Associate Librarian and Fine Arts & Humanities Liaison Ping Situ, and Associate Librarian, Experiential Learning and Humanities ​Fine Arts Librarian Rachel Castro co-authored "Creative Collaborations and Technological Horizons: Evolving Librarian Roles in Japanese Studies," published in Volume 29 (2026) of the Japan Studies Association Journal. The journal is published annually by the Japan Studies Association, and features scholarship from across academic fields that explores Japan and Japanese Studies.

The article examines how academic librarians can move beyond traditional research support by collaborating with instructors to create hands-on, technology-rich learning experiences in Japanese Studies.

Drawing on partnerships at the University of Arizona Libraries, Situ and Castro describe how CATalyst Studios, maker technologies, and experiential learning activities can help students explore Japanese history and culture while developing creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and transferable maker literacy competencies. They also share lessons learned and strategies for strengthening faculty collaboration and increasing student engagement in Japanese Studies courses.