The heart of librarianship: finding the balance in challenging times [slides]

Asia-Pacific Library and Information Conference 2018, 30 July - 2 August 2018 Gold Coast: Roar Leap Dare
 
This conference presentation (PowerPoint slides) accompanies the keynote address 'The heart of librarianship: finding the balance in challenging times'.
 
Constant adaptation to change based on thoughtful planning and grounded in the mission of libraries is a goal for every librarian. Facilitating connections. Providing access. Finding balance. These tenets of “hyperlinked librarianship” stress the importance of accessible, welcoming, and responsive library environments that invite open and equitable participation in even the most challenging times. How do we plan for obstacles, new developments, and emerging opportunities in the field? How we find new ways to reach users and harness curiosity? What factors are preventing many libraries from ramping up community engagement and user-focused services? The result of thoughtful, balanced practice, for those in leadership positions as well as those working on the front lines, is flexible librarianship that’s able to stay closely aligned with the needs and wants of library users.The heart of librarianship is learning and supporting our users’ curiosity through every means possible. It’s a cyclical process of support, engagement, and discovery with deep roots in the concepts of service, access, and freedom to pursue interests of all kinds. No matter what type of institution, someone is gaining knowledge, finding information, or creating something new based on our facilitation. This role of facilitator and guide is best delivered with humanity and heart.