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Libraries and Social Media

There’s no doubt that social media is a big part of the world today. Almost everyone uses some form of social media, it only makes sense that libraries (public and academic) will jump on the trend as well. Social media is an easy way to reach out to patrons, especially teenagers and young adults. Libraries using social media is a simple way to inform the public about programs, events, and activities, as well as a gateway to see what patrons are engaged and interested in.  An example of this is a study performed by Purdue University to determine what social media sites students use and what they wanted to see from the library on social media. The study resulted in the formation of a social media committee and a clearer social media presence from the library. Social media also gives libraries a creative outlet to state their mission as well as attract non-library users. Some libraries have utilized the use of memes on social media to attract patrons. Andy Woodworth explains: “memes are a viable addition to any library’s social media strategy due to their flexibility in use and connotations, innate ability to be shared, and high placement in online popular culture.” Memes are easy to create and a fun and engaging way to get a message out to people. Instagram and Twitter are the perfect outlets for libraries to showcase creative posts such as memes, as these sites hold lots of creative content to begin with. Social media use is going to continue to grow in the years to come, so it’s important that libraries assess what social media sites will work best for their community and what content will be the most effective in reaching out to getting patrons attention. 

https://youtu.be/BcTLkT_mrf0  

References : 

Howard, Heather, et al. “Academic Libraries on Social Media: Finding the Students and the Information They Want.” Information Technology & Libraries, vol. 37, no. 1, Mar. 2018, pp. 8–18. EBSCOhost, doi:10.6017/ital.v37i1.10160.

Woodworth, Andy. “My Body Is Ready: Best Practices for Using Memes on Library Social Media.” Reference & User Services Quarterly, vol. 58, no. 2, Winter 2018, pp. 87–90. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=134186680&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Libraries as Social Hubs

Lauree Padgett states in their article The Social Library : “considering that libraries used to (and sometimes still do) have a reputation for being places for quiet contemplation, solitary study, and hushed voices, the word “social” seems like an odd adjective to use when describing them, yet more and more are becoming social hubs.” This statement couldn’t be more than true and Padgett hit the nail on the head. Not only is the library a place where you can borrow and use resources, but it’s also becoming a place where a community can gather, socialize, and share common interests. Many libraries have weekly activities, programs, classes, book clubs, etc. This gives libraries a great opportunity to engage with a community and pinpoint specific interests and needs based on the local demographic, as well as gets more people into the library. “When library staff embed themselves in the community, everyone benefits” (Hinze).

Here is a video of Shamichael Hallman discussing the steps Memphis Library is taking to becoming a social hub to reconnect with the community. He makes some great points about the importance of connecting with a community.

                                            https://youtu.be/JI2CLgq3LLk

 I live in a heavily Hispanic community and my local library has had events in the past that highlights Hispanic culture in art and food. My local library also has weekly story time and craft day for children. This program has been around for as long as I can remember. I remember attending as a young child and now my family takes my niece and nephew to the same program. I’ve also seen libraries taking steps to engage with teenagers and young adults. We have a coloring club for teenagers at my library and I’ve seen young adult book clubs forming. It’s very important to reach out to the youth. They are the next generation of library users. This generation of youth is powerful and they are going to do tremendous things for the future of libraries.

“Libraries are not only a vital barometer of community prosperity, but the conversations they can spark through programming and social media will redefine participatory culture.” – Brendan Howley

References

PADGETT, LAUREE. “The Social Library.” Information Today, vol. 34, no. 10, Dec. 2017, p. 23. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=126810320&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Hinze, Shana. “Librarians as Community Ambassadors.” Young Adult Library Services, vol. 15, no. 1, Fall 2016, pp. 27–30. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=118843606&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

HOWLEY, BRENDAN. “Libraries as Values-Driven Participatory Culture Hubs.” Information Today, vol. 35, no. 5, June 2018, pp. 15–16. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=130182780&site=ehost-live&scope=site. 

Libraries and the Homeless

Libraries are considered to be a safe space for many people, especially the homeless population. Homeless people and families seek refuge in the library for many reasons. The library is a comforting and safe place where they can take shelter during the day, especially when weather conditions are bad. At the library, homeless people have access to the internet and many other resources. However, libraries serving the homeless population has been somewhat of a controversy in the past. Whether this is because libraries deal with an overwhelming amount of homeless people or the stigma that surrounds homeless people, specifically mental illness and drug abuse among the homeless population, it is still the libraries job to serve homeless people. Patrick Grace states: “Homeless people are not stereotypes; they are members of our society. They are men, women, and children. They come from all national and ethnic backgrounds. They are native-born and immigrant. They are families, single men and women, and children on their own. And they have a right to visit and use our nation's public libraries.” Many libraries have started offering programs and services specifically for homeless people in hopes to help and better serve this group of patrons. A great example of a library working to help the homeless population is the Dallas Public Library. They have many programs for the homeless community in Dallas including music and art classes, a podcast, and a H.E.L.P desk where homeless people can go for guidance on looking for jobs, sheltering, etc. Here is a about the services the Dallas Public Library has for homeless people : 

                                                       https://youtu.be/oBQrihuxit8

It's important to remember that homeless people are human too. They want to seek the resources at the library just like we do and have every right to. Homeless people are some of the most loyal library users and I think the initiative libraries have been taking to support and advocate for this group is great and is a step in the right direction that our society needs.

References :

Grace, Patrick. “No Place to Go (Except the Public Library). (Cover Story).” American Libraries, vol. 31, no. 5, May 2000, p. 53. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=3072708&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

 “Homeless Engagement Initiative - Dallas Public Library.” YouTube, 7 May 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBQrihuxit8.

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Libraries and Student Success

Libraries play a very important part in student success. Students view libraries as a positive and essential part of their lives (Neal, 2018). Libraries provide access to all kinds of resources for students. Some of these resources include information in a variety of formats, computers and other devices, free databases, a quiet and safe space for studying, as well as intellectual freedom, privacy and much more. Many public libraries have educational programs for children that encourage summer reading, 100 Books Before Kindergarten, etc.  However, libraries provide much more than resources to students. Libraries support students and want them to succeed in their studies. Libraries instill lifelong learning habits onto students. And this all starts in the school library.

The success of all libraries will depend on the essential work of school libraries. - Jim Neal

School libraries play an essential role in contributing to student success. A lot of the time, a school library is the first exposure kids have to the library. School librarians often collaborate with teachers to provide the best resources and learning experience for students.School libraries and librarians are a powerful means to help prepare students to live, work, and learn in the 21st century (Logan, 2008).  When a librarian advocates for the library, they are also advocating for students. Here is a video discussing why school libraries are important.

                                            https://youtu.be/WhDuT2YSMS4

My mom would always take my siblings and I to the library as kids for story/craft day as well as to complete any school assignments we had. I remember in fourth grade a group of friends and I went to the library to look for information on the California Missions. Our local librarian was very knowledgeable on the topic and was extremely  helpful for finding the right resources.  I’ve always felt comfortable going to the library for recreational or school purposes. I still to this day resort to my local library when I need resources or information for an assignment. In a way, I view my library as a home away from home.

References

Logan, D. K. (2008). Putting Students First. American Libraries, 39(1/2), 56–59. Library, Information Science, & Technology Abstracts.

Neal, J. (2018). Fight for School Libraries : Student Success Depends on Them. American Libraries, 49(3/4), 4–4. Library, Information Science, & Technology Abstracts.