WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.406 --> 00:00:05.756 align:middle >> So I want to say congratulations Class of 2020 on fulfilling the requirements 00:00:05.756 --> 00:00:09.776 align:middle of the master of library and information science. 00:00:09.776 --> 00:00:15.736 align:middle Boy, I am pleased to be among the first to welcome you into this profession and share some 00:00:15.736 --> 00:00:17.986 align:middle of my thoughts for you to consider as you embark 00:00:17.986 --> 00:00:21.916 align:middle on what I believe will be a fulfilling career choice. 00:00:22.006 --> 00:00:25.306 align:middle No doubt you're academic journey has been particularly noteworthy 00:00:25.596 --> 00:00:27.196 align:middle in the midst of a global pandemic. 00:00:27.196 --> 00:00:34.366 align:middle The fact that the MLIS program is delivered entirely online, minimize any disruption 00:00:34.366 --> 00:00:40.456 align:middle in your academic studies and places both San Jose State University School of Information 00:00:40.456 --> 00:00:43.246 align:middle and the profession at the forefront of distance learning. 00:00:43.996 --> 00:00:49.366 align:middle More importantly, those professional skills acquired during your academic studies has laid 00:00:49.366 --> 00:00:53.146 align:middle the groundwork for a fulfilling career in the information age. 00:00:53.146 --> 00:01:00.396 align:middle So when Dr. Hirsh asked me in November 2019 to deliver this commencement address, 00:01:00.396 --> 00:01:07.696 align:middle for your new beginning in librarianship, it was with great pleasure that I accepted this honor. 00:01:09.196 --> 00:01:16.476 align:middle Though I am no great sage, I pictured this as a great opportunity to share lessons 00:01:16.476 --> 00:01:19.376 align:middle that I have gleaned in my 20 plus career in the profession. 00:01:19.446 --> 00:01:24.856 align:middle On that rainy day in November, I immediately begin writing ideas I believe would be 00:01:24.856 --> 00:01:32.046 align:middle provocative and inspirational, like the digital divide, a reflection of a large schism. 00:01:32.136 --> 00:01:37.076 align:middle Fake news, facts, and public discernment. 00:01:38.086 --> 00:01:42.826 align:middle The role of information science in a democratic society. 00:01:44.466 --> 00:01:47.966 align:middle I knew I wanted to focus on the difference you will make 00:01:48.336 --> 00:01:51.686 align:middle with the educational foundation you received at the iSchool. 00:01:51.746 --> 00:02:02.016 align:middle Well, it is now May 2020, and in just six short months the world has changed significantly. 00:02:03.326 --> 00:02:09.086 align:middle We now live in the world, a world confounded by an unforeseen force that has the power 00:02:09.086 --> 00:02:13.326 align:middle to take the lives of those we love and who love us. 00:02:13.326 --> 00:02:16.516 align:middle As a result, our daily lives have been altered. 00:02:16.616 --> 00:02:22.556 align:middle For our collective health, where are ordered to stay in our homes, living and working 00:02:22.556 --> 00:02:27.606 align:middle in a virtual world that includes teaching our children and staying connected 00:02:27.606 --> 00:02:32.506 align:middle by Zooming or Skyping or Webexing all day. 00:02:32.796 --> 00:02:36.056 align:middle Believe me, I am Zoomed and Webexed out. 00:02:37.316 --> 00:02:41.646 align:middle We will, we wear masks and gloves to go to the store and some 00:02:41.646 --> 00:02:44.466 align:middle of us stockpile toilet paper like it's gold. 00:02:44.576 --> 00:02:51.556 align:middle Since March, our country and many parts of the world have been shut down due to COVID-19 00:02:52.156 --> 00:02:56.676 align:middle and only now are parts of the country taking the first steps to reengage. 00:02:57.416 --> 00:03:01.736 align:middle There is much apprehension in the world; rising unemployment, 00:03:01.826 --> 00:03:10.346 align:middle threats and uncertainty surrounding presidential elections and the vote, a glittery stock market 00:03:10.346 --> 00:03:15.656 align:middle that seems to be tethered to any news that would signal the beginning of the end 00:03:15.656 --> 00:03:18.256 align:middle of the pandemic and return to normalcy. 00:03:19.106 --> 00:03:21.666 align:middle Whatever that new normal will look like. 00:03:22.656 --> 00:03:27.186 align:middle It has been observed by many others, so I profess no great insight, 00:03:27.946 --> 00:03:32.436 align:middle that the so-called Greatest Generation lived through wars and the Great Depression, 00:03:33.376 --> 00:03:38.896 align:middle courage and relying on each other is what got them through and is what will get you 00:03:38.896 --> 00:03:42.496 align:middle through as you now can be our greatest generation squared. 00:03:43.646 --> 00:03:48.416 align:middle In the wake of this pandemic, our first responders have been true heroes 00:03:48.416 --> 00:03:50.506 align:middle and we thank our first responders. 00:03:51.376 --> 00:03:57.996 align:middle As we move through this pandemic, the role of library and information sciences and access 00:03:57.996 --> 00:04:02.956 align:middle to accurate and authoritative information will be critical 00:04:02.956 --> 00:04:05.366 align:middle to discerning fact from hoaxes and fake news. 00:04:05.896 --> 00:04:10.176 align:middle I consider librarians and information professionals second responders 00:04:10.176 --> 00:04:15.106 align:middle and as second responders, we need you to report for duty. 00:04:15.106 --> 00:04:20.766 align:middle We will all be counting on the San Jose State University School 00:04:20.766 --> 00:04:25.256 align:middle of Information Class of 2020 to make a difference. 00:04:25.256 --> 00:04:26.726 align:middle But you're already on your way. 00:04:27.576 --> 00:04:31.126 align:middle The day you made the decision to be a librarian and study at the iSchool, 00:04:31.296 --> 00:04:32.726 align:middle you were already ahead of the game. 00:04:33.956 --> 00:04:39.016 align:middle While most of the country has been adjusting to a virtual environment, you've thrived in it. 00:04:40.136 --> 00:04:43.516 align:middle You've collaborated, networked, communicated, 00:04:43.956 --> 00:04:46.606 align:middle and presented your ideas in a virtual environment. 00:04:47.606 --> 00:04:50.396 align:middle You work with classmates from all over the country and the world. 00:04:51.306 --> 00:04:56.846 align:middle You worked full-time jobs, you cared for your families, you did your homework and listened 00:04:56.846 --> 00:05:03.786 align:middle to lectures in your pajamas, and even took vacations to Vegas as Dr. Hirsh said earlier. 00:05:04.826 --> 00:05:09.216 align:middle You did your, you listened to jazz and some of you were able 00:05:09.216 --> 00:05:11.786 align:middle to get your work done when the children were asleep. 00:05:12.456 --> 00:05:16.976 align:middle All while completing your graduate studies. 00:05:17.046 --> 00:05:21.746 align:middle If we are to find a way to resume activities post COVID-19, it will be up to you, 00:05:21.976 --> 00:05:24.766 align:middle the most prepared to thrive in a virtual environment. 00:05:26.546 --> 00:05:32.386 align:middle So, here are just a few of my thoughts and these maybe thoughts 00:05:32.386 --> 00:05:35.656 align:middle that you did not learn in your studies. 00:05:35.656 --> 00:05:39.296 align:middle So the first is, librarianship is a practice. 00:05:39.586 --> 00:05:44.456 align:middle So I think of librarianship as a practice like a doctor or a lawyer; 00:05:45.306 --> 00:05:49.896 align:middle doctors continue to evolve as medical science develops. 00:05:50.116 --> 00:05:54.786 align:middle Lawyers have to evolve as laws are amended or new laws are written. 00:05:54.786 --> 00:06:00.696 align:middle For me, the practice of librarianship starts with a commitment to satisfying the needs 00:06:00.696 --> 00:06:06.186 align:middle of our users and providing access to information supported by a set of core values 00:06:06.256 --> 00:06:09.036 align:middle that manifest through our daily experiences. 00:06:09.586 --> 00:06:14.446 align:middle These core values include a commitment to diversity, intellectual freedom, 00:06:15.066 --> 00:06:21.466 align:middle professional development and lifelong learning, privacy and access. 00:06:21.466 --> 00:06:26.306 align:middle Although the day to day tasks we perform as librarians constantly evolves 00:06:26.306 --> 00:06:31.836 align:middle as technology evolves, we should never lose sight of these core values. 00:06:33.396 --> 00:06:36.016 align:middle Professional engagement is the second one. 00:06:36.016 --> 00:06:41.646 align:middle Professional engagement is essential to the growth and the growth of our profession. 00:06:42.976 --> 00:06:46.626 align:middle There are many who believe that once you complete your education 00:06:47.166 --> 00:06:49.906 align:middle and begin your first position, that you are a librarian. 00:06:50.156 --> 00:06:54.526 align:middle And I know you're all ready to get that first professional position. 00:06:54.526 --> 00:06:59.886 align:middle Remember that you must continue to evolve and network to remain relevant as a librarian. 00:06:59.886 --> 00:07:04.466 align:middle The skills needed to remain an effective librarian are always advancing 00:07:04.666 --> 00:07:07.336 align:middle and there are many areas of librarianship 00:07:07.336 --> 00:07:11.766 align:middle that your library education only scratches the surface. 00:07:11.766 --> 00:07:18.056 align:middle In some cases, or even in my case, your library education becomes outdated five years 00:07:18.056 --> 00:07:19.086 align:middle after you graduate. 00:07:20.116 --> 00:07:26.096 align:middle Does anybody remember MARC records or Farba, as we are in an RDA world? 00:07:27.096 --> 00:07:30.286 align:middle How do you keep up with the latest advancement after you graduate? 00:07:30.286 --> 00:07:34.896 align:middle Who do you discuss the latest tools and the best vendors. 00:07:36.056 --> 00:07:42.066 align:middle It is a requirement, I repeat, it is a requirement that you become engaged 00:07:42.066 --> 00:07:45.936 align:middle in the profession and the practice of librarianship by becoming active 00:07:46.486 --> 00:07:49.176 align:middle in a local or national library association. 00:07:49.636 --> 00:07:51.966 align:middle Notice I didn't say just join. 00:07:52.656 --> 00:07:54.906 align:middle But I said, become active. 00:07:54.906 --> 00:08:00.186 align:middle Professional engagement at conferences is a place where you will continue your personal 00:08:00.186 --> 00:08:04.776 align:middle and professional growth beyond your experiences here at the iSchool by meeting 00:08:04.776 --> 00:08:07.056 align:middle and interacting with new colleagues. 00:08:08.276 --> 00:08:11.546 align:middle Active engagement in a professional association is 00:08:11.546 --> 00:08:17.666 align:middle where you will meet lifelong professional contacts, or maybe, your next employer. 00:08:18.726 --> 00:08:24.436 align:middle It is where you will discuss and hear about new ideas that can move you 00:08:24.436 --> 00:08:27.526 align:middle and your organization to higher heights. 00:08:27.526 --> 00:08:31.436 align:middle It is where you will be around colleagues who are just as passionate 00:08:31.436 --> 00:08:33.956 align:middle as you are about serving your community. 00:08:35.236 --> 00:08:40.106 align:middle It is where I hope to see you one day and learn about all the great things you're doing 00:08:40.106 --> 00:08:43.196 align:middle with your career as I believe there are, 00:08:43.246 --> 00:08:48.836 align:middle there may be more than a few ALA presidents in this class of 2020. 00:08:50.636 --> 00:08:56.016 align:middle Three, your library education is not limited to the walls of the library. 00:08:57.296 --> 00:09:01.656 align:middle Just as you have navigated 43 credits of coursework in a virtual environment, 00:09:02.026 --> 00:09:03.896 align:middle the opportunities for your work 00:09:03.896 --> 00:09:07.056 align:middle as an information professional is not limited to the walls of a library. 00:09:08.066 --> 00:09:12.266 align:middle Be bold and creative about the many places that need your skills. 00:09:12.406 --> 00:09:13.846 align:middle Your unique skills. 00:09:14.536 --> 00:09:19.156 align:middle There's a need for a librarian or information professional in every business or institution 00:09:19.486 --> 00:09:24.556 align:middle and to me, that is the best kept secret of your new career. 00:09:25.596 --> 00:09:30.136 align:middle You have the ability to work in a traditional public library or academic library setting 00:09:30.396 --> 00:09:32.396 align:middle or a myriad of specialized library settings. 00:09:33.676 --> 00:09:39.336 align:middle The need for data management or working with digital collections is not limited to a library. 00:09:39.516 --> 00:09:43.556 align:middle And traditional library work may not be in a traditional library. 00:09:44.046 --> 00:09:49.296 align:middle I will give you a personal example, this is me and I would put up a graphic 00:09:49.296 --> 00:09:52.566 align:middle but I'm not savvy enough to get it up and continue. 00:09:52.566 --> 00:09:58.126 align:middle So just picture this, so I love cars, especially Corvettes. 00:09:58.376 --> 00:10:01.686 align:middle I have a Corvette and I was going to have a picture of my Corvette there. 00:10:01.686 --> 00:10:07.026 align:middle So I always think so if this gig I have at the Library of Congress, and the background 00:10:07.026 --> 00:10:10.886 align:middle that you are looking at is where I work in the main reading room now at the Library 00:10:10.886 --> 00:10:14.786 align:middle of Congress, if this gig doesn't work out for me at LC, 00:10:14.786 --> 00:10:19.816 align:middle I know that the National Corvette Museum has a library and archives. 00:10:19.816 --> 00:10:25.676 align:middle And yes, I can be a Corvette librarian and that's probably where I'll end 00:10:25.676 --> 00:10:28.116 align:middle up if I don't get my act together. 00:10:28.556 --> 00:10:30.666 align:middle I'm just joking. 00:10:31.116 --> 00:10:37.296 align:middle But the point is that you can offer your unique set of training in any setting. 00:10:39.636 --> 00:10:44.006 align:middle The next thing is human rights and librarianship go hand in hand, 00:10:44.006 --> 00:10:48.136 align:middle so access to information is a human right and integral part 00:10:48.356 --> 00:10:50.656 align:middle of the right to freedom of expression. 00:10:51.176 --> 00:10:55.206 align:middle Democracy dies when the people do not have transparency in government 00:10:55.206 --> 00:10:57.536 align:middle or opportunities for economic advancement. 00:10:58.896 --> 00:11:03.406 align:middle Library materials should not be excluded or censored because of sexual orientation, race, 00:11:03.406 --> 00:11:07.416 align:middle economic status, religion, disability, or even if you are incarcerated. 00:11:08.786 --> 00:11:16.726 align:middle If you have not, I encourage you all to read the Library Bill of Rights and Article 19 00:11:17.356 --> 00:11:19.906 align:middle of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. 00:11:19.906 --> 00:11:22.346 align:middle Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. 00:11:22.616 --> 00:11:27.116 align:middle This right includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, 00:11:27.116 --> 00:11:33.136 align:middle and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. 00:11:34.686 --> 00:11:40.086 align:middle As you begin your career in an uncertain job market, I want you to focus on the skills 00:11:40.086 --> 00:11:45.296 align:middle that you have worked so hard to acquire and the opportunity to create a new reality. 00:11:45.986 --> 00:11:52.326 align:middle We need your unique diverse skills in rural areas, on indigenous land, in prisons, 00:11:52.326 --> 00:11:54.366 align:middle and underserved urban neighborhoods. 00:11:55.006 --> 00:11:59.666 align:middle And when folks are not hiring, we need you to create jobs because the need 00:11:59.666 --> 00:12:03.826 align:middle for accurate authoritative information is the antidote for what ails us all. 00:12:04.426 --> 00:12:06.686 align:middle Access to search for our truth. 00:12:07.976 --> 00:12:11.666 align:middle We need innovative, entrepreneurial leaders in our profession. 00:12:11.946 --> 00:12:16.126 align:middle We need librarians that integrate a social justice point 00:12:16.126 --> 00:12:18.706 align:middle of view no matter what population you serve. 00:12:19.916 --> 00:12:23.426 align:middle We need you to stay engaged in advocacy and professional development. 00:12:24.166 --> 00:12:29.676 align:middle And I need you to lead the most of us, not just some of us. 00:12:29.676 --> 00:12:37.396 align:middle For many years you've been told that you are our future, and I'm here to tell you that you, 00:12:37.566 --> 00:12:45.476 align:middle San Jose State University iSchool Class of 2020, are our present, and our now. 00:12:45.476 --> 00:12:51.386 align:middle Finally, you've reached this milestone with the help of many champions in your lives. 00:12:51.646 --> 00:12:55.996 align:middle Among your champions you have listed your family and friends, S.O., 00:12:56.116 --> 00:13:02.576 align:middle and I figured that meant significant others, professors, and now I would like you 00:13:02.576 --> 00:13:04.486 align:middle to add me to your list of champions. 00:13:05.286 --> 00:13:09.426 align:middle As president of the American Library Association, my personal goal is to champion you 00:13:09.426 --> 00:13:14.116 align:middle into this modern profession that may at this time be filled with uncertainty. 00:13:14.886 --> 00:13:17.526 align:middle But know that this too shall pass. 00:13:17.986 --> 00:13:24.766 align:middle And together as librarians, information professionals, colleagues, by displaying courage 00:13:24.886 --> 00:13:29.196 align:middle and relying on each other, we will make a difference in the communities we serve. 00:13:30.676 --> 00:13:35.636 align:middle In closing I'd like to leave you with this Aesop Fable; Belling the Cat. 00:13:35.716 --> 00:13:39.976 align:middle A group of mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan 00:13:39.976 --> 00:13:42.226 align:middle to free themselves of their enemy, the Cat. 00:13:43.616 --> 00:13:48.906 align:middle At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, 00:13:49.346 --> 00:13:51.076 align:middle so they might have time to run away. 00:13:51.916 --> 00:13:58.546 align:middle Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws 00:13:58.956 --> 00:14:03.096 align:middle that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day. 00:14:04.746 --> 00:14:09.846 align:middle Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. 00:14:09.846 --> 00:14:14.876 align:middle At last a very young Mouse got up and said: "I have a plan that seems very simple, 00:14:15.356 --> 00:14:18.426 align:middle but I know it will be successful. 00:14:19.856 --> 00:14:23.106 align:middle All we have to do is to hang a bell around the Cat's neck. 00:14:23.696 --> 00:14:27.916 align:middle When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that our enemy is coming." 00:14:28.836 --> 00:14:33.066 align:middle All the Mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before. 00:14:33.916 --> 00:14:40.296 align:middle But in the midst of rejoicing over their good fortune, an old Mouse arose and said: 00:14:40.296 --> 00:14:43.256 align:middle "I will say that the plan of the young Mouse is very good. 00:14:44.036 --> 00:14:48.866 align:middle But let me ask one question: Who will bell the Cat?" 00:14:50.236 --> 00:14:55.596 align:middle It is one thing to say that something should be done, but quite a different matter to do it. 00:14:55.666 --> 00:15:05.316 align:middle So I say to you, as you graduate and move into your new profession, let's go bell this Cat. 00:15:05.986 --> 00:15:07.556 align:middle Thank you very much.