I loved reflecting this week on how we can use stories as a tool for libraries. I think most of us will agree that storytelling is powerful. There’s a reason it’s all around us – from books, to podcasts, to TV shows, to movies, to sharing a story from your day at the dinner table, to illustrating a point in an argument, to telling a joke. Stories are powerful tools of example and connection.
Michael’s lecture this week highlighted some cool ways that libraries are embracing the power of stories. I particularly loved the example of the New York Public Library Community Oral History Project, which is using the library’s resources and ability to collect and catalog it community’s stories for future generations. I also liked the idea that stories can come in many shapes and sizes – whether it be written words, oral messages, photos, or emojis. I tried to create the story of my life through emojis (hope it translates!): 🏴🇺🇸🇨🇦⚖️📚👩❤️👨👧🐈🐈⬛
Stories can also be powerful lessons and can lead to new understanding. They can introduce us to other peoples’ worlds and experiences, making us more open and accepting of viewpoints beyond our own.
“Story-based experiences of all kinds can increase listeners’ understanding of diverse groups, demonstrate the value of everyone’s experience, and remind listeners of their shared humanity.”
(Stephens, 2019).
However, I’ve always objected to the idea that someone needs a personal connection to someone’s else hardship in order to feel affected by a problem. For some, it seems they don’t think about or care about a problem until it happens to someone they know; when they are immediately confronted by it. We often hear that a victim is “someone’s child” or “someone’s wife” – this is aimed at creating empathy for the victim, making them seem more human, and creating that concreteness that people seem to relate to more easily. But surely there is a middle ground here where folks can care about others without needing a personal connection. Food for thought!
References:
Stephens, M. (2019). Office Hours: With a Little Twist & Power of the Pod
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I am loving the story of your life in emojis. I think it makes sense. Follow-up: it does! I went back to your intro post and I see it all and it makes perfect sense.
Here’s similar for me: 🇺🇸 🎥🎬 🎓 📚 🏛️ 🎓 🔬💻 📖 🏛️ 👨💼📚 ⏳1️⃣5️⃣ 🎓👨🏫 and also 🐕🐕