This week began with a session on U.S. consortia systems, focusing on CARLI. The session provided a comprehensive overview of CARLI’s structure, services, and its impact on academic and research libraries in Illinois. It was impressive to learn how CARLI integrates licensing, shared infrastructure, advocacy, professional development, and open educational resources into its core operations. Compared to Korean consortia which mainly focus on reducing subscription fees, the CARLI model offers a broader, more strategic approach. This session made me consider the possibility of developing a new form of library consortium in Korea that goes beyond price negotiation to encompass service scalability, equity, and collaboration.

At Seoul National University, it’s relatively rare for library departments to apply for external grants. However, after attending the Grant Writing Basics session led by Anne Craig, I experienced a shift in mindset. I realized that securing external grants can enable greater flexibility and autonomy in library services.
The session comprehensively covered how to identify community needs, find grant opportunities, and craft effective proposals. It also introduced practical strategies to appeal to funders, including writing clear, jargon-free narratives and providing measurable outcomes. Most helpful was the reminder that a successful grant starts with a compelling story and ends with a clear plan for execution, including budget, evaluation, and timeline.
This presentation encouraged me to think proactively about funding new services or expanding existing ones, particularly in areas where budget constraints might otherwise be a limiting factor. It was a valuable starting point for imagining what’s possible when financial barriers are removed.

Before Lunch, we participated in the “Research Data Management Fundamentals” session led by Sandi Caldron, Research Data Librarian at the University of Illinois. Through this session, I was able to learn the importance of managing research data in a way that ensures it is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR). The presenter emphasized that data is not defined by what it is, but by how it is used—an insight that reshaped my understanding of data curation.
The explanation of what qualifies as research data versus what does not was particularly useful, especially the focus on metadata (labels and documentation) and how good data management can significantly impact research efficiency and reproducibility. The visual metaphor contrasting well-managed and poorly managed data made a strong impression—it was a fun yet effective way to drive the point home.
This session reminded me that librarians play a crucial role in supporting research data lifecycle, from planning and organization to storage and ethical use. I would like to explore how we can incorporate similar data support services in my own institution in the future.

In the “Technical Services Management / Panel” session, I gained insight into how acquisitions and cataloging are managed at the University of Illinois Library. It was fascinating to compare their workflows with those at Seoul National University. At SNU, a single librarian often handles the full process from selection, ordering, vendor communication, to cataloging. In contrast, at UIUC, subject librarians are responsible for selecting materials, while acquisitions librarians place orders and manage vendor relations. They also perform copy cataloging, while original cataloging is assigned to language specialists.
It was particularly interesting to see how the same library management system—Alma/Primo—is used in both institutions, yet the workflows differ greatly depending on institutional structure and staff roles. This session made me curious about their acquisition processes, and I’m planning to reach out to the presenter for further questions.
After the session, I had the chance to have dinner with my library buddy, along with three Korean librarians working at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We shared many conversations about our professional experiences. I was especially inspired by their deep passion for their work, their proactive approach to expanding their roles, and how they naturally built trust with the university community. Their professionalism and forward-looking attitude left a strong impression on me and served as great motivation for my own professional growth.

The Information Literacy Instruction session held on Tuesday emphasized the evolving nature of literacy in the context of rapid technological and societal changes. Dr. Peggy Nzomo’s lecture clarified that information literacy is not merely about accessing and using information, but also understanding its creation, evaluation, and ethical use. The concept of Critical Information Literacy—considering political, economic, and corporate power in the information ecosystem—was particularly eye-opening. I realized that the role of librarians is not just to teach search strategies but to empower users as informed citizens.
The session also introduced Media Literacy and AI Literacy, highlighting how librarians must adapt to misinformation, disinformation, and the growing influence of AI. This reinforced my belief that we, as LIS professionals, must continuously learn and adapt to provide services that meet our users’ changing needs. The frameworks and resources provided—like ACRL, CILIP, and UNESCO—were practical and will be valuable in planning future instruction.
This session motivated me to examine our own instruction programs more closely and ensure that we are preparing users not only for academic success but also for participation in society as critical thinkers.

The session on Scoping Reviews & AI introduced the concept of scoping reviews and how librarians can support research synthesis by organizing and mapping broad research landscapes. While the topic initially felt more aligned with academic research, it helped me understand how librarians can play a role in facilitating evidence-based inquiry. The latter half, focusing on AI tools such as ChatGPT, Elicit, and Scite.ai, was especially valuable—it clarified how researchers use AI in real workflows. I gained practical insight into how AI can support both librarians and users in navigating scholarly information more efficiently.

The Library Assessment session explored the importance of evaluating library services, resources, and operations, along with various approaches to doing so.
Through this session, I was reminded that assessment is not just about collecting numbers—it is a crucial process for reflecting user needs and continuously improving service quality.
In particular, I found it helpful to learn how tools such as logic models, KPIs, and rubrics can guide libraries in setting goals and building tailored evaluation frameworks.
It was a valuable session that emphasized library assessment not as a response to external demands, but as a strategic initiative to enhance internal services.

One of the most impressive aspects of our visit to the Urbana Free Library and the Champaign Public Library was witnessing the dedication of librarians to their local communities.
Programs like the Teen Open Lab demonstrated how librarians are able to provide meaningful and creative services despite limitations in budget and space.
Their efforts reminded me that library work is ultimately about sincere, human-centered service rooted in relationships.
It was inspiring to see how their care and commitment have allowed the libraries to become deeply integrated into the fabric of their communities.

On Wednesday, we had the opportunity to visit Springfield, which included a series of powerful and inspiring experiences.
Our first stop was the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, where I could truly sense how deeply Americans take pride in President Lincoln. I was particularly moved by the librarian’s dedication and profound knowledge when explaining documents related to Lincoln—it reflected both professional passion and personal admiration.

At the Illinois State Library, the most unforgettable moment was ironically when we had to evacuate to the basement due to a tornado warning. Despite the circumstances, the librarian continued the presentation with professionalism and care, ensuring that we felt both informed and safe. I was also impressed to learn that the building had been designed with fire prevention in mind to protect precious collections—demonstrating their deep commitment to preservation.

We concluded the day with a tour of the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. With Juneteenth approaching, the visit felt even more meaningful. Walking through the home allowed me to feel closer to Lincoln’s values—his belief in equality, human dignity, and perseverance in the face of adversity. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for his legacy and its continued relevance today.

On Friday, we headed to a small town called Arthur. The librarians at the Arthur Public Library provided personalized information services with sincerity and respect for the unique needs of the Amish community. I was deeply impressed by how libraries in the U.S. recognize and embrace the diversity of their users and strive to offer the best possible services tailored to their needs.

In contrast, Korea has long been a relatively homogenous society but is now gradually becoming more multicultural. This visit gave me a meaningful opportunity to reflect on how we, as librarians, can better serve communities with diverse backgrounds and characteristics.

And on a side note—Amish cuisine was by far the most delicious food I’ve had during my time in the U.S.!