GUAM – Ryan Shook went from being behind the microphone as a guitarist and vocalist for the punk rock band, Matala, to making moves behind the counter and computer as the digital librarian for the Robert F. Kennedy Library. 

Shook is bringing the library up to speed with the current millennium. He is one of the designers for the new look of R.F.K. He and his team have transformed it from its classic library feel, a silo of silence for people to study, to what it is today; a hybrid of various degrees of study areas, conference rooms, research tools such as computers and a large collection of books, and a makerspace. 

Shook describes a makerspace as a workspace for learning, exploring and sharing thoughts and ideas that use a wide variety of technologies.

Shook details his role in the evolution of the library and its goals to serve all patrons even those looking for a quitter experience.

“People still make their way to the front desk to complain about the noise levels,” he said.

Shook is taking steps to help mitigate the noise from traveling up to and around the mezzanine and second floors by using the skills that he has picked up from being a musician and music producer.  He is looking into ways to defuse and dampen the stairwells and the conference rooms to help eliminate and reduce the noise from bleeding out.

Shook cannot hide his excitement when speaking about the future of the R.F.K.

Shook explains, ‘There are bigger technological plans for R.F.K., to make it an area where all the people of Guam can come and open their minds to things beyond our shores.”

Shook said that this will be accomplished through researching new technology, digitizing analog materials, and producing digital exhibitions. “

The RFK can serve as a versatile hub where a Business Major seeking a higher degree or a family with children can explore the streets of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan,” Shook said. “A place where a political Science Major could walk the halls of US Congress or British Parliament.”

Shook attributes the success with the new direction to the cohesiveness of the R.F.K. team. He said the leadership has given them the ability to think and be bold, to move not just R.F.K. into the future but as a proactive partner to serve all of UOG.