Matthieu Castillo, an MLIS student with an emphasis on academic librarianship and disability education, recently won a scholarship to attend the ACRL conference virtually. Below, Matthieu shares his key takeaways from the conference.
I had the distinct honor of attending the 2025 conference of The Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL), where I actively participated in discussions surrounding the current challenges and trends confronting academic and research libraries. The conference's theme鈥攌nowledge, access, and opportunity鈥攑rovided a platform to explore how libraries can further democratic ideals by ensuring equitable access to resources and information for all, as well as strategies for enhancing community service.
Dr. Ruha Benjamin opened the conference on Wednesday, April 3, evening by introducing the concept of "slow librarianship," drawing on adrienne maree brown1's notion of "moving at the speed of trust." Slow librarianship advocates for a more reflective and deliberate approach to librarianship, emphasizing collaboration, solidarity, and relationship-building with others. It encourages a shift away from the fast-paced, results-oriented mentality in favor of fostering meaningful, thoughtful interactions. This approach involves dedicating time to providing information services and engaging with patrons to build a stronger sense of community. Dr. Benjamin underscored that adopting these practices requires both time and sustained commitment, highlighting the importance of creating space for such intentional work.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of library resources? This is the question posed by April Hines, a Journalism Librarian at the University of Florida (UF), when she initiated this project. Her lecture focused on exploring university students' perceptions of library resources and services, revealing some significant insights. It became evident that many students have limited awareness of the full range of services libraries provide. For instance, in Hines鈥� self-conducted study, one student remarked that they had no understanding of the breadth of a librarian's role, assuming that "librarians just check out books." However, librarians engage in far more extensive responsibilities, including conducting and producing research, assisting students in locating relevant resources, and much more.
Libraries themselves offer a variety of essential services, such as technology support, access to digital resources, study spaces, interlibrary loans, and wellness programs. In essence, Hines concluded that students do not visit libraries not out of lack of interest, but due to insufficient knowledge of the diverse opportunities available to them. Therefore, the question arises: how can we more effectively promote library services to students? Hines suggests that developing strategic marketing plans could be an effective starting point. This may involve providing additional orientation presentations, implementing social media campaigns that clearly communicate available resources, and adopting innovative outreach methods that go beyond conventional approaches.
In addition to better visibility, we have to wonder whether librarians eliminate or mistakenly create access barriers. While some students are unaware of proper library services, those who are aware of them might decide to look outside for information. This disparity highlights key concerns around access, usability, and the perception of libraries. In their insightful lecture, Interrupting the Flow: Do Libraries Create or Remove Barriers to Sources?, librarians Adam Lindsley, Taylor Ralph, and Hannah Gascho Rempel from Oregon State University (OSU) explored how libraries are often referred to as the "heart of the university," a metaphor that underscores their role in fostering instruction and growth. They also discussed how libraries can adapt to the current climate, ensuring they remain accessible by removing barriers and refining systems to better serve their communities.
Libraries, like a heart that requires clear arteries to function correctly, rely on effective means for sharing knowledge. When these structures become overly complex or ineffective, they can act as "clogged arteries," slowing or impeding accessibility. This problem is exacerbated by factors like user expectations, current administration, confusing interfaces, and delayed interlibrary loan (ILL) services. As these obstacles pile up, it becomes increasingly difficult for people to access library resources, putting the goal of making information readily available to all at risk.
So, how do we start to correct this? One method is to be more open with patrons: libraries are not commercial businesses, which is a positive thing. We may use "strategic interruption" moments, allowing for brief opportunity to pause and communicate the added value of what we offer. For example, we may point out our free, open-access items or demonstrate how we are actively changing collections to meet community demands, which commercial suppliers rarely do. It's about informing people that the library's mission is not to sell, but to serve. Too frequently, people treat it like a store, expecting quick, flawless service and an item in hand. We have to shift this perspective by promoting the library as a long-term resource for learning, curiosity, and accessibility鈥攔ather than a commercial property.
In the end, I am encouraged by librarians' desire to learn and adapt. Each attendee, whether virtual or in-person, truly demonstrated their desires to make creative change to ensure libraries remain accessible and equitable for their communities鈥搘hether it being academic, public, special, or a school. This experience has taught me a great deal about how libraries function and campaign for their communities. I am incredibly thankful for having this chance to learn from such skilled experts. I intend to grow in this career and participate in the program in person next year, reaffirming my commitment to make libraries transformative for everyone.
*adrienne maree brown does not capitalize her name.