“Half-day Librarian” experience at ZJU

Zhejiang University Library has introduced an innovative initiative called the Half-day Librarian experience, aiming to immerse students and readers in the world of librarianship. This unique program invites participants to assume the roles and responsibilities of librarians, empowering participants to effectively utilize the library's resources and services.

Five groups of book enthusiasts were selected to transform into exhibition planning librarians, tasked with curating a captivating thematic book exhibition at the university's main library. Initially feeling a bit overwhelmed, they received guidance from library promotion experts, gradually navigating through the process of theme planning, book selection, allocation, exhibition setup, and promotional activities, ultimately bringing the exhibition to life.

March 8 marked the eagerly awaited exhibition setup day. With meticulous care, the participants chose a selection of representative books to present to readers. Coinciding with International Women's Day, a special women-themed book exhibit caught the attention of passers-by, inviting them to explore the empowering narratives within the showcased literature. Engaging discussions and book selections were observed as students delved into the enriching world of reading.

Reflecting on their experiences, students such as LI Lixiao from the School of Public Affairs, QIU Yingzhen from the School of Medicine, and ZHONG Yuxin from Qiushi College of ZJU expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with familiar scholars and authors, evoking feelings of familiarity and inspiration.

Participants ZHANG Mengru and ZHENG Jiayi from Qiushi College of ZJU  highlighted the newfound understanding of the library's operations, including the book borrowing process, which had previously eluded their awareness.

YANG Ting from the School of Literature shared her perspective on the event, emphasizing how the activity externalized her thoughts into tangible books, creating a platform to share her literary passions with others. 

Lastly, DENG Jingyu from Guanghua Law School underscored the enduring significance of physical books in the digital age, reinforcing the timeless value of traditional printed literature.

In the realm of education, libraries stand as vibrant cultural hubs and librarians embody the ethos of matching good books with eager readers. With an unwavering commitment to unearthing hidden literary gems, libraries and librarians should guide readers towards a realm of discerning profound reading experiences.

Adapted and translated from the article written by：CHEN Huixia

Translator: ZHUGE Jiayuan (’2025，Communication)

Photo: the interviewees

Editor: HAN Xiao (’25 PhD, Education),TIAN Minjie