How can you develop a global mindset to better serve library users?

3 How can you assess your global mindset?

Before you can develop your global mindset, you need to assess your current level of global competence and awareness. You can use various tools and frameworks to measure and reflect on your global mindset, such as the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), the Global Competence Aptitude Assessment (GCAA), or the Global Mindset Inventory (GMI). These tools can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, as well as provide feedback and recommendations to enhance your global mindset.

4 How can you improve your global mindset?

There are numerous avenues to enhance your global mindset, both within and outside of the library. Examples include seeking out opportunities to interact with library users and colleagues from different cultures, expanding knowledge of global issues, trends, and perspectives, engaging in critical reflection and dialogue about one's own cultural identity and values, as well as those of others, and experimenting with different ways of thinking and doing things. This could involve learning a new language, trying a new cuisine, or exploring a new genre or format of literature or media.

5 How can you apply your global mindset to library services?

You can use your global mindset to library services by incorporating global perspectives and practices into your everyday work. This can involve designing and implementing library programs, collections, and resources that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible to diverse users, such as through multilingual materials or providing cultural sensitivity training to staff. You can also collaborate and network with other library professionals from different regions and countries, such as joining global associations or attending international conferences. Additionally, you can advocate for the role of libraries in advancing global citizenship, social justice, and intercultural understanding, such as by supporting global initiatives or sharing your stories and successes with your community.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?