2nd Week Reflection

The second week was focused on tours, workshops and discussions. The main things I learned/did are as follows:

  • Tour: Allerton Park, Siebel Center, CITL, iSchool, Main Library, Urbana Free Library, Sousa Archives and Center for American Music, Campus Instructional Facility
  • Professional Development and Action Plans
  • Introduction to AI and Libraries

The public library had 3D printers, video games, musical instruments, sewing machines, and other items available for loan. I feel that the library is very close to the community because it provides things that local residents need.

Also, It is also surprising that all libraries have a wide variety of entertainment such as Internet (Youtube, online games), board games, TV games, DVDs, manga, etc. This is because in Japan, there are few cases where such entertainment is placed in libraries, and the introduction of Makerspace has been similarly slow.

I strongly feel that the introduction of this system is urgently needed in Japan, as it can aim to foster the creativity of users by providing not only books, but also equipment and space.

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