Libraries as Engines of Innovation, Collaboration, and Cultural Stewardship: Reflections from Illinois

Week 3 offered an integrated and enriching look into how Illinois libraries and institutions are advancing academic engagement, research support, digital innovation, and community relevance. The experience through both presentations and site visits presented replicable models, practical tools, and forward-thinking strategies that can directly inform the growth of our own scholarly infrastructure in South Africa.

1. CARLI: consortium collaboration as a strategic enabler

The CARLI (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois) presentation illustrated how library consortia amplify the capacity of individual institutions. With over 125 member libraries, CARLI delivers shared services in licensing, interlibrary loans, cataloging, systems management, and continuing education. Its core functions ensure a unified approach to infrastructure, resource access, and professional development.

Notably, CARLI’s role in grant writing and administration including applying on behalf of members offers a collaborative model worth considering. Such consortia-based applications could help smaller or under-resourced institutions gain access to competitive national and international funding.

Key lessons:

• Scalability through collaboration – consortia reduce costs and broaden access.
• Professional development pipeline – support staff learning and sustainability.
• Governance with equity – member-driven representation ensures alignment of needs.

2. Research data services: empowering responsible research

The presentation on research data services revealed a robust, campus-wide approach to Research Data Management (RDM), even without tools like DMPTool or a formal grant tracking system. The in-house Data Bank repository supports data preservation, while compliance with FAIR data principles ensures accessibility and transparency.

Although there are challenges such as incomplete metadata and researchers being reluctant to share data, their framework at the university of Illinois prioritizes user education, security, backups, and metadata quality. Their practical advice (e.g., “1 variable per column, 1 observation per row”) simplifies complex RDM topics.

Key takeaways:

• Invest in local repository infrastructure
• Build a culture of data-sharing through education, not enforcement
• Embrace FAIR principles and prepare staff to offer hands-on RDM support

3. Evidence synthesis & reviews: libraries as research partners

The session on Evidence Synthesis clarified the librarian’s expanding role in systematic and scoping reviews. Tools like Covidence, Rayyan, Elicit, and PRISMA checklists, and the integration of AI (ChatGPT, Gemini, Scite) support efficient, transparent synthesis processes. Acknowledging the use of AI tools in research output is also becoming standard. For example:

“This scoping review utilized ChatGPT (OpenAI) to refine inclusion criteria and summarize thematic trends. Human oversight ensured accuracy and ethical compliance.”

Recommendations:

• Train subject librarians on synthesis tools and AI-assisted research
• Position libraries as co-researchers, not just support services
• Develop workshops that demystify evidence-based review processes

4. Information Literacy & AI Literacy: building resilience in an info-flooded world

The Information Literacy session connected us to critical thinking, social context, and digital citizenship. Drawing from frameworks like ACRL, CILIP, and UNESCO’s AI Literacy guidelines, it emphasized the importance of understanding authority, creation, value of information, and AI as a literacy domain.

Terms like:

• Infodemic – overabundance of information, often misleading (e.g., during COVID-19).
• Disinformation – deliberate spreading of false information.
• Debunking & Pre-bunking – strategies to correct or prevent belief in falsehoods.

Applications:

• Incorporate AI literacy and Media literacy into Information Literacy training.
• Use ACRL frames (e.g. “Scholarship as Conversation”) to structure undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Address misinformation through pre-bunking activities and critical evaluation tasks

5. Visits to libraries and cultural sites: connecting communities and scholarship

• We also spent time at The Urbana Free Library (TUFL), a community gem that uniquely blends centuries of history with 21st-century services. Urbana Free Library showed how blending heritage (historic building, archives) with innovation (seed libraries, public art, digital tools) creates a community-centered model.

• Whether you are checking out a musical instrument, attending a nature-focused workshop, or exploring the rich archives in a beautifully preserved historic building, TUFL truly feels like the heart of Urbana. The library’s green spaces and indoor plant displays add a calming, organic touch making it not just a place for learning, but also for growth and reflection, both intellectually and literally. One of the most charming features is the community seed library, where local residents donate and share seeds, encouraging sustainable gardening and a deeper connection to nature right from the library shelves.

6. Champaign Public Library: a modern hub for learning, innovation, and community

• During our visit to Champaign, we explored the Champaign Public Library, a shining example of what modern libraries can and should be dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking. With a staff capacity of 120, strong partnerships with the University of Illinois, and a growing array of public services, the library demonstrates how thoughtful investment in people, space, and technology can transform a library into a true community cornerstone.

• From the outside, the library impresses with its sustainable, award-winning architecture. But it’s what happens inside that truly sets it apart. The library hosts a vibrant range of programs and facilities that serve all ages and interests. At the heart of this innovation is The Studio, a creative space featuring makerspaces, recording booths, and gaming areas. These resources foster digital literacy and creativity, empowering patrons to not only consume media but also to create, collaborate, and innovate.

• The library is also a model for lifelong learning. Through technology workshops, career coaching, and business support programs, it plays an active role in personal and professional development. Patrons can learn how to build a résumé, start a business, or navigate digital tools all within a welcoming, community-driven environment. The presence of an on-site cafeteria further supports its role as a social space, encouraging people to spend time, connect, and learn in comfort.

• The Champaign Public Library’s recognition as a 4-Star Library by Library Journal speaks volumes about its excellence in service and deep community impact. Its commitment to adapting services to meet the evolving needs of a diverse public is a strong reminder that libraries are not relics of the past, but essential spaces for the future.

• Other libraries can look to Champaign as a blueprint for building relevance in a digital age by combining design, programming, partnerships, and people to create a space that educates, empowers, and inspires.

7. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, Lincoln Home, and Illinois State Library emphasized the power of storytelling, legacy, and civic engagement in shaping public memory and information services.

• The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, preserves and showcases the life, legacy, and historical context of President Abraham Lincoln through extensive collections and immersive exhibits.

• Nearby, the Lincoln Home National Historic Site offers a preserved view of Lincoln’s family, providing educational tours and insight into his personal and early political life.

• To librarians, these institutions represent key pillars of preservation, education, and public service. Each plays a vital role in the collection, curation, and accessibility of historical and governmental information:

• The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum exemplifies how libraries can use archival materials and storytelling to engage the public and preserve national heritage.
• The Lincoln Home highlights the importance of place-based history and collaboration between libraries, museums, and historic sites to support lifelong learning.

8. The Illinois State Library

• It demonstrates how a state-level library serves as a hub for resource sharing, government information access, professional development, and library system support across the region.

• The Illinois State Library, also in Springfield, supports state government operations and public libraries, offering a wide range of archival materials, research resources, and public services across Illinois.

9. Arthur Public Library

• During our visit to Arthur, Illinois, we had the pleasure of exploring the Arthur Public Library, a well-established community hub founded in 1900 and rebuilt in 1991.

• It offers a wide range of services, including book and media lending, digital resources, children’s programs, interlibrary loans, and even cake pans for community events. Governed by a public board with monthly open meetings, the library demonstrates strong transparency and community involvement.

Lessons for librarians

• Community driven growth: The evolution of Arthur Public Library from a small collection to a modern facility shows the power of community investment in shaping library development.
• Inclusive programming and resources: Their diverse services reflect a deep understanding of local needs, catering to educational, digital, and even practical demands, demonstrating the value of versatile offerings.
• Governance and transparency: Regular board meetings open to the public promote accountability and give patrons a voice in library direction.
• Overall, Arthur Public Library illustrates how a small-town library can thrive by evolving with its community, offering relevant services, fostering civic engagement, and preserving local heritage, all key takeaways for librarians seeking to make a meaningful impact.

10. Illinois Amish Heritage Center reflected the value of cultural authenticity and local knowledge.

• The Amish experience reminded us of the importance of intentionality, simplicity, and preserving heritage and these are qualities libraries can adopt to remain grounded and responsive.

• During our visit to the most conservative subgroup of the Amish community, we had the unique opportunity to experience their way of life firsthand. Our tour began at the Illinois Amish Heritage Center (IAHC), where we gained valuable background on Amish history, culture, and traditions. From there, we proceeded to an Amish home visit, offering a rare and respectful glimpse into their daily routines, family life, and the simplicity that defines their lifestyle. The experience provided deep insight into their commitment to faith, community, and cultural preservation.

• Following the home visit, we enjoyed a traditional Amish cuisine lunch, which reflected their values of simplicity, self-sufficiency, and hospitality. The homemade meal showcased locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. This immersive experience from the educational foundation at IAHC to the authentic interactions with the community highlighted the deeply rooted values of the Amish and their steadfast dedication to maintaining a way of life largely untouched by modern influences.

• This experience offers several valuable lessons for librarians, especially those engaged in cultural preservation, community engagement, and inclusive education

• First, the visit highlights the importance of respectful documentation and representation of marginalized or insular communities. Librarians serve as stewards of information and culture, and interacting with groups like the Amish reminds us to preserve diverse narratives with accuracy, sensitivity, and ethical care. Understanding how the Amish prioritize oral traditions, privacy, and non-technological living can guide librarians in developing inclusive collections and archival practices that honor community values rather than impose external norms.

• Secondly, it reinforces the role of libraries in supporting cultural literacy and intergenerational knowledge. The Amish focus on practical skills, religious devotion, and cultural continuity shows the value of alternative educational models.

• For librarians, this underscores the importance of creating spaces and resources that accommodate different worldviews, learning styles, and information needs beyond digital access and formal education. It challenges librarians to think creatively about outreach, accessibility, and programming that bridges tradition and modernity without compromising cultural integrity.

Overall lessons for libraries:

• Collaboration (like CARLI) is key to sustainability
• Support for the full research lifecycle, from data to dissemination is a core library function
• Empowering users with information and AI literacy means teaching them to navigate truth in a world where facts and fakes look alike
• Libraries are cultural anchors and must balance innovation with community values

11. Exploring the universe through data: a visit to the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)

As part of the Mortenson Center Associates Program, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The visit showcased how NCSA supports global research through high-performance computing and vast data storage systems.

We experienced a stunning visual journey through the universe, created from astronomical data processed and stored on NCSA systems. The team shared their work on data licensing, managing multiple storage platforms, and plans to preserve research datasets through IDEALS, the university’s institutional repository.

This visit highlighted the essential role of data stewardship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and digital preservation in advancing scientific knowledge and access.