Exploring the future of libraries: leadership, technology, and community engagement

In this edition of my blog, I’m excited to share a diverse range of experiences and insights from recent visits and sessions that have broadened my perspective on the evolving landscape of libraries and information science. From Reimagining Libraries Through Human-Centered Design at the Siebel Center for Design to the transformative role of Cataloguing in the Age of AI, each topic highlights how libraries continue to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing world. I’ll reflect on meaningful professional connections made during Building Bridges: Reflections from the Professional Networking Dinner, explore leadership lessons from Leadership Insights from University of Illinois Library Panel, and delve into how libraries are supporting global initiatives like Libraries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Advancing Open Access and Scholarly Publishing. Additionally, I’ll take you behind the scenes at iconic institutions such as the Oak Street Library: A Backbone of Access and Preservation, the MacArthur Foundation, and the American Library Association Headquarters, showcasing how libraries are at the heart of community, scholarship, and innovation. Join me as I share these rich experiences and the valuable lessons they offer for the future of librarianship.

1. Reimagining libraries through human-centered design: insights from the Siebel Center for Design

Our recent visit to the Siebel Center for Design (SCD) at the University of Illinois offered a transformative glimpse into the future of libraries and learning environments, all through the powerful lens of Human-Centered Design (HCD).

What is human-centered design?

At its core, HCD is a creative problem-solving approach grounded in empathy. It focuses on observing real user behaviors, prototyping solutions, and iterating continuously to meet actual needs, beyond assumptions or tradition. The Siebel Center itself is a living example of this philosophy, boasting collaborative studios, 3D print and electronics labs, textiles workshops, and media production spaces, all crafted to ignite creativity and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Rethinking libraries through HCD

During our immersive session, we explored key HCD principles that challenge the conventional library model:

• Embracing failure: encouraging experimentation and learning from missteps.
• Mapping user journeys: understanding every touchpoint users experience.
• Designing for emotional & functional needs: supporting well-being alongside information access.

Through hands-on activities, we brainstormed ideas beginning with “re”: rethink, redesign, reconnect, relax, urging us to imagine libraries not as static book repositories but as dynamic, empathetic environments. Could study spaces be tailored to support emotional well-being? Could research assistance be customized specifically for early-career scholars?

Our tour culminated in the Innovation Studio and Media Hub, vibrant spaces that exemplify how learning environments can and should evolve alongside their users.

A blueprint for academic libraries

The insights from SCD offer an exciting blueprint for libraries to embrace Human-Centered Design fully:

• Design with users, not just for them: observe behaviors, empathy map, and prototype
• Prioritize comfort, accessibility, and emotional health in both physical and digital spaces
• Use journey mapping and design thinking to refine services from first contact to resource delivery
• Leverage data and co-creation: employ user profiling, campus partnerships, and collaborative workshops
• Adopt the “re-” framework: reimagine, rebuild, reconnect

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2. Building bridges: reflections from the professional networking dinner

The Professional Networking Dinner centered on “Professional Associations & Networking” was a memorable evening of connection and career insight. Program Advisor Amani Ayad emphasized that networking is a cultivated skill, rooted in authentic relationships and meaningful dialogue. She encouraged participants to expand their networks beyond traditional library circles—to alumni groups, religious communities, and past colleagues.

Barbara Ford highlighted the crucial role of professional associations like the American Library Association (ALA) and IFLA in career growth. She urged engagement not just nationally but locally, through community initiatives like Friends of the Library, and mentorship programs, underscoring that successful careers are shaped by both qualifications and meaningful networks.

Key Takeaways:

• Networking is a learned skill built on authentic, reciprocal relationships.
• Professional associations (e.g., ALA, IFLA) are essential for career development, leadership opportunities, and staying engaged in the field.
• Expanding your network beyond libraries enhances career resilience and support.
• Mentorship and community involvement (e.g., Friends of the Library) are valuable for personal and professional growth.

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3. Cataloguing in the age of AI

At the University of Illinois Library, metadata librarian offered an eye-opening presentation titled “Cataloging at the Crossroads of Technology.” Managing over 15 million cataloged items and 2 million records, MJ shared how metadata drives discovery and user experience. She discussed key tools and standards, including Bibframe, Schema.org, RDA, and in-house innovations like Metadata Maker.

Importantly, the metadata librarian addressed the integration of AI, testing tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to automate keyword generation and metadata enhancement. However, she stressed that human oversight remains essential, as AI still struggles with context and seamless system integration. Cataloging today is a dynamic, data-driven process requiring both technological fluency and ethical awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• Metadata is foundational to discovery, access, and the user experience in modern libraries.
• Tools like Bibframe, Schema.org, and RDA are critical for metadata standards and interoperability.
• AI has promising applications in metadata generation but still requires human review for accuracy and nuance.
• Cataloging is evolving into a tech-informed and ethically aware practice, blending automation with human insight.

4. iSchool Visit: University of Illinois

The visit to the School of Information Sciences (iSchool) showcased its cutting-edge programs and research. Faculty including Professors Melissa Ocepek, Christopher Lueg, Cathy Blake, Lauren Ochs, and Linda Smith shared insights into their interdisciplinary research and student experiences.

The iSchool offers flexible, ALA-accredited degrees such as the Master of Science in Library and Information Science (MSLIS), Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM), and a fully funded PhD program. The visit also highlighted the Center for Informatics Research in Science and Scholarship (CIRSS), dedicated to advancing digital information practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The iSchool offers interdisciplinary, flexible, and ALA-accredited programs that prepare students for diverse information careers.
• Research at the iSchool spans informatics, data science, and digital scholarship, supported by centers like CIRSS.
• Faculty-student engagement is strong, and the school promotes innovation through coursework and funded research.
• The iSchool’s integration of practical experience and theoretical knowledge equips graduates for leadership in evolving information landscapes.

5. Leadership insights from university of Illinois library panel

An inspiring panel with Dean Claire Stewart and Associate Dean Tom Teper shed light on leadership in one of the nation’s largest academic libraries. Claire reflected on a career shaped by adaptability and innovation, navigating from traditional tasks in the 1990s to leading digital and AI initiatives today.

Tom, bringing a humanities perspective, emphasized the importance of strategic, human-centered leadership, managing change, fostering collaboration, and steering complex projects. Both leaders agreed leadership transcends titles; it’s about purpose, relationship-building, and collective success.

At the heart of our visit was an inspiring Leadership Panel featuring Claire Stewart, Dean of Libraries and University Librarian, and Tom Teper, Associate Dean for Collections and Technical Services. Their perspectives illuminated the dynamic and often complex nature of academic librarianship.

Claire traced her professional journey from early-career technical tasks to pioneering digital library initiatives and tackling emerging challenges such as AI integration and equitable global access to information. Tom added a thoughtful humanities-driven perspective, emphasizing strategic planning, human-centered leadership, and interdepartmental collaboration as essential skills in managing a modern research library.

Both leaders agreed: true leadership is less about titles and more about vision, empathy, and fostering collective success. In today’s rapidly evolving information landscape, libraries thrive when all staff are empowered to lead, collaborate, and adapt with purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership in libraries is less about hierarchy and more about purpose, adaptability, and collaboration.
• Claire Stewart’s journey illustrates how innovation and responsiveness to change are essential to library leadership.
• Tom Teper emphasized strategic leadership rooted in humanity—managing teams, change, and infrastructure.
• Strong leadership involves building relationships, guiding through uncertainty, and empowering others to lead

6. Oak Street Library: a backbone of access and preservation

We also had the opportunity to explore the Oak Street Library, the university’s high-density storage facility housing over four million lesser-used materials. While it may not resemble a traditional library, this facility plays a vital role in access and preservation.

Featuring 40-foot-high shelving, a climate-controlled environment (50°F and 30% humidity), and an efficient item-retrieval system, Oak Street ensures long-term protection of physical collections. Patrons can request materials online and access them through flexible delivery options or the onsite Reading Room, making it a behind-the-scenes hero in sustaining academic inquiry.

7. Libraries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

One of the most thought-provoking sessions focused on how libraries can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As educational and community anchors, libraries are uniquely positioned to promote sustainability through programs, services, and partnerships.

We explored tools such as the SDG Index Dashboard, which identifies national progress and gaps, and the SDG Indicator Wizard, which helps institutions align their missions with the global goals. Four key pillars: environment, resources, technologies, and services framed the discussion on sustainable library management. From catalog filters supporting climate research to web guides focused on gender equity, examples highlighted how libraries can create tangible global impact.

The session urged us to ask: Are we engaged? Are we contributing? How can we act together? The answer begins with strategic alignment and collective advocacy.

8. Advancing Open Access and scholarly publishing

A dedicated session on open scholarship highlighted the University of Illinois Library’s leadership in making scholarly communication more equitable and accessible.

The university supports “Read and Publish” agreements with major publishers to reduce barriers for authors and readers, while also exploring diamond OA models that remove financial costs entirely. Infrastructure efforts include the Illinois Open Publishing Network (IOPN) and IDEALS, the institutional repository hosting over 119,000 scholarly works, alongside the Illinois Data Bank for data storage and preservation.

Membership in initiatives like MIT’s Direct to Open and JSTOR’s Path to Open strengthens the library’s ability to support both local and global scholarship. Importantly, the university invests heavily in Open Educational Resources (OERs), developing free, openly licensed textbooks to reduce student costs and increase access to knowledge.

These efforts are a clear testament to how libraries can lead systemic change in the scholarly publishing landscape.

9. Celebrating community with Altrusa International

Capping off the visit was a heartfelt Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by Altrusa International at the Altrusa House in Champaign. Organized by Ms. Carol Colburn and a team of dedicated volunteers, this cultural exchange was more than a meal, it was a celebration of hospitality, gratitude, and shared humanity.

The warmth of the evening underscored the power of community and the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Altrusa’s mission of service, literacy, and leadership echoed throughout the evening, with values that align seamlessly with the evolving mission of libraries in a global society.

10. Behind the scenes at the MacArthur Foundation

During our visit to the MacArthur Foundation in Chicago, we were introduced to a powerful example of how information services can drive mission-based work in non-traditional settings. Established in 1970, the MacArthur Foundation is one of the most prominent philanthropic organizations in the United States. Known for its commitment to advancing justice, equity, and sustainability, the Foundation’s impact is global and so is its approach to knowledge.

The visit included a tour of its architecturally acclaimed headquarters, which also functions as a cultural space showcasing artist exhibit that reflect the Foundation’s dedication to inclusivity and creative expression. But the true highlight was learning how library services function at the heart of the Foundation’s operations. The corporate librarian shared how their role is deeply integrated into the strategic fabric of the organization supporting grant application, research, and decision-making through a centralized knowledge hub. From internal catalogs and interlibrary loans to training sessions and pilot projects with AI tools, the library team works at the intersection of information access, user experience, and impact measurement.

Key lessons:

• The importance of aligning library strategy with organizational goals, embracing innovation, and continuously evolving to meet user needs.
• For librarians considering non-traditional paths, the MacArthur model offers a compelling case for how our skills can support global missions in creative and strategic ways.

11. Visit to the Chicago Public Library

Our visit to the Chicago Public Library (CPL) provided an inspiring look into one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking public library systems in the United States. As the central hub among more than 80 branches across Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, CPL plays a pivotal role in advancing equity, literacy, and digital access for millions of residents each year.

From YOUmedia teen spaces with music studios and 3D printers to early learning zones for young children and expansive digital archives, CPL’s programming reflects a deep investment in lifelong learning and inclusive innovation. The library’s commitment to digital equity which is evident in free Wi-Fi, technology training, and outreach campaigns demonstrates how libraries can be powerful agents for social change. With award-winning initiatives and international recognition, CPL stands as a global model for urban public libraries, proving that when technology, education, and community engagement come together, the impact is transformative.

12. Exploring global librarianship: a visit to the American Library Association Headquarters

During our recent visit to the American Library Association (ALA) Headquarters in Chicago, we gained a deeper appreciation of the organization’s enduring impact and its leadership in shaping global librarianship. Established nearly 150 years ago, the ALA is the oldest and one of the most influential library associations in the world, with over 47,000 members, including international professionals across more than 150 countries. Our group was warmly welcomed by the Director of the International Relations Office, who provided valuable insights into the ALA’s governance, strategic priorities, and global initiatives.

The session addressed some of the most pressing challenges currently facing libraries, particularly around intellectual freedom and the rising wave of book bans. The ALA’s advocacy efforts were highlighted as essential in defending equitable access to information and promoting library resilience in politically charged environments. We also learned about the association’s active involvement with IFLA and its numerous leadership development programs, grants supporting refugee services and accessibility, and professional publishing efforts.

A guided tour of the ALA offices offered an up-close look at the organization’s operations, from editorial teams and scholarship management to the Public Library and School Library divisions. The Book Awards Program, particularly its iconic seals for children’s literature, stood out as a unique intersection of literature, education, and publishing. The announcement of an upcoming Scholarly Communication Roadshow in Jamaica reaffirmed ALA’s commitment to international collaboration and professional growth.

This visit not only showcased ALA’s expansive influence but also inspired a deeper sense of connection to the global library community. From advocacy and publishing to leadership development and global outreach, the ALA continues to be a beacon for library professionals committed to access, equity, and innovation.

13. A glimpse into innovation visit to the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, University of Chicago

The visit to the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago offered an inspiring glimpse into a library where technology, design, and scholarship intersect. Opened in 2011, the library features a striking glass-domed reading room with 180 seats and houses more than 3.5 million items in an underground Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). This system, using 12 storage racks and 24,000 bins, allows users to request materials electronically, which are then retrieved by robotic cranes, redefining how libraries manage space and access. The facility also includes special collections, digitization labs, and a quiet study environment bathed in natural light from its 700-panel glass roof.

A panel discussion with library leaders highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to digital scholarship, research support, and innovation. Services through the Center for Digital Scholarship include data management, GIS mapping, digital exhibits, and open access publishing. The library plays a central role in managing research data, with a university wide RDM Committee led by the Library Dean. Despite some disciplinary hesitation especially in the humanities, the library continues to lead in digitizing content, supporting global collections, and even integrating artificial intelligence through the recent appointment of an AI librarian. This visit underscored how the library actively bridges tradition and innovation to support 21st-century research and learning.

Key takeaways:

The visit to the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago showcased how cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and academic support can converge in a modern research library. With its iconic glass-domed reading room and an underground Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) housing over 3.5 million items, the library exemplifies space optimization and user-driven access. A panel discussion with library leaders highlighted the institution’s strong emphasis on digital scholarship through services such as GIS mapping, data management, and open access publishing, coordinated by the Center for Digital Scholarship and a university-wide RDM Committee. Despite some disciplinary hesitation, particularly in the humanities, the library is leading innovations in digitization and artificial intelligence, demonstrated by the recent appointment of an AI librarian. The Mansueto Library stands as a forward-looking model for how academic libraries can bridge tradition and innovation to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century research and learning.