A Conversation Style Collaborative Journal SLIM Scotland 2015 By

A Conversation Style Collaborative Journal SLIM Scotland 2015 By Emily Flynn | Krista Suter | Rikki Carter Krista:​
Regardless of where you are in your career as a librarian this is an amazing opportunity to learn about the profession! I think stepping outside of what you know or diving into what you do not is important to better understand the field and to learn about the various aspects of librarianship. I do not currently work in a library and learned so much from visiting various libraries in Scotland. I was enlightened to academic and special librarianship, which will be beneficial as I begin to look for jobs. I believe that other students will also benefit from understanding different library structures and current issues relating to information management. Rikki:​
I think you’re right Krista, having the opportunity to visit these unique locations as a group of aspiring professionals, armed with a baser knowledge and education in the field, helped enhance my understanding of librarianship both abroad and in the US. I don’t work in a library either, and getting to see and hear first hand how dynamic the environment can be, so multi­faceted and rapidly changing as technology alters the way people access information, and they ways these passionate individuals work to provide for and reach their ever diverse patron base was something I feel applies to the information profession across the globe. I discovered some areas of librarianship I think I’d enjoy and thrive within, like outreach or digital services, that I honestly didn’t know where options to consider. My understanding of current issues and library services was deepened by our visits, and I’ll happily take that into the profession with me. Emily:​
I thought the same thing ladies! I have never worked in a library either, and so I enjoyed being able to really go behind the scenes to see different types of libraries. Each visit gave me a whole new appreciation and understanding of the field and showcased many aspects of librarianship that I was unfamiliar with before. I will be starting my new career as a school librarian this fall, but I will admit that my interest was definitely piqued when we were viewing the many extensive special collections and archives throughout Scotland! I think that is a type of librarianship that I would like to pursue later in my career, which I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced outside this trip. Krista:​
The amount that I learned on this trip was extraordinary. I believe every student should take advantage of this opportunity to understand librarianship. As a student interested in public librarianship I thought that the Edinburgh Central Library was a wonderful way to witness the similarities and differences between our public libraries and theirs. The building was beautiful and showcased the changes from modern rooms to older rooms that housed a variety of collections. The library had an amazing study and reference room that housed numerous old volumes of books and an antique card catalog. The catalog and other features are a permanent part of the building. There was so much history being preserved! The modern additions to the library showed the ability of the institution to remain current. The children’s room was contemporary and had a wonderful play room that was vibrant and colorful, reflecting the patrons of the space. A smaller room was available for classes and offered simple, clean surfaces that allow efficient clean up for the library staff. These were a few of the elements that really struck me as a student. Krista:​
Another important lesson learned from the Edinburgh Central Library was the collaboration amongst the staff. Everyone worked together to keep the library current and relevant to meet the needs of the community. The director shared her trust in staff suggestions and mentioned that they watch for trending programming to implement in the library. I think this shows how important teamwork is to any library position and how important it is for libraries to be aware of what other institutions are doing successfully. It is important for libraries to advocate and a wonderful way to do so is in providing strong programs and collections to the community. Emily:​
Wow! I still can’t get over how beautiful the Edinburgh Central Library was. There were definitely a few surprises thoug​
h.​
For being a 125 year old institution, the Edinburgh Central Library takes a rather modern approach to meeting patron needs. I was intrigued by the many initiatives currently ongoing at the library, especially the gaming techniques to promote adolescent and teen reading and the adult coloring book groups to relieve stress in a social setting. I was most impressed by how well they have risen to recent challenges due to demographic shifts, as evidenced by the amount of organizations they partner with. In particular, the library finds it essential to provide language resources and classes for different pockets of non­English speaking communities.This visit has shown me the importance of meeting your patron needs, and I will keep that in mind next year when I am in charge of ordering and maintaining the collection at my school. Rikki: ​
At the Glasgow Women’s Library, they take collaboration in a relatively different direction, though not altogether remote from the goals of librarianship both in the US and the UK. While the staff work hard to provide their patrons with library and literacy services, they enrich lives further with their holistic approach to collaboration and community service through librarianship with an activist role. By inviting the community to participate in unique programs, such as women’s walks, education in LGBT issues, Scottish women’s history, art and writing programs, they find more reasons than just books to draw a crowd of engaged and active participants. They are acutely in touch and aware of their patron’s needs and work to fulfill those niches, one example they mentioned was that they have a no fee policy in place for “late” returns, as they understand that many of their patrons may not easily be able to return books on a certain timeline, and they felt implementing fees would discourage these patrons from returning to the library, and viewing it as a safe, inviting space. Their collection was also so specialized and pointed towards their patron demographic. Visiting this fascinating grassroots library and visiting with some of those working to collaborate with the community to strengthen it showed they have such a pulse and passion for what they do. It made me appreciate the profession we’re all studying to enter and grow within in a new way, and opened my eyes to a way of service through librarianship that I’d never considered, or have certainly not encountered otherwise. Emily:​
Rikki, I really enjoyed visiting the Glasgow Women’s Library as well. After hearing Adele, one of the original founders, and Wendy, the librarian, speak with such passion and excitement, it became obvious how a small grassroots project started 25 years ago could evolve into the flourishing institution it is today. Both ladies mentioned that one of the main goals of the library was to have women rub shoulders that wouldn’t normally meet. Hearing that sentiment really shed a whole new light on the role of librarianship in my mind. While an important aspect of librarianship is to promote literacy and the spread of information, it is also to encourage relationships amongst the people in your community, which is exactly what the Glasgow Women’s Library does every day. Many of the outreach programs they shared with us were organized and led by patrons, for other patrons. I think if I were to follow this example in my library next year by providing opportunities for student led clubs and activities, it would help to form a tight knit learning community of students of all ages. Krista:​
The Glasgow Women’s Library was my favorite visit. As you ladies have mentioned they are highly motivated to serving the community and making connections. The library promoted service that I have always envisioned for librarianship and that I hope to provide in my own career. The passion of those involved was contagious and I have been carrying those feelings with me ever since the visit! I loved the many different experiences and opportunities that the library offered women in the community. They are heavily involved in outreach and create the right relationships to better serve the community. Those was so much that I learned and loved about this little grassroots library. I hope to visit again as a volunteer to learn from these women and to maintain their excitement for libraries! Rikki: ​
I was very excited at the opportunity to visit the Scottish Screen Archive. It was clear from listening and talking with them that they have a real passion for what they do and a clear vision of the importance of their work in preserving the cultural heritage of Scotland on film. The amount of equipment needed for playback of films over the decades, which the archive needed to have on hand and many of which are no longer in use today, was astounding, It seems they’ve done a commendable job keeping up as technology changes. They almost need a whole archive just for that! It was surprising to visually see and realize that much of the processing and knowledge of various film formats is dying out as the technology proceeds into obsolescence. This is a struggle that applies to all sorts of information institutions, from libraries to archives to data management, and special collections and it was enlightening to see it all in action and confined to one place, like a time capsule for forgone technology, yet one still so vibrant and dynamic. Emily:​
The Scottish Screen Archive was really neat, and something I had never been exposed to before. My two favorite visits though were the Library of Innerpeffray and the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum. I could have never imaged what a gem was awaiting us nestled within the tiny town of Innerpeffray! It was amazing being able to feel and touch the historic books. Our guide was a treasure trove of information and is obviously very passionate about history. I was also mesmerized by the incunabula exhibit at the Hunterian Museum. Seeing the model of the Gutenberg Press, viewing the beautiful historic books, and hearing the history of the craft gave me a newfound appreciation and admiration for the early art of bookmaking. Rikki: ​
I think one thing that really struck me about each of the places we visited was the passion that the staff members had for the work they do. An art school librarian has a very different job description than a film archivist or even a public librarian, but the dedication to providing the best service to their patrons was present in each. One of my take­aways from the experience was to enter the profession and serve in this same vein, and no matter what type of institution I end up in, to remember that this is a first and foremost a service profession, and that patrons are the reason we exist and to strive to always do my best and for by them. Resources and funding may change, technology continues to shape the way people interact with information, and the role of librarians and libraries themselves has been made fluid through change, but that passion can remain a constant. I think of of my favorite presentation of all we heard was at the University of St. Andrews. They have a dedicated Outreach Librarian who shared some of the work she does in ensuring that students and the community are aware of the services provided in the library. She approached the topic with humor and grace, all the while gaining valuable feedback through both web­based and physical tools, to provide for the patron’s needs. I know I will apply some of the principles and ideas she shared in my own future work in a library, in attempt to interact meaningfully with my library community. Emily:​
Rikki, I agree that as we have been discussing our trip we all continue to refer back to the great passion and enthusiasm our hosts displayed for the field. I was also impressed by the numerous ways each institution sought to put their patrons’ needs first. Next year, I will use these wonderful examples as a guide in my school library. If I approach each day with excitement for reading, learning, and sharing information, my students will begin to share in my enthusiasm as well. Likewise, if I invite students to participate in the planning of interactive displays, activities, and events in the library that are interesting and pertinent to them, I can help to create a welcoming and engaging library community that is truly student centered. Krista:​
Obviously visiting libraries was the most important part of this experience and a great influence on my education, however, exposure to another culture was a great opportunity for personal development. It is not often that we are given the chance to take ourselves across the ocean to experience another culture and another country. There was so much time offered to continue learning about Scottish culture. I was able to see castles, museums, and parks to experience their historical culture. I was able to visit restaurants, breweries, and bars to experience their social culture. I had a wonderful time on a bus tour of the Highlands and Loch Ness. It was unbelievably beautiful! There was so much that our driver shared with us about how important the magical scenery of Scotland is to the country. Another unique experience was a night spent at the acoustic open mic night at a little bar. Open mic nights in America are often something to be skipped and we wandered in full of doubt only to be blown away! All of the participants were unbelievably talented musicians and singers. I couldn’t take my eyes and ears off of them! I think it was interesting to see how influential American music is to the rest of the world, since many of them sang American covers. It was a wonderful insight into the lives of Scottish youth so understand the similarities and differences in our parts of the world. Rikki:​
Krista, I completely agree with you. While visiting the libraries was certainly a highlight of the trip, getting to experience the culture the institutions were working so hard to preserve and represent truly brought the experience full circle. I enjoyed visiting the museums in the area and thinking about how what they do is similar to what some special collections or archives jobs might be like. I too got a lot out of dining on the local fare in pubs and restaurants, going to a local used bookstore, seeing the castles and learning about the history of Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Scotland in general. I think one of my favorite outing was taking the train for a day in Edinburgh, hiking Arthur’s Seat and visiting Edinburgh Castle. The energy of such an old, history rich, vibrant city was something I let wash over me, it was an incredible feeling. Being in Scotland with people I’d never met, visiting places as an aspiring professional, and having experiences outside my comfort zone forced me to engage in a new way, and take in both the learning and discovery aspects in a sponge­like way. It has certainly shaped my understanding of libraries and archives both abroad and in the US and given me much to consider as I enter the profession and learn to apply the skills and tools I’ve learned in library school to the real world. I’d recommend this unique trip to anyone in the field! Emily:​
Well said, ladies. This was such a fun trip! I think being able to experience the libraries within the context of the culture made it really special and more insightful. I really appreciated the free time we had throughout the week to explore the innumerable sites of Glasgow and the other cities we visited. While I found Glasgow memorable for its seamless blend of historic buildings with modern architecture, I particularly enjoyed seeing St. Andrews and Edinburgh. Both of these cities were absolutely adorable! I grew up in a golfing family, so it was pretty incredible being able to walk up to the “birthplace” of golf at St. Andrews just a hop, skip, and jump away from the ocean. My Dad and husband were definitely very jealous! And as Rikki just mentioned, it felt like a dream visiting the centuries’ old Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat against the backdrop of a fairytale like setting. I am so grateful to Emporia State for this once in a lifetime opportunity. This was my first time to visit Scotland, but it will definitely not be my last!