Category: Publications

Libraries Unlimited has just released Radical Collaborations for Learning: School Librarians as Change Agents. The new publication, edited by Violet Harada and Sharon Coatney, takes an exciting look at how libraries join with other organizations to form unique and dynamic alliances. Three of the chapters feature LIS alumni as key players in creating transformative learning opportunities. The book is currently available from ABC-CLIO in print and eBook formats. 

A chapter written by alumna Meera Garud, “Collaborating through Art to Enhance Learning,” showcases initiatives from three LIS alumni: a mural project at Manoa Elementary with alumna Imelda Amano, a comic con initiative created by alumnus Darren Tanaka at Kailua Elementary, and an art curation activity at Punahou with alumna Kylee Mar.

Another chapter written by alumna Diane Mokuau, “The Molokai Story: Building a Library Services Cadre,” features her collaborative efforts to provide resources and workshops for schools and the general public in partnership with alumna Greta Martinez at Kualapuu Elementary; Cindy Delanty at the Molokai Public Library; and Kilia Purdy and Annie Steinke with the Native Hawaiian library.

A third chapter written by LIS Professor Emerita and LIS alumna Violet Harada, “Inspiring Civic Action: Collaborating with the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii,” highlights the work of LIS alumna Lori Chun and Kaleo Hanohano at Kaimuki High School where they involved their students in the campaign to get Honouliuli, a WWII internment site, declared a national monument. Partnering with them were two LIS alumni and former DOE school librarians, now volunteers at JCCH, Jane Kurahara and Betsy Young.

Other chapters in the book describe a range of creative projects from different states that bring attention to librarians as leaders in forging learning partnerships with community agencies and educational institutions.

This past year, Dr. Vanessa Irvin invited LIS students to partner with her Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS)-funded grant project, Hui ‘Ekolu, to work with and observe Hawai’i’s public library professional development. Recent grad Nicholas Cho capped his final semester by submitting a paper on community building in public libraries in Hawai’i, which was recently published by Collaborative Librarianship.

Abstract:

Public libraries in Hawai’i serve one of the most diverse populations in the United States. With 51 branch locations across six islands, Hawaii’s public libraries are central hubs for citizens, where community building can take place. This paper seeks to explore ways in which community building takes place at public libraries in Hawai’i. Through on-site visits at public libraries, observations of training sessions of participants of a Hawai’i-based public library professional development program (Hui ‘Ekolu), and informal interviews with local public library patrons, key themes, reflections and analysis convey a common question across all groups: “What is a Native Hawaiian Library?” “What is Hawaiian librarianship?” This research is at an emerging stage where such meaningful questions are pointing towards a need to center Indigenous Hawaiian ways of knowing and perceiving public services in libraries as a primary tenet of cultural competence for public library workers in Hawai’i. As a federally funded grant program, Hui ‘Ekolu is an innovative opportunity to explore questions that emerge as an inquiry-based approach to determining what professional learning and development can look like within place-based contexts.

You can read the full article online now! To learn how you can become a part of Hui ‘Ekolu, visit their main site.