Libraries and Social Media

Libraries have had a  history of being one of the first institutions to embrace the technologies of each generation. Examples include using 3D printers and computers. For this new generation, the defining technology of our times is the creation of social media.   With a variety of social media platforms to use for personal use, each platform has unique ways to connect and grow communities through interactive media (TikTok), video sharing (YouTube), social network (Facebook), and Photo Sharing (Instagram). One commonality each has though is the way each platform shares the latest news. It is only different in how what they are reaching.  Because of these reasons, social media will not only stay in our lives for good but, will continue to evolve.  Local public libraries have begun to implement social media in spreading the word about what is going on in the library. Unfortunately, these libraries are still not creating lasting impacts like other libraries because ...

Despite being a place where books and knowledge abound, modern librarians are keen on making the library a place where the community feels connected to the library as a space where members of the community gather. This shift is going against the traditional view of what the library functions as a space dedicated to being a place of study for students and learners. With the help of modern librarians, the perception of the library is more than that, and being a place of social activity is becoming a reality for a few libraries. But how can a library be a center of social activity? It’s by changing their perception of who gathers in libraries. To change that perception libraries must go out of the library and join a community organization. Librarians must think beyond of who they are as a profession but, as a person within the community. This is an old school, grassroots method of joining other neighborhood organizations and attending local meetings. It may be old but, it can be effective...

Unlike the Public Library in Cincinnati, the library near my hometown in Southern California doesn’t cater to one demographic: the homeless. Though it may be small, the homeless are there. Policies were made to include the homeless by American Library Association but,  I have yet to see them implemented in my city library.  It’s not an issue as of right now, but will the homeless be accepted in libraries everywhere? What role will the homeless play within the library in the future? The Downton Nashville Library is an example of what may come to California Public Libraries.  In the Downton Nashville Library, the librarians there have viewed the homeless not only as equal patrons but as important patrons. They are so important the library has renovated a section of the library and placed more computers and tables with ethernet connections and power outlets just so the homeless can access them. Not only does the Nashville Library provide access to the internet, but they also...

  Libraries and student services     L ibraries are all about checking out books , but did you know that libraries offer spectacular services for students? Yes! The libraries are here to support students of all ages with research help, finding resources, and providing study spaces. Sometimes librarians are available to chat 24 hours a day online and some libraries are even open all night! Libraries are all about promoting student success and lifelong learning in the article quote snacks in the stacks libraries welcome food amid the books the library at Morningside College in I owa has started allowing food in the library the library and others are trying to make the library more inviting place for students to take advantage of the services and hopes to encourage collaborative learning in fact most library remodels aren't complete without a snack bar or coffee shop on site so next time you need to study or meet with other students or do research about a specific topic go...

  Libraries and the homeless   For thousands of people in California , and many more in the United states , a safe environment away from the intense heat of the summer or the intense rains and cold weather of the winter is not a privilege they have . T her e is an increasing number of unhoused individuals in the world right now . O ne place that can provide a respite from the toils of the weather is the Public Library . I n the broadcast “ Dallas library E mbraces R ole as H aven for the H omeless ,” it mentions that not only are libraries a safe place to rest and be out of the weather, but some libraries are also offering classes and other opportunities for the unhoused. The Dallas library offers a keyboarding class that allows homeless individuals to feel seen as a part of something that can help with the unrelenting loneliness of homelessness. They even serve hot coffee in the mornings! Some libraries like the Hedberg Public Library in Ohio team up with...

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