The first day of Week 2 has begun! Our morning started with a tour of the Siebel Center for Design. I was impressed by how all the equipment and facilities necessary for creative work were centralized in one building. Specialists were available to assist students, allowing them to freely share tools and collaborate regardless of their major. I found this system very efficient and inspiring. It also stood out that the center actively collaborates with the university library, demonstrating a campus-wide commitment to interdisciplinary cooperation.

The second session focused on Human-Centered Design (HCD). We learned that HCD is rooted in empathy and iteration, and that it aims to generate meaningful, user-driven solutions through processes like understanding, synthesizing, ideating, prototyping, and implementing. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on building empathy through observation, iterative feedback, and co-design, which felt deeply relevant to libraries striving to better serve their communities.

In the third session, we participated in Challenge Activities where we created library user personas and broke down the challenges they might face throughout their library journey. We identified potential breaking points, and explored ways to reflect on their experiences. This exercise encouraged us to think from a truly user-centered perspective— not just to solve problems, but to better understand our users through observation, conversation, and engagement. It reminded me of the importance of knowing better in order to serve better.

On the morning of Day 2, we attended a session titled “Metadata, Cataloging, and Classification” by Professor and metadata librarian MJ Hahn. Before this lecture, I used to think that the role of catalogers was limited to producing metadata and making it accessible to users. However, this session helped me expand my perspective: librarians are not just producers of metadata, but also users and consumers, playing an essential role in transforming data into information. One of the most impressive parts was the introduction of a tool called “Metadata Maker for Monographs”, developed by metadata librarians themselves. It automates metadata creation and reflects how catalogers can drive innovation. Another fascinating example showed how AI was used to detect missing elements in holding records—something that directly inspired my own work. Among all the sessions I’ve attended so far, this one felt the most practically relevant to my current responsibilities. If I get the chance, I would love to have a deeper conversation with MJ Hahn about this topic.

The second morning session was a visit to the iSchool at UIUC, the top-ranked iSchool in the United States. We received an overview of the various degree programs, including the Master’s in Library and Information Science. As someone who completed a library science degree over a decade ago, I found it valuable to learn how the field has evolved and to get a broad sense of current academic directions.

The afternoon session was a Leadership Panel featuring Claire Stewart, the Library Dean, and Tom Teper, the Associate Dean. It was a valuable opportunity to learn about their career paths and leadership visions. I was especially inspired by their active, engaged leadership style—emphasizing the importance of knowing what library staff actually do, not just overseeing from a distance. One of the most memorable parts was their plan for a major library transformation. In Phase 1, the current Undergraduate Library will be converted into an Archives and Special Collections facility, improving access and preservation of rare materials. Undergraduate services will be integrated into the Main Library, eliminating the divide between undergraduate and graduate resources. Future phases will include modern instructional spaces and enhanced research environments. This comprehensive vision reflects their commitment to innovation, inclusion, and the long-term growth of the academic library.

Our final visit was to the Oak Street Facility, where we explored the preservation storage and observed the workspaces of staff responsible for material repair and conservation. I was impressed by the systematic organization of the large-scale storage facility, where items are categorized by size and assigned new metadata. Each box has a unique barcode, which determines the item’s exact location, allowing for precise and efficient retrieval. The storage area is maintained at a constant temperature of 10°C to ensure the long-term preservation of materials. Requested items can be located and delivered within 1 to 2 days, which shows the facility’s high efficiency. I was also inspired by their long-term partnership with Google for digitization, contributing to the creation of accessible archives.

What impressed me the most was watching the material repair and restoration process for the first time. Using various tools and chemicals, the experts delicately and skillfully restored materials—this experience was truly inspiring and gave me a deeper appreciation for preservation work.

To be honest, I hadn’t paid much attention to the SDGs before, even though I had heard of them. However, after attending the session on the topic, I realized how relevant the goals are to our library’s mission. It made me think that I should start having more discussions about the SDGs with my fellow librarians. I believe this could be a meaningful step toward rethinking how we contribute to the community through our work.

The open access session made one thing abundantly clear: libraries today are no longer just guardians of knowledge—they are evolving into publishers of knowledge, catalysts for educational equity, and architects of scholarly communication infrastructure. From IFLA’s global publishing initiatives and Illinois Open Publishing Network (IOPN)’s digital publishing models to impressive examples of OER (Open Educational Resources) savings, the session demonstrated how libraries empower knowledge creation and open access for all. It was particularly inspiring to see the University of Illinois facilitate large-scale infrastructure for open repositories and diamond OA journals, despite budget constraints. At Seoul National University Library, we are also expanding transformative agreements (read-and-publish deals) with major academic publishers to reduce APC burdens and enhance open access publishing. In addition, the OER models and sustainability strategies presented here have prompted deep reflection on how institutional repositories can evolve beyond passive storage into platforms for open knowledge dissemination and pedagogical innovation. This was not just a presentation—it was a glimpse into the future of libraries as active agents of change.

During the Chicago tour on Thursday and Friday, visiting the MacArthur Foundation’s impressive building was especially enlightening. I learned firsthand how the advertising and media industries leverage data, and discovered the evolving role librarians can play in using information for public good. Seeing how the Foundation supports initiatives in journalism, digital media, and community engagement highlighted the potential for library professionals to act as catalysts for social impact—using curation, technology, and storytelling to address real-world challenges.

The Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago was the most beautiful public library I’ve ever seen—not because of its architecture, but because of the passion of its librarians. What left the strongest impression on me was the YOUmedia space. Funded by the MacArthur Foundation, this vibrant area is designed specifically for teens, and any student attending a public high school in Chicago is automatically issued a library card. After school, teens naturally gather at the library to play games, sing, create music or art, and simply hang out. Through these experiences, they organically build a relationship with books and learning. This visit reminded me that public libraries are no longer just spaces for reading—they are essential cultural hubs where young people can explore, express themselves, and connect with one another in a safe and supportive environment.

On the following day, we visited the American Library Association (ALA) and learned about the organization’s wide-reaching efforts. As the oldest and largest library association in the world, ALA plays a crucial role in advocating for libraries, librarians, and equitable access to information. From shaping national policy on intellectual freedom and digital access to offering professional development and research opportunities, ALA is at the heart of strengthening library systems across the United States and beyond. This visit helped me better understand how professional associations support our field at a systemic level.

Our final visit in Chicago was to the University of Chicago’s libraries, and I was especially impressed by the underground preservation stack at the Joe & Rika Mansueto Library. Beneath a stunning glass dome, five floors of shelving plunge 50 feet underground, housing up to 3.5 million volumes in 24,000 bins. This innovative setup uses automated robotic cranes that retrieve requested books in just a few minutes, all while maintaining optimal conditions for long-term preservation. The design not only solves space limitations but also exemplifies how modern infrastructure can safeguard knowledge for future generations—truly a marvel of library science and conservation.