“If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito”
~African Proverb

Introduction
What does your library reflect? A solemn reading space filled with shelves of books or something more dynamic, more responsive, more human-centered?
The various sections of the Mortenson Associates Program 2025 not only reframed my answer to that question but also radically shifted how I view the purpose and potential of libraries altogether. From vibrant teen learning hubs and sustainability-conscious spaces to AI-driven innovations and brand-savvy librarians, the program challenged every traditional idea I held about the profession. I no longer see the library through the narrow lens of access and service alone—but as an ecosystem of openness, inclusiveness, and engagement.

Reimagining the SDGs in the Library Space
One of the most eye-opening sessions was led by Professor Clara Chu, who spoke passionately about “Libraries for Sustainable Development.” Despite having some familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their intersection with library work, her presentation invited me to look deeper—critically examining how my own institution, Accra Technical University (ATU) Library, aligns (or fails to align) with these global goals.

My first attempt at running our mission and vision through the SDG Indicator Wizard returned the following message:

“The text you have entered does not align with any of the SDGs. Please revise the text and try again.”

These were statement we had spent weeks crafting. The message was sobering, as it revealed our library’s lack of intentionality in aligning with the SDGs. That moment of reckoning forced me to confront the disconnect between our ambitions and actionable global priorities. With the help of a templates and discussions, I soon identified tangible steps our library could take—from simple actions such as waste separation and encouraging refillable water bottles to more complex sustainability projects like energy efficiency initiatives (as supported by our pending EBSCO grant) and green building improvements. These realizations reinforced the principle that sustainable impact can begin with small, deliberate changes.

AI, Metadata, and the Art of Curation
The program also explored the evolving role of artificial intelligence in library operations, particularly in areas like cataloguing, metadata generation, and systematic reviews. While AI offers significant potential to streamline and enhance library workflows, we were cautioned against over-reliance. Tools such as Deepseek showed notable promise in these areas compared to the others. The flaws of generative AI — including hallucinated references and inconsistencies in data interpretation—demand critical thinking, validation, and librarian oversight. The key takeaway? AI can assist, but it cannot replace the librarian’s judgment.

Public Libraries as Models of Human-Centered Innovation
Perhaps the most striking transformation I witnessed was in the Chicago Public Library, a sprawling example of user-centered design. Of particular note was YOUMedia, the teen-focused section that empowers young people to develop creative skills—from music production to digital storytelling. This space, which nurtured talents like music star Chance the Rapper, proves what’s possible when libraries invest in youth as creators, not just consumers.

The tour underscored a powerful truth: libraries thrive when they listen to their users and design with empathy. It’s a philosophy we must internalize in Ghana, where public and academic libraries often operate with limited youth-specific programming.

Branding the Profession: Lessons from the Private Sector
Another resonant session was that with Liz Aviles and Liz Quinlan of AMP and McArthur Foundation respectively. Liz Aviles, is a trained librarian and now Senior Vice President for Strategy and Cultural Insight at AMP, a leading branding and advertising agency in the heart of Chicago. Her journey from a Librarian in her organisation to the position she now holds shows her versatility and her ability to reinvent herself in a time where organisations are no longer interested in keeping libraries. It affirmed a belief I have long held—that librarians are not bound by bookshelves. We are knowledge workers, information scientists, curators of meaning. Her call to action was clear:

“In this era of mindful maximalism, librarians must have a strong point of view and a bold brand identity.”

Librarians in Ghana need to embrace branding as a strategic imperative. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about influence, relevance, and positioning—especially within academic spaces where our impact is often undervalued. This also connects with the session by Associate Professor Emerita Peggy Burnette on scoping reviews and why this was necessary for librarians – the need to publish and be recognized.

Big Impact, Small Steps
From every tour and every conversation, one truth emerged consistently: transformation doesn’t always require massive budgets. Sometimes, the most meaningful innovations are those that start with existing resources and a shift in perspective. Whether it’s redesigning spaces to suit actual usage patterns, enhancing digital access, or developing more inclusive policies, what matters most is intentionality.

Moreover, not every “best practice” from the Global North is directly translatable. Even UIUC, one of the world’s top libraries, faces challenges with subject librarianship and faculty collaboration—issues we grapple with at ATU. This realization was both humbling and empowering. We are not behind; we are in conversation with a global community, learning and adapting at our own pace.

Conclusion: From Mortenson to Momentum
From the in-depth lessons on scoping reviews and AI with Associate Professor Emerita Peggy Burnette and Assistant Professor Sarah G. Park to my favourite session with Liz Aviles and Liz Quinlan, one thing is clear – my participating in the Mortenson Associates Program 2025 has been more than a professional development experience. It has been a transformative awakening. I now view the library not as a static institution but as a living, breathing organism—capable of responding, evolving, and leading. Through the lens of openness, we commit to broader access and collaboration. Through inclusiveness, we serve every user with dignity. Through engagement, we co-create the future of learning and community.

The most profound lesson? You don’t need everything to do something. Start where you are—with what you have—and build with purpose. Because a library unbound is not just a place—it is a possibility. With a validated action plan endorsed by the program Coordinators for implementation at my institution, my prayer and hope is that the momentum will not fade. And that internal challenges will not stifle the progress envisioned. I am resolved to take small steps that will make a meaningful and lasting difference.

Donus W. Buadi
Mortenson Associate 2025
Ghana