Happy Helpful Hyperlinked Hopeful Librarian

The “Hyperlinked Communities” module helped me realize that libraries must be patron-centered no matter what form their service might take. Another major theme highlighted in this module is the understanding of what is going on in the community and why, to better understand how to help that community in the current environment. Gen Z is a great example of the young generation brought up in the digital age, and it is very important for librarians to understand how they can tailor the services they provide to this group. As a person working currently as a manager of a children’s streaming service, I try to do the same for Gen Alpha. Understanding the context of the users is an integral part of providing the best services, and a great example of this idea could be seen in the article by Jensen “As Seen on #BookTok: Inspiring Young Readers, TikTok Is a Boon for Books” (Jensen, 2022).

There was a clear change in franchise power in the entertainment industry. For instance, within the DC universe with Superman, it is increasingly becoming the franchise itself which pulls people into watching the content, hence the development of more sequels and prequels (Katz, 2019). It was perhaps the case before where star names like that of Henry Cavill (aka Superman) could be a key factor in pulling the crowd, but now it’s the franchise name itself instead. Within the streaming market, especially when looking at the children’s app, the case is quite analogous. My team is always on the lookout for franchises which are recognizable since it is usually the recognized franchise which makes the viewing work for us.

Within the library context, BookTok has breathed new life into books that may be years after their initial release date. The social media platform has been the main avenue from which individuals get book recommendations, especially for the younger generation. One example of this is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi, finding a resurgence in the mid to late 2020s after its release date in 2011 (Jensen, 2022). Just like the film industry and streaming platforms depend on franchise titles, libraries need to understand how their patrons are being introduced to books in order to predict shifting demand. It is important to know what books are popular now and why.

Overall, however, the success of a library does not come from how well it follows the trends that develop across the nation but rather by how well it responds to the particular needs of its local community. Although platforms such as BookTok may offer librarians an opportunity to see what people are interested in, it is important for the professionals to continuously consider how those trends relate to the patrons of their libraries and how to respond to them to meet their patrons’ changing needs. As I work on developing myself as a future librarian, it was very useful to think about how communities communicate, exchange information, and explore their new interests through this module.

References

GadgeteerZA. (2024, December 22). 4 free eBook reader apps for Android to get you out of your reading slump [Featured image]. GadgeteerZA. https://gadgeteer.co.za/4-free-ebook-reader-apps-for-android-to-get-you-out-of-your-reading-slump/

Higher Logic. (n.d.). The complete guide to online community [Infographic/website image]. Higher Logic. https://www.higherlogic.com/online-community-guide/

Jensen, K. (2022, February 10). As seen on #BookTok: Inspiring young readers, TikTok is a boon for books & libraries. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/story/as-seen-on-booktok-inspiring-young-readers-tiktok-is-a-boon-for-books-libraries

Katz, B. (2019, January 23). How movie franchises became more important than their stars. Observer. https://observer.com/2019/01/star-trek-chris-pine-superman-henry-cavill-movie-star-value/

VGraphs. (2025, Month Day). The highest-grossing entertainment franchises of all time [Infographic]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/VGraphs/posts/1241845021296666

Change is unavoidable, and for libraries, the evidence is the evolution of technology and the idea of Library 2.0. Casey and Savastinuk (2007) introduce the concept of a continuously evolving library that adapts alongside the community in the text Library 2.0: A Guide to Participatory Library Service. Technology plays a major part in this shift, serving as one of the best examples of libraries adapting to the present. In Denning’s (2015) Forbes article “Do We Need Libraries?” he explains that there has been a shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market, with more information than ever available online to help users make informed decisions. He ultimately raises the question of whether libraries have a future at all, emphasizing the pressure created by rapid digital change.

Despite the introduction of the web, libraries continue to exist because information access alone is not the full picture. It has remained necessary for individuals to depend on information professionals in using technological tools. This brings into focus the importance of Library 2.0 as an approach that considers continuous adaptation based on changing user needs. It entails more than simply embracing technological developments; rather, it involves constant changes to services based on user behavior. Librarians must examine the idea of why procedures are done a certain way (within reason) and instead ask why not do it differently or how they can improve the status quo. The best example for this is extended evening hours, which was given as one of the examples in the first chapter of The Heart of Librarianship: Attentative, Positive and Purposeful Change (Stephens, 2016). The biggest takeaway from the first chapter of Stephens’ (2016) book is that librarians must lead with empathy and consider how they can serve as many patrons as possible. By changing the thought process and encouraging new strategies for serving patrons, libraries have an opportunity not only to serve current users, but also to expand and introduce new users to the library.

One strategy I would say goes with this, as I am familiar with working in streaming in the entertainment industry and maintaining large content catalogs, is the long tail concept (Nielsen Norman Group, 2021). This works similarly to catalog management for books in libraries, but the idea is you want the catalogue to be as large as you are able to support. Titles that may not initially be in demand can resurface and allow engagement to be maintained and grow beyond only the most popular titles (Nielsen Norman Group, 2021). I think this concept can also be implemented in library services overall by considering feasible ways to provide more access, such as the example of a 24/7 library. While it might not serve every current patron, it could serve some outlier users or introduce new patrons who might take advantage of these expanded services and ultimately increase engagement with the library. 

(Nielsen Norman Group, 2021)

Continuing on this idea, while collections should still be supported and maintained, libraries may need to shift toward a user-focused model rather than a collection-focused model. Technology has shown us that there are various ways to provide services that help libraries adapt. One example of this is the use of Libby, Overdrive and Hoopla, among other platforms, to provide digital access to audiobooks, music, movies, and of course electronic books (Bradshaw, 2026). I personally regularly use Libby to access audiobooks and ebooks when they are available. As a busy patron, I might struggle to make it to the physical library location, and the digital access Libby provides brings the library to me. I wonder whether libraries could take a more service-first approach, where collections are built to support programming and learning initiatives. My interest lies in whether a tighter connection between programs and collections would provide a more unified experience for users. With resources available in different forms, libraries can reach their audience in ways that are convenient for everyone involved, taking into account various time and personal factors.

(Bradshaw, 2026)

While we realistically know libraries cannot carry all materials or provide every desired service, by continuing to expand upon current strategies and service models, libraries can be more successful in implementing Library 2.0 and avoid the fate that companies such as Blockbuster and Borders experienced. Reading about Library 2.0 made me wonder how far adaptation should go. At what point does changing services become too costly or unsustainable? How can libraries balance traditional services with new community expectations while still remaining true to their mission? These are questions every hopeful librarian should consider to successfully integrate and consider the Library 2.0.

References 

Bradshaw, J. (2026, February 10). Libby 101: Everything you need to know about the Libby library app. Everyday Reading. https://everyday-reading.com/libby-library-app/

Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2007). Library 2.0: A guide to participatory library service. Information Today.

Denning, S. (2015, April 28). Do we need libraries? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2015/04/28/do-we-need-libraries/

Nielsen Norman Group. (2021). The long tail. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/long-tail/

Nielsen Norman Group. (2021). The long tail distribution [Illustration]. In The long tail. https://www.nngroup.com/articles/long-tail/

Stephens, M. (2016). The heart of librarianship: Attentive, positive, and purposeful change. ALA Editions.