As I reflect on Week 3 of the Mortenson Center Associates Program, with its theme ‘Libraries Unbound: Open, Inclusive, and Engaged,’ I can confidently say that it was an incredible opportunity—one that I will cherish forever. The chance to learn freely, without limitations, and to connect with people from all corners of the world was truly an extraordinary memoriable experience.
As a librarian, it’s impossible to ignore the importance of information literacy and the value of information across all communities. We had an engaging discussion on topics like information literacy, bridging the digital divide, and the impact of AI on information access, all of which really resonated with me. During the session, we were introduced to concepts like ‘Infodemic’ and ‘Infodemic Management.’ This is an area I found particularly intriguing and one that I plan to explore further for both my personal and professional growth.
As a collections librarian, I found the panel discussion with librarians from technical services to be incredibly insightful. It shed light on the roles and responsibilities of Acquisitions and Cataloging librarians, as well as the valuable services they provide. Later that evening, the Associates had the chance to network with one another, exchanging ideas and learning about various opportunities and initiatives for collaboration within our professional community.
How could anyone forget the trip to Springfield? During our tour of the Illinois State Library, a major weather alert was issued—a tornado watch. It was my first time experiencing such an alert. We were all quickly directed to the basement, joining other employees and visitors for safety. It was quite an exciting (though nerve-wracking) experience. Fortunately, the tornado did not pass by us, but we could have been stuck in the basement for up to two hours. Despite the stormy turn of events, it was also a privilege to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Museum, and his historic home.
It wasn’t just about the work and library visits during this time. I had the privilege of participating in two Juneteenth celebrations that highlighted the African influence on American culture through music. I attended the Juneteenth celebration at Douglas Park in Champaign, as well as a jazz band performance at the Rose Ball in Urbana.
Our third week reached its peak with an unforgettable visit to the Amish Community, starting at the Arthur Public Library. There, we learned about the library’s community engagement efforts and how they’ve tailored special services to meet the needs of local users, such as assisting with forms and helping businesses place material orders. Once again, this exemplified how libraries are unbound—open and actively engaged with their communities. Our visit to the Illinois Amish Heritage Center gave us a chance to witness the preservation of historical sites, adding an enriching layer to our experience.
At the end of week 3, I am reminded Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God and even when the night is long, God’s promises are the dawn that reminds me the light always returns.