Published: August 15, 2025

In the latest episode of Information Gone Wild, hosts Maurice Coleman and Paul Signorelli welcome Dr. Sandra Hirsh, Associate Dean for Academics at the San José State University College of Information, Data and Society. Dr. Hirsh is also a special advisor on AI curricular initiatives and the editor of Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries. Together, they discuss her career path, insights from her books, and the evolving role of libraries in our communities.

Q: What first inspired you to pursue a career in libraries?
Dr. Hirsh: My mom was a librarian, and she inspired me by taking us to libraries and conferences. However, initially, I didn’t want to follow her path. After finishing my political science degree and deciding against law school, my mom suggested library school because its skills are broadly useful. I loved it and have been in the field ever since.

Q: What brings you happiness in your work and life?
Dr. Hirsh: Professionally, I find happiness in making an impact, mentoring others, and continuing to learn—like my role advising on AI curriculum. Personally, spending time with family, especially my granddaughter, and pursuing hobbies like road cycling and travel bring me joy. Maintaining work-life balance is important, even if it’s challenging.

Q: How do library skills translate into other professions?
Dr. Hirsh: Skills like organizing information, assessing authenticity, user research, and helping others find information are highly transferable. For example, I applied these skills in user experience research roles at Microsoft and LinkedIn. Library science is fundamentally user-focused, which resonates in many other fields.

Q: What motivated you to become an editor, and how does editing contribute to your work?
Dr. Hirsh: Editing found me rather than the other way around! My mom was also an editor, so maybe it’s in the family. When approached about editing a foundational textbook, I saw an opportunity to shape the conversation, focusing not just on traditional libraries but also virtual services and preparing professionals for the future.

Q: What challenges do you face editing an anthology like Library 2035?
Dr. Hirsh: One big challenge is selecting contributors who bring diverse, fresh perspectives while balancing geography, career stage, and background. I wanted the book to include new voices alongside familiar ones, with an emphasis on diversity and representation across topics like privacy and sustainability.

Q: What common themes emerged across the book’s essays?
Dr. Hirsh: A strong community focus stood out—libraries are essential to their communities now and will be even more so by 2035. Partnerships and collaboration were emphasized as critical, along with co-creating content that truly reflects and listens to community needs. Despite challenges like intellectual freedom and funding, there’s a general optimism about the future.

Q: R. David Lankes wrote about “multiple futures” for libraries. Can you explain that concept?
Dr. Hirsh: David advocates for libraries to “fracture,” meaning they should have the flexibility to specialize according to their community’s unique needs—whether focusing on technology access, cultural preservation, or community wellness. This challenges the one-size-fits-all model and highlights the importance of deeply understanding local communities.

Q: How should students and professionals approach diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) amid current challenges?
Dr. Hirsh: It’s crucial to stay grounded in the core mission of libraries—access, equity, learning, and empowerment. DEIB is not an add-on but central. We need to create safe spaces for community conversations, build coalitions, and develop advocacy and policy skills to navigate today’s complexities effectively.

Q: What can we learn from Veronda Pitchford’s chapter on cultural heritage?
Dr. Hirsh: Veronda highlights the risk of cultural objectification when programs are designed without genuine community engagement. Libraries must involve communities as co-creators and partners rather than assuming what’s best for them. Soft skills like listening and communication are vital in fostering authentic collaboration.

Q: What about collaboration across different types of libraries?
Dr. Hirsh: Over-siloing in library types can limit impact. While needs vary, all librarians share transferable skills. Collaborating across public, academic, school, and other libraries strengthens advocacy and resource sharing, especially in providing equitable access to technology and services.

Q: How can libraries foster wellness for staff in challenging times?
Dr. Hirsh: Wellness is strategic, not selfish. Libraries should create supportive environments, encourage breaks and time off, and foster conversations around wellness. Individuals must also prioritize personal sustainable wellness practices—whether journaling, meditation, or time in nature—to maintain their ability to serve communities effectively.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share about Library 2035 or your work?
Dr. Hirsh: I’m working on a new international edited volume on Library and Information Science education. Also, I conducted webcast interviews with most Library 2035 contributors, which expand on the book’s themes and reflect evolving perspectives since publication. These are available for free on YouTube as valuable complements to the book.

Information Gone Wild continues to provide inspiring conversations with leaders like Dr. Sandra Hirsh, shining a light on the evolving role of libraries in our society and preparing the next generation of information professionals.