In academic libraries, communication is more than just information-sharing—it is the foundation for belonging. For librarians who balance multiple priorities and often work in hybrid or dispersed teams, digital tools and platforms are not simply conveniences; they are lifelines for connection, collaboration, and inclusion.
Communication as the Core of Belonging
Belonging in the workplace emerges when individuals feel heard, respected, and part of a larger mission. For academic librarians, whose roles can span teaching, research support, and administration, clear and intentional communication is essential. Regular updates, shared resources, and spaces for dialogue help prevent isolation and foster a sense of community.
Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord create real-time channels for sharing successes, asking quick questions, or simply checking in. These platforms reduce the barriers of hierarchy and physical space, making it easier for adjunct faculty librarians, student workers, or colleagues on different campuses to feel part of the conversation.
Platforms That Extend the Circle of Connection
Email remains a workhorse, but it is not enough. Today, libraries benefit from layering additional platforms:
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Project management tools (ClickUp, Trello, Asana) give visibility to shared tasks and deadlines, ensuring transparency and collective responsibility.
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Knowledge bases and FAQs (LibGuides, Confluence, Notion) capture institutional memory, reducing redundancy and empowering new staff or student workers to contribute meaningfully.
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Video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet) allow for face-to-face interactions that humanize virtual teams, especially when paired with intentional practices like rotating meeting facilitation or dedicating time to check-ins.
When used thoughtfully, these tools shift from being functional utilities to instruments of belonging, helping every team member see their role in advancing the library’s mission.
Creating Feedback Loops for Connection
Tools alone are not enough. Belonging grows when communication becomes a two-way exchange. Feedback loops—whether through surveys, open office hours, or collaborative whiteboards like Miro or Jamboard—demonstrate that voices are not only collected but acted upon. In academic libraries where adjunct, part-time, and student workers often carry essential responsibilities, creating feedback channels ensures inclusion across all employment levels.
Belonging as a Shared Responsibility
As academic librarians, we are not just stewards of information; we are cultivators of community. By strategically using communication platforms, we create ecosystems where everyone belongs. This work is particularly vital at smaller institutions, where staff may wear many hats, and at larger ones, where distance can easily fragment teams.
The tools may vary, but the goal is the same: building spaces where communication fuels connection, and connection fosters belonging.
👉Inclusive Knowledge Solutions partners with academic libraries to build reflective, equity-driven, high-trust cultures. From leadership coaching to DEI strategy to learning design, we help librarians do their most courageous, collaborative work. Let’s connect.
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