ 

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.

Western Governors University. (2020, July 21). What is humanistic learning theory in education? https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-humanistic-learning-theory-education2007.html

Innovation Roadmap: Voices Across Generations

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At the Palm Springs Public Library, every story connects us and every voice matters.
Our new intergenerational initiative, Voices Across Generations, brings children from Cahuilla Elementary and local seniors together through the joy of audiobooks and shared learning.

In this innovative program, young readers step into the library’s recording booth to narrate beloved classics, such as Nancy Drew, Anne of Green Gables, and Harry Potter. With guidance from librarians, their recordings are transformed into podcast episodes, featuring editing and sound effects, accessible to seniors across Palm Springs. Library staff also visit senior centers and assisted living facilities to help residents listen, learn, and connect.

The goal? To foster empathy, literacy, and digital confidence while bridging generations through the power of storytelling. For students, it is a chance to build reading fluency, confidence, and community awareness. For seniors, it is an opportunity to hear familiar tales in new voices, sparking joy and reducing social isolation.

As part of the Library’s mission to “provide opportunities to discover, enjoy, enrich, and connect with ideas and people throughout all stages of life,” this program celebrates what public libraries do best: connect people, empower learners, and inspire lifelong learning.

Because when generations listen to one another, stories become bridges, and the library becomes the heart that connects them.

To view the full inspiration roadmap report, click here.

The Library Reimagined: A Hyperlinked Environment for Growth and Discovery (Reflection Blog #2)

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The modern library has undergone a profound transformation. Once seen merely as a warehouse for books, it has now evolved into a vibrant, dynamic space that fosters connections between people, ideas, and information. The library of today is no longer just about passive consumption; it is an interactive ecosystem that encourages engagement, creativity, and collaboration. This shift is beautifully captured by Skot-Hansen (2017), who outlines the concept of four key spaces that shape a modern library: the inspirational space, where personal growth and reflection take place; the learning space, which encourages discovery and education; the meeting space, designed for collaboration and community-building; and the performative space, where creativity and innovation come to life.

The 4 Spaces Model taken directly from: Skot-Hansen, D. (2017, August). Library development: From collection to connection. University of Copenhagen.

Together, these spaces form what can be described as a hyperlinked environment, or interconnected world, where individuals are able to engage with a diverse range of information, experiences, and people. This concept is more than just a buzzword in library science; it represents a fundamental shift in how we learn and interact with the world around us. A hyperlinked environment fosters active participation, allowing individuals to both absorb knowledge and contribute their own insights. In such an environment, learning becomes a dynamic, co-creative process that drives cultural growth and collective development.

Take, for example, the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in Memphis, Tennessee. This institution is a shining example of how a library can foster a hyperlinked community. The library’s Cloud901 recording studio offers teenagers the opportunity to record music, produce films, and engage with the digital arts in a meaningful way (Grant, 2021). Here, technology plays a key role in providing access to state-of-the-art tools for creation. However, the real power of Cloud901 lies not just in the technology itself, but in the relationships and connections that it facilitates. Teenagers are not simply consuming content; instead, they are actively contributing to the creation of culture and community.

Cloud 901. Taken directly from Grant, R. (2021, November). How memphis created the nation’s most innovative public library. Smithsonian Magazine.

In a hyperlinked environment like this, technology serves as a bridge rather than an isolating force. It is not just about the tools that users have access to, but the way those tools enable new connections and interactions. Every project created in Cloud901 adds a new link to the larger web of community learning. Librarians here are mentors guiding young people to connect with each other, their communities, and the world of ideas. The space becomes an active conduit for collaboration, co-creation, and shared growth.

The concept of hyperlinked environments signals a shift in how we think about education and community engagement. Libraries, once thought of as quiet, solitary spaces, are now at the heart of a vibrant, participatory culture where individuals are both consumers and creators of knowledge. The example of Cloud901 shows us that when technology and human connection are thoughtfully integrated, powerful things can happen.

As we move forward, it is important for libraries and other community spaces to continue embracing the idea of the hyperlinked environment. Whether you are a librarian, educator, or learner, we all have a role to play in building these networks of connection. So, what is your next link? How can you contribute to this interconnected web of creativity and learning in your community?

References:

Grant, R. (2021, November). How memphis created the nation’s most innovative public library. Smithsonian Magazine.  https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3g4juvioz86g1m2uj529i/How-Memphis-Created-the-Nation-s-Most-Innovative-Public-Library-Innovation-Smithsonian-Magazine.pdf?rlkey=25yzrxk37civvks7bg6hwaafs&e=1&dl=0 

Skot-Hansen, D. (2017, August). Library development: From collection to connection. University of Copenhagen.

Stacks to Stars: Exploring the Library’s Expanding Universe (Reflection Blog #1)

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Today’s libraries serve to meet the needs of all members of their communities, a mission that extends far beyond simply housing books or maintaining databases. The Palm Springs Public Library, for example, partners with Baby2Baby to provide free diapers, wipes, detergent, food, and toiletries to families in need throughout the Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, the nearby Rancho Mirage Library offers telescopes for checkout, encouraging patrons to explore the night skies over nearby Joshua Tree National Park, and the Cathedral City Library hosts literacy classes that empower adults to pursue education and opportunity.

At first glance, these programs may not seem like “library work,” but they embody the evolving philosophy of what a library is and can be. The Palm Springs Public Library’s current renovation of creating a new library to inspire creativity, collaboration, and innovation reflects this shift. Interestingly, this transformation is not about adding more square footage, but about reimagining space: scaling back physical collections to make room for connection, creation, and learning in new forms.

Taken directly from: Warren, J. (2024). Library retrofit, renovation, and expansion. Engage Palm Springs. https://engagepalmsprings.com/library-retrofit-renovation-and-expansion/widgets/80294/photos/20467

This evolution aligns with the concept of Library 2.0, which Michael Casey and Laura Savastinuk (2007) describe as a model that “encourages constant and purposeful change” and invites user input in the creation of services they actually want. The heart of Library 2.0 lies in responsiveness by listening to community voices, experimenting with new ideas, and building services collaboratively. What we are witnessing in Palm Springs is not the decline of books, but the rise of a participatory culture within the library.
Similarly, the idea of hyperlinked communities, as articulated by Michael Stephens (2016), envisions libraries as nodes in a web of human connection open, participatory, and deeply responsive to the needs of their communities. Hyperlinked libraries use technology and empathy to bridge gaps, foster inclusion, and empower individuals to share knowledge. When a library connects families with diapers, learners with literacy, or stargazers with telescopes, it becomes a living network of support and discovery.

As an emerging information professional, I find this transformation inspiring. It challenges me to think beyond traditional roles and to see libraries as ecosystems of care and creativity, or places where technology, empathy, and community intersect. The libraries of today (and tomorrow) are not simply repositories of information; they are platforms for human potential.

In the spirit of the hyperlinked community, I invite readers to reflect: where do you see these principles in action within your own community? Which programs blur the line between service, learning, and connection? By identifying and sharing these examples, we actively participate in the ongoing dialogue that keeps libraries vibrant and responsive!

References:

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Information Today.

Stephens, M. (2016). The heart of librarianship. ALA Editions.

From Silence to Collaboration: Embracing Participatory Service in Libraries (Assignment X)

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Gone are the days when libraries were defined by hushed voices and rows of silent readers, punctuated by the occasional “shh!” from a watchful librarian. Today’s libraries have shed that stereotype and emerged as vibrant community hubs, or places where collaboration, creativity, and lifelong learning flourish side by side. Far from being silos of books and quiet study, modern libraries pulse with programs and services that invite people of all ages to create, connect, and co-learn.

Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

This shift reflects what many call a participatory culture, which deems that patrons are not passive consumers of information but active partners in shaping the library’s future. As Casey (2011) argues, library users should be directly involved in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services. This collaborative model expands the library’s impact beyond access to information; instead, it fosters empathy, understanding, civility, and a spirit of sharing (Stephens, 2016).

So what does a participatory culture look like in a library setting? In practice, it means offering programs that do more than deliver information, so programs should actively invite people to engage, collaborate, and learn together. Take, for example, the Wheaton Public Library’s interactive support group for parents of children with autism (Tedrick, n.d.). In these sessions, families not only share their challenges and celebrate successes but also receive guidance from professionals at North Shore Pediatric Therapy. The impact is twofold: parents gain practical strategies while also benefiting from the emotional support of a shared community. This kind of peer-to-peer exchange strengthens learning because, as constructivist theory reminds us, “both the individual and the social context exert a profound influence on the learning process” (Booth, 2010, p. 38). Programs like this highlight how participatory service empowers libraries to personalize offerings in ways that reflect, and directly serve, the unique needs of their communities.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash 

What makes participatory service like the one above so powerful is the belief that community members aren’t just users, but they are collaborators. It moves away from the idea that libraries hold all the answers and instead values the insight, imagination, and life experience that people already bring through the door. It is not about making things for the community, it is about making things with them. For many library professionals, that shift can feel daunting. As Stephens (2016) observes, the most common hesitation he hears is: “We’ve always done it this way.” Traditionally, librarians managed quiet spaces and guided patrons to the right shelf, but the world outside our walls has changed dramatically. Technology and society are evolving at lightning speed, and if libraries want to remain essential, we cannot afford to stand still in the midst of that storm. Staying relevant means embracing participatory culture by welcoming patrons not just as recipients of services, but as co-creators of them. It challenges us to ask: What unique contributions can our community bring to the library? How are we listening to those voices? And most importantly, how will we define success together?

Through participatory culture, libraries are uniquely positioned to create meaningful collaborations between staff and the public. By welcoming community members to contribute their perspectives, share their experiences, and help shape library offerings, the institution evolves into more than just an information hub, and it becomes a space for connection, empathy, and shared innovation. As society continues to evolve, libraries have the chance to adapt with their communities, rather than holding onto outdated models. Encouraging participation reinforces the idea that the library is a shared resource for all, helping it remain a dynamic, inclusive, and impactful space well into the future.

Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

Now I am challenging you all. How have you seen participatory service in action at your local library? Does it exist? If not, then what ideas do you have for making libraries more collaborative and community-driven? Share your thoughts in the comments!

 

References: 

Booth, C. (2010). Reflective teaching, effective learning: Instructional literacy for library educators. ALA Editions. 

Casey, M. (2011, October 20). Revisiting participatory culture in trying times. Tame The Web. https://tametheweb.com/2011/10/20/revisiting-participatory-service-in-trying-times-a-ttw-guest-post-by-michael-casey/ 

Stephens, M. (2016). The heart of librarianship. ALA Editions.

Tedrick, C. (n.d.). Support group: Caregivers of neurodivergent children. Wheaton Public Library. https://www.wheatonlibrary.org/event/support-group-parents-children-autism-97906 

Introducing Chelsea

Homework Posts

Welcome everyone! My name is Chelsea, and I am in my final semester of the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program here at San Jose State University. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Forensics and Criminality from the University of Southern California (Fight On!). Over the past year and a half, I have worked as a Library Assistant at my hometown public library, which is the very same one I grew up visiting. Before that, I gained four years of valuable academic library experience at USC’s law and medical libraries. I am deeply passionate about education, information literacy, and the role of libraries as inclusive community and information hubs. As a first-generation, low-income college graduate, I am especially committed to supporting first-gen students as they navigate the challenges of collegiate research, writing, and information access. My goal is to help empower all individuals, regardless of background, with the tools and confidence to succeed through equitable and transformative library services. I believe this course will help me connect individuals from all walks of life with their various information needs. I cannot wait to learn together in this course!

From left to right: My nieces Pearl and Avery, myself, and a friend at Storytime at the library I now work at.

Besides the academic background and my career goals, these are some of my favorite things. Comment down below if we have anything in common!

  • Author: Kristin Hannah
  • Book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
  • Drink: Coffee
  • Show: One Tree Hill
  • Singer: Taylor Swift