The first week of the program has begun. It started with member introductions, followed by the DiSC assessment and evaluations of management and information literacy skills. Then, there was a two-day field trip to Ohio.

The highlights of this week are listed below.

DiSC assessment
This assessment consisted of simple questions but generated a detailed report covering personal characteristics, motivational factors, stressors, and interpersonal styles. My results placed me in Type C, which was also the most common type among all participants. The results generally aligned with my self-perception and helped me articulate my behavioral traits and identify my strengths and weaknesses. I also gained a deeper understanding of the characteristics of each type and how to apply them.

Based on our understanding of the characteristics of each type and our own assessment results, we discussed how to understand others’ traits and build effective collaborations and relationships in the workplace in groups. The DiSC assessment is widely used in the United States. While methods for sharing results within organizations vary, ranging from management-level dissemination to department-level sharing or individual discretion, I found the assessment to be an effective tool for facilitating smooth work processes and building positive relationships.

In the workplace, although we share common goals, differences in personality traits can sometimes lead to misalignments in approach and communication. However, mutual understanding enables appropriate responses. I found it helpful to deepen my self-understanding by articulating and referencing my assessment results. Furthermore, I believe that leadership is not limited to a specific type, but rather, can be exercised according to one’s individual traits. I think that training sessions exploring leadership styles tailored to one’s characteristics would be beneficial.

Information litaracy Instruction
I learned about evaluating information literacy education at the University of Illinois Library. Evaluation is important for gauging the impact on learners, leading to educational improvements, and demonstrating the significance of library activities by linking them to the university’s learning objectives. Evaluation used to be limited to unsystematic methods, such as counting the number of class support sessions or relying on paper surveys. Now, there is a need to visualize educational outcomes based on data and communicate them throughout the university. They measure effectiveness across three dimensions—information literacy skills, perceptions of the library, and student success—by linking learning outcomes and evaluation based on backward design and systematizing survey questions. Although our university has many similarities, I consider setting evaluation objectives and presenting findings to stakeholders to be areas for future consideration.

OCLC visit
OCLC’s mission statement, “Together we make breakthroughs possible,” reflects the organization’s purpose. Originally established by university libraries in Ohio as a nonprofit library cooperative to facilitate resource sharing and reduce costs, OCLC now operates as a global library network.
The Mortenson Center program embodies this spirit, too. Through learning alongside librarians from around the world, participants can deepen their understanding of the program by gaining insight into library conditions in various countries and by hearing multifaceted perspectives through comments and questions.

Ohio state university library and Westerville Public Library visit
OSU research commons targets graduate students, faculty, and postdoctoral researchers and provides support for the entire research process. It offers workshops and individual consultations on research data management, data visualization, geographic information systems (GIS), digital humanities, and research evaluation. It provides a glimpse into what research support should look like in the future.

Similar to the University of Illinois, OSU has a “family zone” and the Westerville Public Library offers pet food at the drive-thru return. While user needs are always a primary consideration when designing library services, I was particularly impressed by the fact that services are provided not only for users themselves, but also for their families (including pets!).