Dr. Michael Stephens is Associate Professor in the School of Information at San Jose State University. His teaching focuses on information communities, evolving library service, and reflective practice for librarians. His teaching has garnered awards for delivery and engagement in the online environment. Dr. Stephens has delivered keynotes, papers, and workshops throughout the US and internationally on topics related to creative and open uses of technology to support and drive library services and learning. From 2010 – 2020, Dr. Stephens wrote the column “Office Hours” for Library Journal exploring the issues, ideas, and emerging trends in libraries and LIS education. His research focuses on the use of emerging technologies in libraries, professional development and learning programs for librarians, and innovation in information environments. He is inspired by library structures and virtual spaces that support user curiosity, encourage participation, nurture the creation of new knowledge, and encourage the heart. In 2018, Dr. Stephens spent a month in Australia visiting libraries, keynoting a multi-national conference, and serving as a visiting scholar at the University of Southern Queensland. ALA Editions has published two collections of his writings: The Heart of Librarianship (2016) and Wholehearted Librarianship (2019).  Michael resides outside Traverse City, Michigan.

The talk, “Finding Joy Again” will be a presentation on how librarians keep returning to the idea of “taking care” as we move into a post-pandemic world. After taking care of ourselves, our families and friends, and others in the world, we return to tending to the needs of our users: offering a safe space for every person who comes through our doors to learn and grow, designing welcoming spaces for folks to come together to collaborate and exchange ideas, creating thriving digital communities, and providing participatory services to promote learning and well-being. What we want for everyone we serve is Joy. We want our users to experience joy. That’s what the library should be about: the joy of learning; the joy of exploring, the joy of experience, and the joy of simply being immersed in an amazing story. This session will engage with participants around these concepts and get us all thinking about what it means to offer joyful library services.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://sjsu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsduCtrTIrHtdKKVzApzX7EdHQNg7-TC9D

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Date: Sunday, September 12, 2021
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)
Location: Online via Zoom