The third week is coming to an end. Every day has been packed with activities and learning, but when the week is over, it feels like it passed very quickly.

Library Assessment
This week, we learned about Library Assessment, the process of evaluating library services and their impact using objective data to support continuous improvement. Library assessment helps libraries understand their contributions to research, education, learning support, and community engagement, while ensuring that services meet the needs of users and stakeholders.

One key takeaway was the importance of the three Ms when designing assessment measures: Measurable, Manageable, and Meaningful. I found this framework both practical and easy to remember, and I would like to keep it in mind whenever I conduct assessments in the future.

Another idea that resonated with me was that there is no such thing as a “perfect” assessment method. Starting with a simple survey or small-scale assessment is perfectly acceptable. This perspective lowered the barrier to beginning assessment activities and made the process feel much more approachable.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 
The visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) highlighted the importance of Abraham Lincoln in American history. The institution serves as both a research library and museum, preserving and sharing materials related to Lincoln, the Civil War while promoting civic education.

A particularly interesting aspect was the Papers of Abraham Lincoln Project, which collects, digitizes, and makes Lincoln-related documents publicly available online. The project also investigates Lincoln materials held around the world, revealing connections with Japan. For example, Japanese University holds Lincoln-related materials which demonstrats that Lincoln studies extend beyond the United States and have an international dimension.The museum’s exhibitions on Lincoln’s life, the Civil War, and Reconstruction further reinforced his lasting influence on American democracy. Overall, the visit provided a deeper understanding of Lincoln’s significance in U.S. history, and the connection between Lincoln research and Japan was particularly memorable and fascinating.

On the way back, we received another tornado warning, reminding us of the severe weather conditions common in the region. Despite the tornado warnings, I was glad that we were able to travel to Springfield and return safely.

SILL (Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders) 
SILL (Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders) is a leadership development program for librarians offered by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs. During this workshop, we experienced a condensed one-day version of the program through interactive group activities.

The training focused on leadership, innovation, planning, and communication. We learned a six-step problem-solving process, emphasizing that defining the right problem is the most important step. Through hands-on exercises, we explored teamwork, information sharing, and effective communication.

The workshop also highlighted that leadership is not limited to managers; anyone can influence others and contribute to organizational goals. We learned about Daniel Goleman’s six leadership styles and the importance of adapting leadership approaches to different situations. In addition, four communication styles—Action, Process, People, and Idea—were introduced, emphasizing the need to adjust communication based on the audience.

A key takeaway was that leadership is a skill needed at all levels of an organization, and that understanding and flexibly applying different leadership and communication styles is essential for successful teamwork and organizational change. I was also reminded that learning can be most effective when it is enjoyable, a point that was emphasized in the beginning of the training.