Final - Reflection on Foundations of Library Services

Reflection on Foundations of Library Services

My early memories of the public library are the smell of the books on the shelves, the faint sound of the rotating book display in the teen section, and the quiet stillness and hushed whispers as patrons sat at a cluster of light wooden tables. For me, the library was more than a second home; it was my gateway to the internet and to a lifelong love for learning. At that time, my local library was not yet the thriving community hub that modern libraries have become. Today’s libraries offer more than technological access. Some libraries offer educational programs, government and social services, and even other items besides books and media to lend, such as tools, machines, and household items. Most importantly, libraries can be considered safe spaces for people of all backgrounds. 

In this post, I will explore the mission, ethics, and community impact of libraries. I conclude with my reflection and deeper understanding of how libraries' roles continue to evolve in society.

"Libraries of the Future" by Tom Gauld. 

The Mission and Role of Libraries

Libraries exist to connect people with information, ideas, and resources. According to the mission statement of the American Library Association (ALA), patrons have the right to do this freely and without judgment. The mission of libraries has always centered on supporting an informed and educated public, but its scope has grown dramatically over time. Where libraries once focused primarily on circulating books and media, they now serve as lifelong learning centers that support early childhood literacy, adult education, workforce development, and digital literacy.

Take, for example, the programs offered at the Los Angeles County Library.

Image from https://www.lisedunetwork.com/

Library Ethics and Professional Values

The American Library Association's Code of Ethics outlines the main values and responsibilities for librarians. It offers a framework to help guide ethical decisions, especially when values like intellectual freedom, privacy, equal access, and social justice might conflict.

From the list, Principle  #9 stands out to me:

 “We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.”

This principle is tested when communities try to restrict or remove certain books from library shelves. In response, librarians often lead the effort to defend access to these challenged materials. To support these efforts, each year the ALA works with various organizations to promote Banned Books Week and organizes week-long programs in libraries to highlight these books and discuss issues of intellectual freedom and censorship.

To learn more about what libraries are doing for Banned Books Week, visit their website for this year's planned theme and activities.

"I Read Banned Books" puzzle by mudpuppy.com

Serving the Community

Libraries serve diverse groups of people, and for many minoritized populations, the library is a safe place. How are libraries meeting the needs of diverse patrons.

Library stock images from Alamy.com 

Let’s take a look at what some libraries are doing:

• The Harbor Beach Area District Library in Michigan received a Libraries Transforming Communities Grant from the ALA and has made a point of removing everyday barriers for patrons with disabilities. After talking with patrons with disabilities, they installed automatic doors that no longer require a struggle to open, a large-print collection that has grown to actually meet demand, and more accessible audiobooks. 

• For English-language learners and immigrant communities, the Los Angeles City public library has Spanish-language webpages, offers services such as English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and Citizenship classes.

• There are also examples of libraries that reach out to some of society's most vulnerable populations. Programs like Street Books demonstrate how libraries can reach unhoused patrons directly by bringing materials to them, while many public libraries also serve as safe spaces offering basic needs and social service support. Another example is the Alameda County Library that partners with correctional facilities to provide tutoring and library services to incarcerated patrons. 

This commitment to inclusion is not accidental; it is rooted in the core belief that every person, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to information, opportunity, and community.

For more on what libraries are doing to reach out to underserved populations, check out the State of America’s Libraries 2025 Report. 

Personal Learning Experience & Key Takeaways

Before studying library science, I saw libraries as safe havens for readers like me, and places to get books and access printing services. But a closer look at the history, ethics, and community development of libraries reveals that, for many people, libraries are much more than that.

One of the most significant takeaways is the recognition of the library profession's intentional nature. Every service, policy, and collection decision is guided by values that prioritize people over profit and access over censorship.

Another powerful lesson is recognizing the library as a modern agent of social justice. Studying the library profession revealed just how much intentionality goes into preparing librarians to serve the public. Ren, Alemanne, and Colson (2022) note that a librarian's ability to serve diverse populations does not naturally happen without some work. The authors argue that the role of cultural competence, self-reflection, and the skills to examine power and privilege must be learned and practiced. To me, this means that this is not a one-time deal; it is a lifetime commitment of re-learning and un-learning that will shift over time.

As a person of color and someone who identifies with multiple minoritized identities, I am ready to undertake this challenge and continue to learn and uphold the values of the library. Libraries in their modern context must actively work to level the playing field for communities that have historically been underserved. Perhaps most personally impactful is the realization that librarians are not simply caretakers of books, but advocates, educators, and community builders.

To conclude, here is one of my favorite pages that inspires me and pushes me to continue this journey... check out this notable Black/African-American librarians list on Wikipedia.

Image compilation from - https://www.librarian.net/cat/librarians/

With gratitude, 

- T 

Works Cited.

Ren, X., Alemanne, N. D., & Colson, L. M. (2022). How MLIS programs prepare students to serve diverse populations: The North American context. Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, 63(3), 301–320. https://doi.org/10.3138/jelis-2021-0021