Distilling qualitative data into practical insights could be the key to improving library services and better meeting user needs. Lauren Hays shares tips for analyzing qualitative survey data and turning insights into actionable service improvements.

What is design thinking and how does it apply to archives?. Design thinking offers a shift in mindset away from internal systems and assumptions, toward the real needs, behaviors, and motivations of people who engage with archival collections.

From climate-driven relocation to evolving expectations around equity and accountability, TrendsWatch 2025 forecasts a challenging road ahead. Rachael Woody offers a thoughtful breakdown of these timely themes and their potential impact on U.S. museums.

Meet one of KM’s original thinkers: Karl Wiig has spent decades shaping how organizations think, decide, and learn. In the 1980s, he launched one of the first AI centers, helping spark the knowledge management movement. Learn more about his lasting impact!.

Special librarians often lead instructional sessions that demand subject expertise and clear, effective delivery. Technology can help, but only if it supports your teaching without stealing the spotlight. These tips help keep the focus where it belongs 👇.

Many archives still reflect neurotypical expectations, but small changes can have a big impact on users' ability to engage with your archives. Learn how inclusive design can help your archives better your community. #Archives #Neurodiversity #Accessibility.

Rachael Woody takes a closer look at TrendsWatch's “Short Take” titled Pulled in All Directions—a brief but timely piece on workplace culture tensions—and offers analysis on what it gets right, what’s missing, and how museums can respond with intention.

“Why must the volunteer role be relegated to in-person and during business hours?” . @rachaelcristine challenges museums to rethink outdated volunteer models and embrace remote, accessible, tech-enabled options. #Museums #MuseumVolunteers #FutureOfMuseums.

Hannah Gascho Rempel and Maribeth Slebodnick discuss their book "Creating Online Tutorials: A Practical Guide for Librarians" and offer tips for creating engaging, learner-centered tutorials for different library settings. #SpecialLibrarians.

Archival transcription isn’t just a helpful add-on—it’s a foundational practice for accessible, ethical archival design. Transcription enhances accessibility by turning static records into searchable, inclusive resources. Learn more 👇.

As archives increasingly move into the digital realm, ensuring online accessibility is vital. For users who are blind, have low vision, or experience cognitive or motor disabilities, screen readers serve as a gateway to digital content. Learn more 👇.

It's hard to believe the Special Library Association's final conference is kicking off this week. While we're excited to attend and can't wait to see everyone, we acknowledge the collective sense of uncertainty felt by many SLA members and the wider special librarian community.

If you're attending SLA 2025, please take the time to come by Booth #4 to say hello, reminisce, and, if you need to, borrow some of our optimism. -The Lucidea Team. #SpecialLibrarians #SLA #FutureOfLibraries #Optimism.

In this open letter, CEO Ron Aspe reflects on Lucidea's history with SLA, celebrates the lasting impact of special librarians, and shares why we remain optimistic—and deeply committed—to supporting the profession in the years ahead.

From reading rooms to digital catalogs, Margot Note discusses how accessibility can be woven into every facet of archival spaces, collections, and services to better serve all users. See Margot's blog post for advice from a seasoned archivist! .

"Organizations with access to unique data resources—and the skills to leverage AI to extract value from these resources—will benefit through substantial competitive advantages." -Dr. De Saulles, author of The AI and Data Revolution. See the full interview!.

A well-structured reference service can demystify the research process and support archives users by offering personalized consultations, creating accessible guides, training staff for empathetic support. Learn more in Margot Note's latest blog post 👇.

Librarianship exists at a fascinating intersection; embedded in the knowledge economy while also being a service profession. Lauren Hays reflects on the importance of this dual identity as special librarians navigate the role of AI in their work.

In this edition of Lucidea's Lens, Stan Garfield shines a spotlight on Eric Tsui—an educator, consultant, and KM expert who has helped shape the global conversation on KM and digital learning. 🔎 Learn more about Eric on the ThinkClearly blog!.

Step inside the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III! Museum expert Rachael Woody explores how Mused uses virtual tools—including interactive “hot spots”—to create an immersive experience for online visitors. #MusemAccess #SharingHistory #VirtualMuseums.