We are very excited to share this LHRT New & Notes exclusive interview with Ann Glusker, who spearheaded the amazing “Librarians Navigating Change” oral history project at UC Berkeley Library! This project, a collection of 15 interviews with Berkeley library workers, is a wonderful example of a social sciences librarian leveraging their interests and skills to capture the history of her library. Glusker discusses the inspiration behind this work, how she applied oral history methods in her library, the major themes arising from the transcripts, and her favorite anecdotes as shared by the interviewees. Her project home offers not only offers the interviews, but also methodological materials, giving us an excellent “how to” guide to doing library oral history. Please be sure to visit the Overview Document which shows the clear-sighted thought and meticulous planning that went into the work.
The Librarians Navigating Change collection will be an invaluable source to those of us studying the developments in libraries over the past several decades, and how we can use knowledge of our history to help us succeed in the present.
In giving librarians inspiration today as they navigate changes, Glusker notes how Berkeley librarians adapted and thrived when faced with changes: “I’m not saying they necessarily loved learning a new catalog interface, but their desire to help their patrons helped them explore each new thing with an open mind, and then as they saw the possibilities for themselves and their users, they got engaged. I think they also knew when and how to advocate for change, and speak out about how change could be better implemented.”
In the interview Glusker also offers tips that fellow libraries can use to carry out similar oral history projects.
Please enjoy the full interview below!: