Libraries as Social Hubs

What does the general public think of when visualizing a library’s role in their community? Do they think of an aged librarian, shushing loud patrons or dusting shelves with books that are outdated? Modern libraries have a duty to squash the preconceived notion libraries of the past have been known for. Libraries can be known as the center of the community, a place for families to go and interact with their neighbors. Where teens go after school, on the weekends, or during their summer break to socialize with their peers and participate in games, activities, clubs, and so much more. 

Wayne Senville wrote the article Public Libraries: The Hub of Our Communities, in the article he states, “libraries are far from dead in today’s internet age- in fact, they are making a comeback as key anchors in our downtowns (pg. 97)”. In the age of downloading and easy access to any information via the internet, libraries have to be more than a place to check out a book. Don’t get me wrong, they are still the place to find that favorite book or series, even that DVD or magazine, for free. Libraries are the place to do extensive research with databases, acquire knowledge about current job listings, or find out how to apply for a job. Community members can post ‘Help Wanted’ ads on their library’s bulletin board. The library should be known as “the peoples place”, where it’s “the place to go to” for community members to organize events and town meetings; for clubs, homework help; the place for children to learn to read and write. Some libraries are fortunate enough to dedicate whole areas to just a “teen’s” or “children’s” section. 

As library workers, the goal is ensuring the patron has had a satisfying experience at the library. After all, the library should be a place of happy memories and lifelong learning. A library will play many roles, but there is one role that must be brought to light: Senville states, “Another valuable role that libraries play is in integrating immigrants and other newcomers into the community (pg. 102).” 

For immigrants coming to a strange new country, libraries are seen as welcome centers, providing assistants to immigrants in a number of ways. Libraries provide Non-English-speaking classes, to give those who want to learn English the opportunity to do so. Libraries will partner with other organizations that provide additional and more extensive support to immigrant families. Libraries are more than just a building that holds books, they are a social hub bringing communities together and providing opportunities. 

Works Cited

Senville, Wayne. “Public Libraries: The Hub of Our Communities.” APLIS, vol. 22, no. 3, Sept. 2009, pp. 97–103.  https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=44266947&site=ehost-live&scope=site 

Libraries and Student Success

Libraries play an integral role in student success. From offering a quiet study environment to accessing databases, research and librarian assistance. “Higher education data show that student parents make up 15 percent of the student body at four-year public and private institutions of higher education and 26 percent of the student body at all higher education institutions.”¹  Whether these students are young parents or older parents who have gone back to school, they need all the help they can get to graduate.  Student-parents face obstacles traditional students do not, including finding childcare, increased debt and poverty.¹  Many student parents are unaware of the resources their schools may provide to help them succeed.  Some colleges offer onsite childcare but is not promoted and many parents miss out on this resource.

“Creating spaces that are more welcoming to families is an effective way to do this and allows student parents an opportunity to spend time with their children while still completing their coursework.”¹ Some college libraries have begun creating spaces for student parents that welcome their children. I know if Palomar Library had a space for me to comfortably bring my daughter with me, I would have been more able to participate in the meeting my blog mates held. It would have been a lovely opportunity to meet and collaborate with them. Creating these spaces provides a feeling of understanding for student parents who can sometimes feel alienated from their peers. Students who feel like their needs are being met are more likely to continue their education.

Family study room at BYU

Work Cited

Godfrey, Ian, et al. "Supporting Student Retention and Success: Including Family Areas in an Academic Library." portal: Libraries and the Academy, vol. 17 no. 2, 2017, p. 375-388. Project MUSE, doi:10.1353/pla.2017.0023.

Libraries and the Homeless

While many families with children utilize their local libraries for story times, reading clubs and other engagement activities, homeless families are a growing sub-population. From offering a safe space to be during the day, free internet access, outreach programs and assistance enrolling in public services the library is a lifeline for these families. During summer families can find meals being served to their children who would otherwise go hungry without free school lunches. The Los Angeles Public Library was able to fund a summer camp for local homeless kids. This program exposed the children to the library, the resources available to them and of course, books. “The kids quickly learned that the library is filled with "treasures" and that access is free of charge.”1  Without this program, many of these children would not have had the opportunity to access the library. These kinds of programs not only help keep kids off the streets and out of bad weather. They also develop literacy skills and help kids maintain reading levels while bouncing from school to school.  Another librarian, Colbert Nembhard2 of New York has created an outreach program to bring the library to the children of a local homeless shelter. Something these children would otherwise not have access to. By bringing the library to the children he is exposing them to books, literacy a love of reading and normalcy.

Works cited:

1) Abramson, Ilene. “A Haven for Homeless Kids.” School Library Journal, vol. 49, no. 1, Jan. 2003, p. 41. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lxh&AN=8858901&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

2) https://highered-nbclearn-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/portal/site/HigherEd/browse?cuecard=109581

Social Networking and Libraries

We live in the era of technology. Libraries take advantage of online social networks to help them connect with their patrons and connect with authors and other collaborators to put on library events. 

A study from 2013 predicted this important role of online social networks, and found that “The tremendous popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, Flickrs, Myspace, Nickdl, and so forth present libraries with unique opportunities for reaching students” (Tella et. al, 275).

Libraries use social media to promote their resources and events. We are facing a difficult health crisis which has closed libraries. Luckily, librarians are able to continue offering their support and library resources online by using social media to continue with their programs. One example is Youtube, where librarians now offer their story time and book clubs. Libraries use these to keep some of their programming events that have been cancelled due to the recent stay at home order. Childrens and teen librarians also use platforms like Pinterest and blogging sites to enrich their programming, and use these to find crafts that keep young readers engaged. 

Other platforms such as Facebook and Instagram allow for live video streaming that can be used to show concerts and performances that can no longer be held in person. “Libraries can respond quickly to community needs,” (Koerber, 17). Facebook Live video is an excellent tool where librarians can use with little preparation, making them more “improvisational” (17)  than anything. for books review, give tours on the special collection and share pictures. It is interactive too. Patrons can comment about books, and give recommendations on the best ones and librarians can respond quickly to their questions.  

Before the rise of online social networks, libraries were already a place of networking, and they still are. Libraries also offer a physical space for patrons to network. My public library, the Escondido Public Library, hosted a career fair where library patrons could network with employers and get help with their resumes. Additionally, library programs can help provide a place to network too, as book clubs and other programs allow people to meet and network in person. 

Videos that are posted live, such as the children’s storytime hosted by the Escondido Public Library, are shared on the library’s Youtube page too. 

Works Cited

Koerber, Jennifer. “Facebook Live from the Library.” Library Journal, vol. 142, no. 8, May 2017, pp. 17–19. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=122836973&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Tella, Adeyinka, et al. “Use of Social Networking Sites by Academic Librarians in Six Selected States of Nigeria.” New Review of Academic Librarianship, vol. 19, no. 3, Sept. 2013, pp. 274–290. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/13614533.2013.809289.

Libraries and Students Success

Libraries are an important part of students' education. They offer a wide variety of resources for students of all ages. These include: books, computer labs, databases, an internet connection, study rooms, educational classes and tutors. Sometimes, all a student needs is a quiet place to study and a stable internet connection. As a student myself, I often use my local library to complete my assignments. My daughter has been going to the library since she was born!

This is a picture my daughter sent me of the inside of the Lilly Library where she studies when she is away at college. I like to have proof that she is working hard, and she knows I like the structure of university libraries. The outside is just as pretty!

School libraries are important because they are the libraries that students have the most access to. According to Jim Neal, a university librarian at Columbia University, libraries play a key role in improving student outcomes. In his article, Fight for Schools Libraries: Students Success Depends on Them, he points out that libraries perform several roles that go underappreciated: “They strengthen communities and promote civic engagement. They enrich lives. They transform learning. They enable public libraries and academic libraries to be more effective” (Neal). School libraries help students succeed and benefit the community as well. Teachers take advantage of school libraries to help their students learn. According to Angela Pascopella, “when library media staff collaborate with teachers, average reading scores increase by 8 percent to 21 percent” (Pascopella). Students, especially younger children, benefit from library use, and set them up for success. They make them lifelong readers. At the college level, library usage can help students with research papers and any assignment they need. Librarians are there to help them to find the right information. Students need librarians to help them learn to be confident with using library resources and become more independent.This short video highlights the need for school libraries to help students who may not know how to conduct research.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTslgjLEzLw&feature=emb_logo

Public libraries also help unconventional learners in their communities. Libraries offer classes to the community on reading, writing and pronunciation which is helpful for foreign students for whom English is their second language. Libraries support their patrons and often offer seminars on how to access the resources they offer. For example, this may include information on how to download books, magazines and articles onto smartphones, computers and laptops. 

Libraries provide resources for everyone, but students rely on them for their academic needs, and may be the ones who benefit most from the variety of resources they provide. 

Works Cited

Neal, Jim. “Fight for School Libraries: Student Success Depends on Them.” American Libraries, vol. 49, no. 3/4, Mar. 2018, p. 4. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128247716&site=ehost-live&scope=site. 

Pascopella, Angela. "Today's media specialist: trading in their traditional stereotypes for computer know-how and research skills, media center specialists are working hard to steer students to success. (Library/Media Center)." District Administration, vol. 38, no. 1, Jan. 2002, p. 40+. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.palomar.edu/apps/doc/A97116758/OVIC?u=cclc_palomar&sid=OVIC&xid=cdde5f08. Accessed 29 Mar. 2020.

Libraries and Student Success

When schools are faced with budget cuts, librarians are often casualties. According to Steven Yates, the president of the American Association of School Librarians, when this happens, “Not only do you lose the person curating the resources for informational and pleasure reading, but you lose the person who can work with the students on the ethical side—how do you cite? How do you determine a credible source of information?” (Harwin). The article, “Schools See Steep Drop in Librarians, New Analysis Finds”, goes on to state that minority districts are hit hardest when it is, in fact, these communities are in most need of these resources.

Chart Source: Alex Harwin, Education Week Research Center analysis of federal Common Core of Data, 2018

The authors of “How school librarians leave no child behind: The impact of school library media programs on academic achievement of U.S. public school students” take a look at multiple studies and conclude that “that students perform better academically where the [Library Media Specialist]: 

● is part of a planning and teaching team with the classroom teacher, 

● teaches information literacy skills, and 

● provides one-to-one tutoring for students in need.

Library media specialists have a twofold teaching role. They are teachers of students, facilitating the development of information literacy skills necessary for success in all content areas and they are in-service trainers of teachers, keeping abreast of the latest information resources and technology” (Lance).

The American Association of School Librarians has developed a “Standards Framework for Learners”, National School Library Standards (“Home”).

Learners Interpret the Standards: Curate

“The school library is where I learned to curate”

Given the important role school libraries play, it is imperative they remain an integral component in schools and an essential item in governmental budgeting. In his article, “Fight for School Libraries: Student success depends on them”, Jim Neal Argues for advocacy in the time of budget reductions and implications for staffing and closing of school libraries. He designates as lifelong skills those learned through access to and use of school libraries. These include “[understanding] issues like privacy, confidentiality, intellectual freedom, open access, fair use, and how these relate to their work as learners”.

He goes on to provide the Common Beliefs of The American Library Association’s American Association of School Librarians (AASL) National School Library Standards for Learners:

1. The school library is a unique and essential part of a learning community. 

2. Qualified school librarians lead effective school libraries. 

3. Learners should be prepared for college, career, and life. 

4. Reading is the core of personal and academic competency.

5. Intellectual freedom is every learner’s right. 

6. Information technologies must be appropriately integrated and equitably available

The relationship that the school librarian, or “teacher-librarian”, has with classroom teachers continues to evolve, and extended to include support not only for students.

The Changing Role of School Librarians 

The evidence of their importance necessitates ongoing support of the school library at local school district, city and state levels.

Referenced:

Harwin, Sarah D. Sparks, Alex. “Schools See Steep Drop in Librarians, New Analysis Finds - Education Week.” Education Week,
May 2018. Education Week, https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/05/16/schools-see-steep-drop-in-librarians-new.html.

“Home.” National School Library Standards, https://standards.aasl.org/.

Lance, Keith Curry, et al. “On the Road to Student Success. How School Librarians Leave No Child Behind; Accountability and
the School Teacher Librarian; Looking for the Evidence: Do School Libraries Improve Student Achievement?; Strategic
Directions and Newer Dilemmas for Teacher-Librarians and School Library Resource Centres; The School Library:
Accountability for Student Learning; Making Library Programs Count; Accelerated Reader: Does It Work? If So, Why?;
Improving Satisfaction Levels: Playing a Political Game; Accountability and School Libraries: The Principal’s Viewpoint;
Vive La Difference: Gender, Motivation and Achievement; Integrated Library Program; Canadian Coalition for School Libraries
Update; Block Grassroots Projects; On the Other Hand.” School Libraries in Canada, vol. 22, no. 2, Jan. 2002, pp. 3–43. EBSCOhost,
search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ664849&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

Neal, Jim. “Fight for School Libraries: Student Success Depends on Them.” American Libraries, vol. 49, no. 3/4, Mar. 2018, p. 4.
EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=128247716&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

“Student Success.” I Love Libraries, http://www.ilovelibraries.org/school-libraries/school-libraries-and-student-success.

(“Student Success”)

Sylvia, Margaret. “Personal Librarians: Building Relationships for Student Success.” Library Journal, vol. 144, no. 9, Oct. 2019,
p. 111. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=138877371&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

https://login.ezproxy.palomar.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=138877371
&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Libraries as Social Hubs

I love this statement by the authors of the Brooking Institution Blog, “They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. Increasingly in the United States, you also can’t judge a library’s value to its community by simply its books.” They go on to describe how libraries and librarians “have gradually taken on other functions well beyond lending out books.”¹

Indeed, a look at any library branch calendar will confirm the library’s role as a “social hub”.

•        Book clubs
•        Knitting and sewing groups
•        Yoga, Tai Chi, stretching, meditation, Zumba
•        Teen groups
•        Parent’s groups
•        Scout meetings
•        Citizenship classes
•        ESL classes
•        Arts and crafts
•        Computer literacy classes and help
•        Polling places and Mail-In Ballot drop off sites
•        Play and Storytimes
•        Concerts
•        Films
•        Academic subject workshops and tutoring/homework help
•        Chess clubs
•        After school snacks, free summer lunches for children
•        Safe space: youth LGBTQIA+ meetups

Testifying to this fact, during this current COVID-19 crisis, while physically closed, the library continues to function virtually as a resource for their community by providing links to information:

The Carnegie UK Trust presents the idea of the Library as contributing to social wellbeing and the value of the Library is “a shared resource in which experiences and value are created”.²

Another lovely image is created by Kirsty Williamson as she explores the impact of retirees on the Public Library. In her explorations of the topic she likens the Library to “The New Village Green”. This conjures up the notion of public space open to all and charmingly describes the core mission of the Library even as the particulars change over time.³

Shana Hinze goes further and encourages Librarians to act as Community Ambassadors.

I think Libraries and Librarians already do this to varying degrees but bears further consideration. Beyond offering in-house programs, she suggests actively getting involved in the community by reaching out and joining organizations through the local Chamber of Commerce and services such as the WIC office, state job placement office, schools, and after school programs. “The idea is to go where people in the community go to get help, ask for things, or get things done”.⁴

In these ways, the Library expands its role as community centers.

Referenced:

1. Butler, Marcela Cabello and Stuart M. “How Public Libraries Help Build Healthy Communities.” Brookings, 30 Mar. 2017, https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2017/03/30/how-public-libraries-help-build-healthy-communities/.

2. “Library as Social Hub (Speaking Volumes).” Carnegie UK Trust, https://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/publications/library-as-social-hub/. 

3. Williamson, Kirsty. “Creating the New Village Green: The Impact of the Retirement of the Baby Boomers on the Public Library.” APLIS, vol. 22, no. 2, June 2009, pp. 83–88. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=40102604&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

4. 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=lxh&AN=118843606&site=ehost-live&scope=site.