I want to see the HML become a cultural center. I would like to see the HML partner with museums in the community, making full use of its exhibit space. Beyond artwork, I would also like to see us set aside times for non-quiet events in the library. For example, music, poetry readings, drama, and dancing. I would like to see the HML reflect other events on campus, for example, Internation Coffee Hour and Cineculture could extend to a display of works from various countries.
What would you like to see along these lines of the arts in the library? Do you have any ideas about other partners?
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I agree. We talked about this in the VTF drop-in discussion. The idea was based on a cultural center within the library that included events reflecting different cultures (Hmong, Chinese, African American, Hispanic, Deaf culture awareness and others). Venita
This library renovation was funded in part by a generous donation from one of the local rancherias. Instead of putting some rocks on the outside facades or an anthropoligal museum that will probably end up offending the memory of our ancestors, why not have a meeting place for students from the First Nations? If there was a common space where people could commiserate it would help build the necessary social networks that people from previously disadvantaged groups need to succeed in college. It would also enhance the cultural diversity theme.
Thanks for signing your name. Tell us more about your ideas.
I was thinking the Multicultural area would showcase different literature, art, events during certain times of the year. Possibly a Chinese display during the Chinese New Year, Hispanic display during Cinco De Mayo, African American display during black history month, etc. The events would be anything that reflects something about that particular culture. Venita
My idea exactly! I'm talking/working with Peter to expand and improve the Multicultural Resource Center even as we speak. I would love for you to help me, if you want. Vang
We have so many talented people in the library or work in the library. We could host a once a month exhibit where they can show their stuff. Can be stuff they collect or hobbies they enjoy. Give them a place or area to express themselves as creator, artists, etc... instead of just "the library worker". Vang
There will be attractive spaces in the building design for lectures, brown bag discussion, art, concerts etc. A different partnership which would be most directly related to the library's role, which is teaching and learning, is CETL (Center for Education, Teaching, Learning) The function and activities to develop teaching faculty to use technology and improve teaching are not dissimilar from the library's role in contributing to student success.
Are they looking for another location?
Marilyn, one of the charges of the VTF is to examine campus and community collaboration. Tell us more about your vision of a collaboration with CETL.
CETL's workspace in the library would encourage more dialogue between the Library and faculty. How so...more faculty coming into the building for CETL activities, more faculty engaged in learning spaces which are a fundamental use of physical space in the building. One of CETL's primary roles is engaging faculty to improve teaching and learning. The library might even serve as a lab. We could pay students to participate, and then measure the impact of the technique. We could cooperate with CETL on projects like "use your librarian" for more effective assignments, or "what can librarians teach about research", and they can dialogue with librarians on participating in new ways to improve upon student success in the new learning environment. This arrangement would enhance the research process by students and faculty and give the library a bigger role in improving upon the thinking skills of students. They are interested in the application of technology for student success and so are we.
I second the idea of a room set aside as a meeting place for the First Nations students. Right now, they have no real space to meet. They end up meeting in various meeting rooms scattered all over campus. It would be nice to have one room set aside for these folks ...where their materials could be stored. Decorative American Indian wall art could be displayed. It would be nice to have a space just for them, conducive to planning.
Here's something they do in Europe and that brings together the scientist and the lay person. They hold "cafes" where a scientist or researcher discusses something in which they are an expert and then anyone can ask questions or add to the discussion.
We rather desperately need to work toward building TRUST and COLLEGIALITY among all library workers, starting with the faculty librarians, in order to better ALL library services.
My vision for the New Madden Library is that this will not be "just another job" that we do purely in exchange for a paycheck, but a place where the majority of us are excited and EAGER to come to work because our gifts and talents are being used and appreciated ... and because we are treated with kindness and respect by our fellow workers.
My philosophy is that each of us has only a certain number of days/hours/minutes/seconds on this earth. Each day is a gift. Each day, we shed our precious time and life energy on earth for this library. What we are giving of ourselves should be worth more than just a paycheck ... it should also be something that makes it all worthwhile for us as human beings relating to one another.
I do believe that excitement and change in the workplace can co-exist with peace and harmony, resulting in excellent service to our patrons. That's what I would like to see happening in the new HML.
I agree. One way to achieve this is to give staff/faculty the opportunity to be actively involved in the areas of the library they have a gift, talent or interest in.
For instance, if we have a children's section of the library that includes a play area, storytime, etc., it would be good to know which employees really enjoy working with children and have them work in that area of the library. Then you'll have a program staffed by those who enjoy their work, which will make for a more successful program.
We not only want the library to be a place that benefits those who visit but also a place where people desire to work.
I just have to say something about perfectionism, because the need for perfection has come up numerous times in discussions with HML staff since I have been on this VTF. That word "perfect" or "perfectionism" comes up all the time ... sometimes as something they are proud of ... but more often times, it comes across more like this huge ball and chain that people have been lugging around for so many years. Perfectionism is a double edged sword. The outcome especially toward the public is perceived as "perfect" once the product is finally unveiled. Perfection can also render an institution paralyzed ... because the only thing that people are "OK" with is that with which they are already experienced and comfortable. Moving forward and into new areas requires moving outside of our comfort zones, outside of our own experiences, and outside of how it has always been done in the past.
It really is OK to not be perfect part of the time! And sometimes, I think it may be preferrable. Perfection ain't all it's cracked up to be.
"Great achievements involve great risk..."
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