By Shannon Brockhurst, Graduate Assistant
In the Reading National Waterfall toolkit, I was responsible for writing the sections on “Building the Libraries” and “Building the Collection.” Writing the toolkit was both a rewarding and insightful experience. It allowed me to think deeply about the essential resources and tools that new librarians need to successfully navigate their roles. It made me ask the questions “What would I want to know?”, and “What would help me?”.
I enjoyed curating practical tips and identifying valuable websites that could serve as ongoing resources. At times, it was challenging to strike a balance between being comprehensive and keeping the information clear and accessible. This process deepened my understanding of the diverse aspects of library work.
I was also fortunate to have an invaluable resource at my disposal—my mother, who is a retired children’s librarian! Tapping into her wealth of knowledge on collection development and the importance of diversity in libraries was incredibly helpful. I learned more about her professional processes and the resources she used to curate inclusive collections.
Overall, writing the toolkit reinforced for me the importance of supporting librarians in creating and building inclusive, culturally relevant collections that foster community support. These skills are crucial to the evolving role of libraries today, as they continue to serve as vital hubs for diverse communities.