The Yoga Sutra of librarianship: Towards an understanding of holistic advocacy

Abstract

This article discusses the creation of a new philosophical model of librarian-patron interaction. Directly influenced by the classical Indian text The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, the authors have created the Triadic Model of Holistic Advocacy, which is supported by three yogic concepts: yoga (union), karuṇā (compassion), and āsana (pose). At its core, holistic advocacy encompasses both a philosophy and praxis of librarianship that is predicated on the belief that librarianship is fundamentally about service to others. Holistic advocacy requires a consistent, empathetic approach to librarian-patron interactions that is ultimately reflected in the quality of services rendered. The authors argue that engaging in holistic advocacy empowers library professionals to better advocate for patrons, specific libraries, and librarianship as a field. Embedding this ethos will help ensure that advocacy happens frequently and organically. Furthermore, holistic advocacy is a mindset that will help foster the growth of a more critically-thinking, compassionate society. The blending of eastern philosophical concepts (as outlined in the The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali) and western practices of LIS has not yet been discussed in the literature. The authors hope this discussion will encourage others to consider how eastern philosophy impacts western library practices.

Holistic information research: From rhetoric to paradigm

“…For example, Latham, Hartel, and Gorichanaz (2020) describe a “holistic IS” that, in addition to examining people's information practices, is also “ transformative ,” attendant to “spiritual growth, rich identity formation, and deep self‐understanding” (p. 10, emphasis original). Going further, Block and Proctor (2020) draw on The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali and servant leadership to articulate a “new philosophical model of librarian‐patron interaction,” which they name “holistic advocacy” (p. 550). This proposed form of library advocacy “places the one‐on‐one relationship between librarian and patron as the key to all progress,” in the belief that focusing on the one‐on‐one human relationship will naturally, organically expand to include advocacy at the institutional and professional levels.…”