The first week of the Mortenson Center Associates Program has been full of discoveries, new friendships, and inspiring conversations. Coming from Spain and working in both libraries and bookstores, I was eager to learn how American libraries create impact in their communities. After only a few days, I already found ideas and perspectives that I hope to bring back home.

Understanding People Through DiSC

One of the most valuable experiences of the week was participating in the DiSC workshop led by Shirley N. Smith-Crews. Before attending the session, I thought leadership was mainly about making decisions and guiding projects. However, DiSC reminded me that leadership is also about understanding people.

Learning about my own behavioral profile helped me recognize both my strengths and the areas where I can improve. More importantly, it helped me understand why colleagues may approach problems, communication, and teamwork differently.

As someone who works with library staff, booksellers, readers, authors, and institutional partners, I believe this knowledge will be extremely useful in my professional life. Understanding how people think and communicate can help build stronger teams, reduce conflict, and create more productive working environments.

OCLC: The Silicon Valley of Libraries

One of the highlights of the week was our visit to OCLC in Dublin, Ohio.

Like many librarians around the world, I have used OCLC services throughout my career, but visiting its headquarters was a completely different experience. Walking through the building, meeting the professionals behind the systems, and seeing the technological infrastructure that supports thousands of libraries worldwide was inspiring.

My first impression was simple: this is the Silicon Valley of librarianship.

The scale of the operation, the innovation culture, and the commitment to connecting libraries globally demonstrated how much technology shapes modern library services. Seeing the data center was particularly impressive, as it revealed the invisible infrastructure that allows millions of users to discover and access information every day.

The visit reinforced an idea that has accompanied me throughout the program so far: libraries can only increase their impact when technology, collaboration, and shared vision work together.

Westerville Public Library: A Library Without Limits

If OCLC showed me the technological future of libraries, Westerville Public Library showed me the power of imagination.

From the moment we arrived, it became clear that this library constantly asks itself a simple question: “What would make our community happy, engaged, and connected?”

The answer often goes far beyond traditional library services.

I was amazed to learn about some of their activities and initiatives. Whether organizing programs involving live animals, creating highly creative community events, or developing innovative ways to engage users, Westerville demonstrated that libraries do not need to be limited by conventional expectations.

One example that particularly caught my attention was their approach to withdrawn materials. Rather than seeing discarded books as a problem, they transformed them into an opportunity through book sales that continue to generate value for the community.

The visit challenged some of my own assumptions about what libraries can and should do. Sometimes innovation is not about implementing expensive technology or large-scale projects. Sometimes it is about having the courage to try something unexpected and seeing how the community responds.

Looking Ahead

As the first week comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on three important lessons.

First, impact begins with people. Understanding ourselves and others is essential for effective leadership.

Second, collaboration and technology can dramatically expand the reach of libraries, as demonstrated by OCLC.

And third, libraries have enormous potential to surprise, inspire, and transform communities when they are willing to experiment, as Westerville Public Library does so well.

If this first week is any indication of what lies ahead, the rest of the Mortenson experience promises to be equally inspiring.