PLO 03
Statement of Competency: Design and innovate to create equitable, just, and engaging information artifacts, including services, systems, spaces, resources, and technologies
A modern library is more than just a collection of books; it is a hub of information artifacts that supports individuals in discovering, learning, connection, and community engagement. As both a reader and a librarian, I value libraries that transform their physical and digital spaces to meet the evolving needs of their communities. To truly serve all individuals, libraries and their related artifacts, whether traditional or digital, must be designed to be accessible, inclusive, and welcoming. If certain groups cannot read the language, do not feel comfortable in the space, or cannot access the technology, then the library fails to fulfill its mission equitably. Therefore, it is essential to design information artifacts that are user-friendly, culturally sensitive, and inclusive, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and grow.
3.1 Apply a repertoire of design principles and practices to plan, develop, and create information artifacts.
I have a strong passion for the arts, especially painting, photography, architecture, and graphic design. My interest in design began early in my career with my first paid job as a graphic designer at a Japanese agency. Although I taught myself design, I quickly understood its power in visual communication and how it influences how people receive and interact with information. This understanding has shaped my work at Duong Lieu Library, where I apply design principles to develop artifacts that strengthen the library’s identity and connect with the community. In 2014, I designed the first logo for the library. I used design elements such as an open book, a heart, and a doorway to symbolize knowledge, care, and access. I also applied visual hierarchy by choosing simple, clear shapes and warm, welcoming colors to ensure the logo was easy to recognize and emotionally meaningful.
One of the most important design principles I applied was iteration. I saw the logo not as a final product but as something that could evolve over time. I revised it in 2018, 2019, and again in 2023 to celebrate the library’s 10-year anniversary. These updates were guided by feedback and reflection on how the library’s role and identity had grown. This process also shows my use of user-centered design, as I considered the community’s feelings and expectations when refining the logo.
For me, the logo is more than just a graphic. It is an information artifact that communicates the library’s mission and values through carefully chosen visual elements. It has helped foster a sense of pride and belonging among community members and strengthened the library’s public image.
Additionally, during my academic training at West Virginia University, I had the opportunity to further develop my design skills by creating two posters: (1) Inclusive Libraries and (2) Reading Habits of Children. These posters received high praise from my professor for their engaging visuals and thought-provoking content. The first poster illustrated the key elements of an inclusive library, while the second encouraged discussion about the shift from print to digital reading among children. These experiences reinforced my ability to design compelling and informative artifacts that support learning, advocacy, and community engagement.
3.2 Design artifacts that give users voice in decision-making regarding critical programs, services, and resources for diverse communities.
In 2019, I founded Local Bookable, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals interested in opening and managing private and community libraries across Vietnam. Through this initiative, I have created multiple artifacts that empower users and provide them with the necessary tools to navigate challenges in library development.
One of my most meaningful contributions was creating a community library registration guide in 2021. I recognized that many individuals struggled to get approval from local governments to establish a community library. Based on my personal experience and official guidelines from the Department of Vietnam Library, I designed a clear, user-friendly document in a question-and-answer format. It covers important topics such as naming the library, meeting location requirements, estimating initial costs, and completing the steps to obtain a license. By simplifying the complicated registration process, this guide has empowered aspiring librarians, especially in underserved areas, to make informed decisions and confidently move forward. It has helped them take an active role in shaping their own libraries based on their community’s needs. Today, the guide is widely used across Vietnam and continues to support grassroots efforts to bring inclusive library services to diverse communities.
Additionally, I launched the Local Library Network in Vietnam on Facebook, an online community with nearly 1,000 members, to foster collaboration among library professionals, educators, and volunteers. This online platform serves as a space for librarians and like-minded individuals to connect, share knowledge, and support one another. By creating this digital community, I have provided a platform where members can discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and collectively shape the future of librarianship in Vietnam.
3.3 Critique existing designs to expose instances of inequity and injustice and move toward mitigation and repair.
Through my experience with Local Bookable, I have encountered and addressed several instances of inequity in community libraries across Vietnam. Many of these libraries were established with the best intentions but often lacked inclusive designs, policies, or services that truly served diverse users.
One major challenge I identified was the lack of structured branding and clear communication in several libraries within the Local Bookable network. Many libraries struggled to create a welcoming and engaging brand identity, physical space, and library instruction due to their lack of design expertise and library experience. Several libraries in the network, including Hieu & Thuong Library, Tho Nghiep Library, Tue Minh Library, Hanh Phuc Library, and Cat Que Library, have benefited from my support. By examining and identifying their current challenges, I helped refine their branding, improve library instruction, and reorganize their spaces. Though my support was on a small scale and voluntary, it created a better understanding for them, enabling them to develop more engaging and accessible environments for their communities.
Learning Transfer and Application to Professional Practice
Reflecting from my experiences in design, community engagement, and library development, I have gained a better understanding of how to create information artifacts that are equitable, just, and engaging. My passion in graphic design has taught me the importance of visual communication, while my work with Duong Lieu Library and Local Bookable has shown me how to apply these principles in real-world settings to support diverse communities.
Moving forward, I plan to continue integrating design thinking into my professional practice as a community library leader. Whether through branding, space planning, or policy development, I will use my skills to create inclusive and accessible library services that empower individuals and foster lifelong learning. By prioritizing user needs and continuously evaluating the effectiveness of information artifacts, I hope to contribute to a more equitable and innovative future for libraries in Vietnam and beyond.
List of program outcomes: