My path to librarianship was fueled by daydreams of working in quiet, honorable institutions—putting away books, answering patrons’ questions, and occasionally indulging in my love of research. Instead of breaking these seemingly frivolous dreams, my foundation course has rearranged them on a shelf among tomes of growing knowledge, reality checks, and a deeper understanding of my future responsibilities.
The more I delve into my research on librarianship, the more the core value of equity weaves its way into my thoughts and goals for my career. As a librarian, I have the opportunity to help “dismantle barriers and create spaces that are accessible,” making libraries and their services open to all (American Library Association, 2006).
Libraries are no longer “passive environment[s] that only [provide] space and books for study” (Silva and Sabbag, 2024). As Rubin and Rubin (2020) state, “libraries are often at the intersection of entertainment, education, and culture” (p. 2). This is perfectly illustrated by the aspects of fandom I’ve seen in libraries: the mini cons, fanart contests, and cosplay workshops. Libraries are adopting the concept of biblioremix, expanding their services to become “[places] of creation, learning, socialization, experimentation, and participation” (Archimbaud, 2017, p. 35).
What a perfect method to break down barriers and help others realize the inherent humanity in one another. No longer traditional book repositories, libraries are now community hubs that serve as safe spaces to explore ideas, retreat from the world, and stay informed. It's the day home for someone experiencing homelessness; an office for a parent with a young child; a make-believe tavern for fantasy cosplayers; a giant newsstand for the current events aficionado; a school away from school for the dedicated student. Libraries mean something different for every patron, and I'm more than up to the challenge to fulfill these expectations.
In my efforts to continue the evolution of libraries, I aim to ensure that these institutions survive and thrive. I want to transform my experiences as an “information nerd,” researcher, fan, and archivist into programs that serve any patron. Whether it’s helping someone newly diagnosed with diabetes research meal plans, preserving the memories of mini cons, or archiving the stories and keepsakes from various communities, I have a growing toolbox for any project.
I also seek to bridge the physical and digital worlds by bringing people out from behind their screens and into open spaces where they can connect face-to-face. I want libraries to foster a sense of belonging and community that is ever more vital in today’s increasingly online world, and help everyone who seeks the aid of libraries to build vibrant, fulfilling lives.
References
American Library Association. (2006, July 26). "Core Values of Librarianship". https://www.ala.org/advocacy/advocacy/intfreedom/corevalues
Archambaud, M. (2017). Novas formas de mediação na biblioteca: A experiência francesa [New forms of mediation in the library: The French experience] [Slide deck]. https://bibliotecaviva.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Apresenta%C3%A7%C3%A3o_10%C2%BA-SBV-2017_PALESTRA_23-10-2017_MANH%C3%83_Novas-formas-de-media%C3%A7%C3%A3o-nas-bibliotecas-tradu%C3%A7%C3%A3o.pdf
Price, L., & Robinson, L. (2022). Fan futures—Beyond the archive: Papers from the FanLIS 2022 symposium. Proceedings from the Document Academy, 9(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.35492/docam/9/1/1
Silva, B. & Sabbag, D. (2024). Fandom in Public Libraries: Mapping of Initiatives and Their Applicability. RDBCI Revista Digital de Biblioteconomia e Ciência da Informação. 17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379483173_FANDOM_IN_PUBLIC_LIBRARIES_MAPPING_OF_INITIATIVES_AND_THEIR_APPLICABILITY
Rubin, R. E., & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of Library and Information Science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.