In the introduction for this module, Professor Stephens states that part of engaging hyperlinked communities is “weaving the library into the fabric of the community, ensuring that our services resonate with and reflect the diverse voices we aim to support” (Stephens, 2025). Reaching out and encouraging community members to share their ideas and opinions is one-way libraries can support the needs and interests of various user groups. A great example of this is highlighted in Smith’s (2017) article about Madison Public Library’s (MPL) takeover. To reorient MPL towards community-led initiatives, the library undertook the Library Takeover project. Through this project, community members were given full control of creating and leading three library programs, resulting in unique programming that was never done before at the library.
In Smith’s (2017) article, one of MPL’s librarians mentions that not knowing what was going on and giving up some control of the program planning was scary, but the results were great and they were able to learn from community members and reach different users. I think this is a great example of how community input can lead to diverse programs that appeal to the interests of different community members. In my own experience, I have worked at a library where programming was repetitive and appealed to only a set type of community member. My goal when I joined their library was to introduce programs that would appeal to different user groups. When proposing my ideas, there was some pushback from the branch manager who thought the programs would not appeal to our patrons. I think there was a fear that doing something different would be a waste of our resources and result in low attendance numbers. However, the results were great, and we found there was an interest in our community for diverse programs that appealed to different interests. Pictured below is one example of a program that was different from what we usually offered, but that was well received by community members.
Partial image of Japanese wagashi program flyer.
Image of a patron participating in wagashi making program.
From my experience, I saw how a library can fall into a routine that, while comfortable for staff, can exclude community members. Trying something different may be scary, but as demonstrated through MPL’s Library Takeover, the results can be surprising and lead to new connections. For smaller libraries, a similar project may not be possible, but community input can be gathered through surveys, outreach, or even an advisory group that includes community members. To ensure that we are reflecting the various interests and needs of our community members, it is important to gather their input and be brave enough to step out of our comfort zones.
While reading Casey’s (2011) article, one quote really stood out to me. He states, “the ideas of participation and transparency are no longer new – many in our community now expect these things as a standard part of organizational operations” (p. 3). After reading that, I stopped for a minute thinking about my own expectations, and I agree. The web and social media sites have become so engrained in our society that it is expected for most organizations to have a website and at least one social media account. If I want to find more information about an organization, my first step is to look for their website, and if I want to check for recent information, I look for their social media account.
Most libraries have a website and at least one or two social media accounts. However, not every library takes full advantage of using these sites to create a participatory environment with their patrons. While browsing through my own library’s Facebook page, I noticed that many of the posts focused on announcements regarding holiday closures, past events, and upcoming programs. A few people commented, but comments were limited to tagging someone else or expressing excitement for a program. Participation was limited and seemed one-sided.
So, how can libraries encourage participation?
Different Ways to Participate
While widely used, social media has its limits. For example, if you do not have a Facebook account, you are limited in what you can view. Additionally, Facebook/Meta is testing a new restriction on businesses that limits their posts (Hutchinson, 2025). If a business does not pay a monthly fee to verify their account, then it can only make two posts with links in them per month. This limits the number of posts and types of content a library can share on their Facebook page. To address these limitations, encourage participation, and reach more people, libraries need to explore different options.
In Casey and Savastinuk’s (2007) article discussing Library 2.0, they state:
“Library 2.0 empowers library users by giving them the opportunity to assist in the creation and content management of services. This can be accomplished through current and potential user feedback, as well as through the offering of services that rely on active input, such as customer-submitted book reviews or tags that go in the catalog” (p. 6)
These active input services can help encourage participation and are appearing in more library catalogs. For example, in the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s online catalog, patrons can rate books and connect to GoodReads to leave a review.
In the Sonoma County Library’s catalog patrons can interact with materials by leaving a comment, adding quotes, summaries, and videos related to an item. Patrons can also create their own book lists to share on the library website.
Offering these services gives patrons a chance to interact with materials in various ways and encourages patrons to give feedback regarding a library’s collection. Additionally, having more options gives patrons a choice in how they want to provide feedback, which may encourage more participation.
Community Driven Programming
Programming is another area that patrons should be encouraged to participate in. Casey (2011) emphasizes that “the community should be involved in the brainstorming for new ideas and services, they should play a role in planning for those services, and they should definitely be involved in the evaluation and review process” (p. 2). Libraries are for the community, and the programming and services offered should meet their needs and interests.
When planning a program, I try to think of what I can do that would be informative, interesting, and meet the needs of our patrons. However, gathering input from patrons has been challenging. At the end of a program, I ask patrons to fill out an evaluation form to review the program and provide suggestions for future events. Most patrons do not fill these out, so I have also started directly asking patrons for their opinions. Some patrons will provide ideas, but their responses are often similar to what we already offer. I find this limits our programming and caters to a small group of people in the community.
Gathering information and input from everyone in a community is challenging, but there are some options that libraries are exploring. For example, the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library added a program evaluation form on their website. If a patron previously attended an event but did not want to fill out a paper form, they can use the online option to provide their feedback and suggestions. This gives patrons a chance to participate anonymously and not feel pressured to fill out a form in front of a presenter.
The Cleveland Public Library takes this a step further and has a program proposal form available on their website. Through this page, patrons can propose a program that they want to lead at the library. I think this is an excellent idea that truly lets patrons participate in the creation of programs.
A great example of this is the Roots and Remains exhibit that was installed at the Cleveland Public Library’s Rice Branch.
The idea and creation of this exhibit was led by local residents and organizations who are passionate about addressing an issue in their community, and together with the library they were able to bring this program to life. I think this is a fantastic example of how a library can work together with community members to create a program that meets their needs.
Final Thoughts
Libraries are more than just book depositories; they are essential community centers geared towards enriching the lives of everyone in their communities. To ensure libraries continue to meet the needs of their patrons it is important to encourage participation and explore different opportunities for patrons to provide feedback.
My name is Alexandra and this is my fifth year in the MLIS program. It has taken me a while, but I am excited to say that I am almost done and should be finishing next year in May!
The first class I took was INFO 200 with Professor Stephens and that was where I heard about this course. We briefly learned about hyperlinked libraries, but I found the topic interesting and decided I wanted to take this class before I graduated. I am interested to learn about how to create a more humane centered approach to library services and apply what I learn to my current position and future career as a librarian. Currently, I work as an adult library associate at a public library and I am hoping to one day transition into a librarian position. Over the years I have worked in many different positions, from an inventory manager at an art store to an administrative assistant at children services. Among all of my positions, I have enjoyed working at public libraries the most. Interacting with patrons, building connections, and providing a service that makes people happy is what I love most about libraries and I hope to continue working in them from now on.
Pictured below is an image from my most recent program titled “1000 Paper Cranes for Peace.” Throughout the month of May I introduced patrons to the Japanese tradition of folding 1000 paper cranes. I wasn’t sure if we would reach 1000 cranes, but with the help of our patrons and staff members we were able to make over 1300 cranes! It was a fun program that everyone was able to enjoy and participate in.
Outside of the library, I am mostly finding ways to entertain my 1 year old daughter. She is a ball of energy and keeps me on my toes, but it is finally warm here in Ohio so we will be going on many walks and outdoor storytimes.
