Exploring Excellence: Reflection from the Week 3 Mortenson Associate Program

Dr. Elizabeth D. Malabanan

Our week with the Mortenson Associate Program was a whirlwind of learning and exploration, beginning with an early morning departure to Ohio on a rented Class A bus. Arriving at OCLC, we were warmly welcomed by Ms. Nancy Lensenmayer and Ms. Karen. Over lunch, I had a fruitful discussion with the Manager of the Asia Pacific region about our university’s library system and explored the possibility of integrating OCLC’s cataloging module.

The afternoon brought insights into OCLC’s operations, with Ms. Rebecca Bryant sharing expertise on research data management, emphasizing its critical role in institutional frameworks. A tour of OCLC’s data center by Dom Goodpaster showcased the impressive infrastructure supporting their global operations. We concluded with a visit to OCLC’s special library, gaining firsthand insights into its unique role.

The following day, we visited Ohio State University, experiencing its vast and recently renovated main library, which focuses on innovation and technological integration. We explored the Research Commons University Libraries, designed for collaborative and interdisciplinary research.

Later, at Westerville Public Library, we were impressed by their community-focused services, including RFID technology and a Drive-thru, catering to diverse age groups. Our day ended reflecting on the impact of AI in libraries, highlighting both its efficiencies and privacy concerns.

Back in sessions, Peggy discussed information literacy’s challenges, including access disparities and misinformation. Mary Ton’s insights on customer service underscored the importance of personalized library experiences. Jhen Vhen’s presentation on library assessment and preservation highlighted best practices in managing library resources effectively.

Throughout the week, Clara’s leadership workshop emphasized adapting leadership styles to diverse situations, fostering effective team management. Chris Pom’s session on digital strategies emphasized the importance of enhancing user experiences through digitization projects and research data services.

The tour of the I School provided valuable insights into their academic programs, reinforcing the importance of continuous curriculum development and admissions refinement.

Overall, this week was an enriching experience, providing practical insights and strategies to enhance our library services and educational programs moving forward. By applying these insights, I am confident that we can further enhance our role in supporting teaching, learning, and research within our academic community.