Libraries and Student Success by Melissa

Libraries have always had an important role in education.  When you are assigned a research paper, you visit the library (either in person or online) to gather information.  The latest shift in education to the Common Core has emphasized the importance of libraries in supporting instruction.  The shift is moving away from regurgitating information and toward helping students prepare for the real world by becoming self-directed learners.  Libraries provide the materials for students to explore and learn.  I work in an elementary school library and I see students excited to come to the library to learn more about topics of interest.  It is suggested that half of what students read be nonfiction; therefore, school librarians are focused on providing high-interest, quality non-fiction materials to support Common Core instruction.  I believe students learn more and retain more information when the topic is of interest to them.  I see teachers providing open-ended learning opportunities and students eager to explore topics presented.  The nonfiction section is the most popular section in the library now!  

Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between library access and test scores.  The more hours available for students to access the library, the higher the test scores (Achterman 26).  In areas with students of low socioeconomic status, libraries are even more important because students may not have access to technology or books at home.  At the school where I work, few students visit the public library because it is not within walking distance of their homes.  The school library is their primary exposure to books and other materials outside the classroom.  I believe the famous quote from Dr. Seuss is true:  “The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”

Works cited:

Achterman, Douglas. "A New California Study: School Libraries Give Students A Better Chance At Success." CSLA Journal 33.1 (2009): 26-27. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.

Social Networking and Libraries by Melissa

Social Networking and Libraries

Social networking is a big part of our lives.  According to a Pew Research study in 2014, 71% of adults use Facebook, 28% use Linkedin or Pinterest, 26% use Instagram, and 23% use Twitter with social media use growing every year.  Social networking is used for personal purposes like connecting with friends and for professional purposes like finding a new job.  It is also a powerful advertising tool and can be used by libraries to promote library services and programs.

I have noticed that many public libraries advertise their social media pages both in the library and on their websites.  I work in an elementary school library and it has been suggested that school libraries promote themselves through social media.  I recently read an article which advocates Twitter as the top choice for a social media platform.  Fichter and Wisniewski argue that Twitter not only provides a platform for your library to connect with the community, it also allows you to get ahead of any potential misunderstandings or bad press by immediately responding to misconceptions and starting a dialogue with the community (74).  One clear advantage of Twitter over other social media platforms is that people can browse content without being a member or logging in, which platforms like Facebook and Linkedin require.  Twitter is linked with Google so that tweets can show up in search results immediately after being tweeted ( Fichter 75).  With Twitter, you can follow the groups and organizations that are relevant to your library and community and spread the word about services and programs.  You do not need to compete for attention in a news feed like you do on Facebook or Linkedin (Fichter 76).  I did a quick search of school libraries in my community and some nearby communities and found that there are no local school libraries with Twitter, though some schools are on Twitter and I would assume that the library could post to school feeds.  I think Twitter could be a great way to build community support for and involvement in school libraries.  It’s free to try, so why not!

Works Cited:

Duggan, Maeve, Nicole B. Ellison, Cliff Lampe, Amanda Lenhart, and Mary Madden. "Social Media Update 2014." Pew Research Center Internet Science Tech RSS. N.p., 09 Jan. 2015. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.

Fichter, Darlene, and Jeff Wisniewski. "The Twitter Tipping Point." Online Searcher 39.5 (2015): 74-76. Academic Search Premier. Web. 29 Mar. 2016.

Libraries as Social Hubs by Melissa Van Wyk

Libraries are an important part of every community.  Libraries provide residents with a free place to go to read, use the internet, study, or meet other people.  Since libraries are free and open to everyone, they are ideal locations for social gatherings.  Many libraries have community rooms or conference rooms to host meetings or social events.  Senville’s article (“Public Libraries: The Hub of Our Communities”) describes libraries located in downtown areas, centerpieces of shopping districts.  He states that libraries located in downtown areas provide more traffic for local businesses (102).  Libraries are always looking for ways to remain relevant in their communities and they provide programs and services for community members, making them a valuable resource.

“The library as the village green, the meeting place, the stimulus for social contact and discussion will be attractive to [baby boomers] partly because…a library seems to be not devoid of values, of course, but not carrying cultural baggage [like churches and schools]. (Hugh Mackay social researcher)”  (Williamson 85).  Williamson’s study explores how public libraries are relevant to baby boomers and concludes that libraries will and should be a community gathering place that provides important resources (87).  No matter what the age of the user, libraries serve as ideal social gathering places.

Works Cited:

Senville, Wayne. "Public Libraries: The Hub Of Our Communities." Aplis 22.3 (2009): 97-103. Academic Search Premier. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.

Williamson, K. (2009). CREATING THE NEW VILLAGE GREEN: THE IMPACT OF THE RETIREMENT OF THE BABY BOOMERS ON THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Aplis, 22(2), 83-88.