People, Change, and Libraries in Practice
By HyeRee Pyo
My first week in the Mortenson Associates Program was filled with new experiences, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to reflect on how libraries create impact for their communities. Through workshops, discussions, and library visits, I began exploring the program theme, Poised for Impact: Data, User, Strategy-Driven Libraries, from different perspectives.
A Warm Welcome to the Program
The week began with a warm welcome from Clara, Vuyo, and Gladys. Their hospitality created an environment where participants from different countries could quickly connect and share experiences. As we introduced ourselves and learned about one another’s professional backgrounds, I was reminded that libraries around the world often face similar challenges despite differences in culture, scale, and resources.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program so far has been the opportunity to learn alongside librarians from diverse institutions and countries. These conversations have already broadened my perspective and encouraged me to think beyond my own organizational context.
Understanding People Through DiSC
One of the highlights of the week was the DiSC assessment workshop. While I initially expected a simple personality assessment, the session offered valuable insights into communication styles, workplace preferences, and approaches to collaboration.
The experience encouraged me to think about how successful library services depend not only on understanding users but also on understanding colleagues. Effective teamwork requires recognizing different strengths, perspectives, and ways of working. As libraries continue to evolve, the ability to collaborate across diverse personalities and professional backgrounds becomes increasingly important.
Managing Change
Another important topic during the week was change management. Libraries today operate in a rapidly changing environment shaped by technological developments, evolving user expectations, and institutional priorities. The workshop emphasized that successful change is not simply about implementing new systems or services. It also requires communication, trust, and a shared understanding of why change is necessary.
This session prompted me to reflect on the changes currently taking place in academic libraries and the importance of balancing innovation with organizational readiness. Sustainable change depends on people as much as processes.
Exploring the University of Illinois Library
Our visit to the University of Illinois Library provided an opportunity to observe one of the largest academic library systems in the United States. I was particularly interested in how the library supports a diverse user population through its services, collections, and learning environments.
The visit encouraged me to think about how libraries continuously adapt to changing user needs while maintaining their core mission of supporting research, teaching, and learning. Seeing these efforts in practice reinforced the importance of designing services with users at the center.
Ohio Library Tour
The second half of the week took us to Ohio, where we visited three institutions that demonstrated different approaches to creating impact through libraries.
OCLC: Collaboration at Scale
At OCLC, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of collaboration in the library profession. The organization supports libraries around the world through shared infrastructure, services, and data. Learning about OCLC’s work highlighted how cooperation enables libraries to achieve goals that would be difficult to accomplish independently.
The visit also illustrated how data can support decision-making, resource sharing, and broader access to information. It was a compelling example of how collaboration and data work together to strengthen library services.
The Ohio State University Libraries
Our visit to The Ohio State University Libraries provided insight into how a major research university supports teaching, learning, and scholarship. I was impressed by the variety of spaces and services available to students and researchers.
The visit demonstrated how libraries can align their services with institutional priorities while remaining responsive to the needs of their users. It also highlighted the strategic role that academic libraries play in supporting student success and research excellence.
Westerville Public Library
Westerville Public Library offered a different but equally inspiring perspective. The library’s welcoming atmosphere and strong community focus were immediately apparent. From its thoughtfully designed spaces to its wide range of programs and services, the library reflected a deep understanding of local needs and interests.
What impressed me most was how the library positioned itself as a community hub where people could gather, learn, and connect. The visit served as a reminder that libraries create impact not only through collections and technology but also through meaningful relationships with their communities.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my first week, I am beginning to see how data, users, and strategy are interconnected elements of successful library services. Whether through understanding people, navigating change, strengthening collaboration, or responding to community needs, each experience this week offered a different perspective on how libraries create value and impact.
I look forward to continuing this learning journey throughout the remainder of the Mortenson Associates Program and discovering new ideas that I can bring back to Seoul National University Library.