Libraries as Social Hubs by Alexandria Orlando

Despite the number of changes that this country has endured over the years, one fact has always remained the same: libraries are social hubs. Today, libraries are one of the few (and maybe the only) places where individuals from all walks of life can gather and enjoy themselves-for free. At libraries, people are able to come together with friends and family, checkout the latest and hottest books, receive help with their homework or resume, hear speakers talk, take classes, holds meetings or simply just relax.  And even though society today is more technologically driven than ever, according to “Public Libraries: The Social Hub of Our Communities,” libraries are continuing to flourish especially with the addition of e-books and other digital access. Whether the library itself is in a small town or a large city, it is a focal point for the community- an area in which all are welcome. This does not mean however, in my opinion that librarians should simply stop trying. If anything librarians should work even harder, to find new and inventive ways to make the library even better and something that is cherished.

Works Cited

Senville, Wayne. "Public Libraries: The Hub Of Our Communities." Aplis 22.3 (2009):

            97-103. Academic Search Premier. Web. 13 Apr. 2016.

Libraries and Home Schooling by Alexandria Orlando

As more and more parents make the choice to homeschool their children, libraries are becoming more important than ever to this group. However, they are not always given the same consideration that other groups have (babies, toddlers, preschoolers, etc.) simply because librarians often do not know where to start. In the article “A Home Away from Home,” writer Lora Shinn focuses on how public libraries can connect to this growing community, who see the library as a vital resource in educating their children.  And although I myself was not homeschooled, I do believe that it is important for libraries to connect to the homeschooling community in a way that supports and nurtures them, especially as this is no longer a minority group. One of the ways Shinn suggested to do this was to “create a homeschool information hot spot in your library or on its Web site” (Shinn 40). There are a number of different ways to do this, my favorite being an in-library resource center where items such as testing info, textbooks and state-law guidelines are readily available for parents and their children to find.  One librarian mentioned in this article even went so far as to obtain samples of textbooks that the library could not afford to purchase, just to give parents an idea of what the textbook contains (and whether or not it meets their needs) before they decide to purchase it. This in-library resource  is a simple, yet fantastic idea that could not only draw more patrons in, but let them know that we support them and help us as librarians to connect with the surrounding community.  As librarians or future librarians ourselves I believe it is crucial to the success and growth of our field and institution to keep up with and support groups such as this in any way that we can, as all patrons young or old, deserve to receive a quality education and have the information they need readily available.

Works Cited

Shinn, Lora. "A Home Away From Home." School Library Journal 54.8 (2008): 38-42..

            Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 11 Apr. 2016

Social Networking and Libraries Post by Alexandria Orlando

As the world moves towards a society that is becoming more technologically dependent and constantly using social networks (in one form or another), libraries face an ongoing dilemma: how to give their patrons the access to social networks they want while still protecting their privacy. In chapter five of Library Technology Reports, Jason Griffey discusses this ongoing dilemma that many libraries are finding it harder and harder to answer.  For instance, chapter five discusses how although the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights states that “books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation,” sometimes libraries choose to value the privacy of their patrons instead (Griffey 35). And often times, it is not without good reason. Many librarians view social networks as potentially harmful to children and young adults, as adults may be able to prey on them or peer pressure, abuse and bullying could take place. Yet those in favor of complete and open access believe that it is their choice, and restricting access is the same as banning books or limiting certain collection development. Either way, it is a delicate balancing act and problem the libraries continue to face. Not only this, but many libraries continue to struggle with whether or not they themselves should be using the different social networks available to market their institution.  And although I personally struggle with an answer to the first question posed, I am however a believer that libraries should use social networking in order to maintain their relevance and connection to the public. While Griffey points out that there were problems in the beginning, today (11 years after Facebook debuted) many of these issues have been resolved and now allow institutions such as libraries to successfully create and manage “pages” that can be a huge success if done right. While doing my research for this blog post, I came upon a YouTube video that could help a beginner with setting a Facebook or Twitter page in which two librarians conduct a Q&A session. Please simply click play (or on the link) below to view it! So where do you stand? Do you believe libraries should restrict access to social networking within their walls to protect a patron’s privacy, or should they give them free access? Should libraries use social networking for themselves, or is it just another thing that has to be done? I’d love to hear everyone else’s comments! Thank you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c2kvtyeGO8

Works Cited

Griffey, Jason. "Chapter 5: Social Networking And The Library." Library Technology

            Reports 46.8 (2010): 34-37. Academic Search Premier. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.

TheLibrarianWay. "Q&A: The Librarian Way - Social Media." YouTube. YouTube, 01

            Sept. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2016.

Libraries and Home Schooling by Melissa

When my son was in second grade, I had the opportunity to homeschool him.  We found a great program where he attended school in a typical classroom setting 2 days a week.  The other 3 days, he was home with me.  I was considered his primary teacher with support from the school (the classroom teacher would provide specific guidance).  I truly enjoyed the year and a half that I was able to homeschool my son and I couldn’t have done it as successfully without the support of the public library.  I created lesson plans that tied language arts, social studies, and science lessons together.  I regularly sought out age-appropriate materials to supplement my lessons and I would get these materials from the public library, often taking advantage of the interlibrary loan system to get materials that were not on the shelf at my local public library.  My son and I enjoyed always having stacks of books that related to what he was learning in the core curriculum.  We had the ability to go off on tangents when we read about something that interested him.

Willingham cites a 2003 study by NCES which states that 80% of homeschoolers use the public library (61).  Her article also affirms my experience as a homeschool parent, stating that homeschool families develop close relationships with public librarians, make use of the interlibrary loan system, and frequently borrow media from the public library before purchasing it themselves (Willingham 61).  Libraries also provide programs and meeting spaces which homeschool families tend to take advantage of.  The number of homeschooled children in the United States was close to 4% in 2010 and the numbers are increasing every year (Johnson 86).  Developing relationships between the homeschool community and the public library is beneficial to both parties.  Libraries see an increase in circulation and library visits and homeschoolers can take advantage of all the resources the libraries have to offer.  Homeschool families often have limited budgets and the public library helps them to provide a great education while keeping costs low.

Works Cited

Johnson, Abby. "Youth Matters. Make Room For Homeschoolers." American Libraries 43.5/6 (2012): 86. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.

Willingham, Theresa. "Libraries And Homeschoolers." Knowledge Quest 37.1 (2008): 58-63. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 3 Apr. 2016.

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.