Attending the 2026 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago was an incredible opportunity to represent the San José State University iSchool while engaging with library professionals, researchers, alumni, educators, and fellow students.

One of the highlights of my experience was presenting my research poster, Libraries as Civic Operating Systems, during the SJSU iSchool Poster Reception. My project explores how libraries can be understood not simply as places that provide services, but as civic infrastructure that connects people, organizations, resources, and opportunities within their communities. Through this perspective, libraries become active platforms for strengthening civic participation, social connection, and community resilience.

Presenting at the reception allowed me to have thoughtful conversations with librarians working in public, academic, and special libraries, as well as faculty and fellow MLIS students. The questions and feedback I received challenged me to think more deeply about my research and offered new ideas for how these concepts could be applied in different library settings. It was especially rewarding to see how many attendees connected with the idea that libraries serve as the backbone of healthy communities in ways that often go beyond their traditional roles.

Beyond presenting, the conference offered countless opportunities to learn from leaders across the profession. I attended sessions on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, community engagement, and the future of library services. These discussions reinforced how rapidly the profession continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its core mission of equitable access to information, lifelong learning, and community service.

The conference also provided valuable networking opportunities. I connected with faculty, practitioners, and fellow students who shared similar research interests and encouraged me to continue developing this work. These conversations have already inspired new ideas for future research and scholarship, and I left the conference feeling energized about the many ways libraries continue to innovate and strengthen their communities.

Representing the SJSU iSchool at ALA was both an honor and an important milestone in my professional journey. As an MLIS student, the experience strengthened my confidence as a researcher and presenter while reinforcing my commitment to advancing libraries as dynamic, community-centered institutions. I am grateful to the iSchool for supporting student participation in professional conferences and for providing opportunities to share our work with the broader library community. 

I look forward to continuing to build on this research throughout my MLIS program and contributing to conversations that help shape the future of libraries.