Promoting Creativity in Libraries: Consider the Artist Residency

Abstract

Art has the power to enhance our surroundings and enrich our lives. From the visual artworks adorning our spaces to the music that fills our environments, creative expressions encourage us to embrace fresh perspectives and open our minds to epistemic diversity. The infusion of creativity within our work settings boosts contentment and fosters overall well-being. The recent conversation between Sydney Adams, Lisa Forrest, and Nancy Falciani-White shows that this is a sentiment that is spreading through libraries. I believe that creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and taught, and it thrives when given ample time, determination, and resources. With a background in art and art history before transitioning to a librarian role, I have engaged with students and faculty in various fields such as health sciences, nursing, social work, writing, and the arts. Through these interactions, I have realized that creativity is essential across all disciplines. Drawing from this conviction, I embarked on a research journey in the fall of 2022 to explore the concept of artist residencies, specifically examining how they could integrate into academic library settings.