The following is a selection of the various initiatives implemented this week.
CU Community Fab Lab
https://cucfablab.web.illinois.edu/
We were given a tour of the FabLab on campus. It was crowded with many people, perhaps because it is only open on Sundays during the summer vacation. It is equipped with a variety of equipment related to manufacturing and supports not only digital fabrication but also analog manufacturing. Although it is located on campus, it is open to the community as a fab lab. It also collaborates with other departments on campus. The full range of equipment is so complete that it is impossible to know how much time and effort would be required to learn and make things with each of them. I felt that the library plays the same role as the library in terms of creation and learning through that medium, opening its doors not only to the university but also to the community at large, and collaboration with other departments. In Japan, there are very few fab labs in universities, but I was able to experience firsthand the importance and necessity of such a facility during my visit here.
SILL(Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders) Leadership Training
It is a library leadership program developed at the Mortenson Center, and has been implemented overseas. We were able to experience this program, albeit briefly.
Similar to the DiSK program that we experienced during our first week here, the program was designed to classify the types of leaders among the participating members and to teach them how to respond according to those types in a workshop format. I had never experienced a training program for library leaders before, so this was a new experience for me. I could feel that if such efforts were implemented regularly and systematically, the management of the organization would change considerably.
Libraries & Web Accessibility
I was able to hear about efforts to ensure digital accessibility for people with disabilities. It was a great learning experience for me because Japanese university libraries, while recognizing the need for such efforts, have not yet been able to implement such initiatives in an organized manner. When thinking about digital divide, ensuring digital accessibility is of utmost importance and something that libraries must do. I learned in concrete terms that it is impossible for libraries to work alone and that they need to collaborate with stakeholders to achieve this.
Grainger Engineering Library Information Center and IDEA LAB Tour
We were able to tour the engineering library and visit the “IDEA LAB” makerspace in the library. Despite the fact that it was during the summer vacation, the library was crowded with many users. The IDEA LAB is a makerspace in an engineering library, and as such, it includes not only a laser cutter and 3D printer, but also VR, AR, a huge screen, and game programs as elements of a data visualization lab. The library has a Nintendo-Switch and Sony Playstation, which is unthinkable in a Japanese university library, and is also used by users to relax and unwind. In the U.S., libraries are equipped with both digital and analog games and provide an environment where users can freely use them. I feel that this is an example of how the temptation that comes before the use of books can be used effectively in modern library use.
Overall Reflection
Today, I successfully completed my assigned presentation and was able to complete the program. I was able to learn many things and interact with many people during this fast-paced program. It was a truly fulfilling and happy experience. These days will be a lifelong asset for me and will bring many benefits to my future career and life.
I would like to say thank you again to Barbara and Amani for their involvement in this program from its inception, to Clara and Peggy for implementing this program, and to Emily and Voyo for their constant support. Thank you very much.
I would also like to thank the many people who were involved in this program.
Most of all, a huge thank you to the Associates from all over the world who were able to take part in the program with us for three and a half weeks, and we look forward to the relationships that will continue in the future. Thank you very much.
