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
I found the article on BookTok’s influence on sales fascinating. I agree, digital trends are something that needs to be continuously monitored, especially since they tend to shift rapidly and drastically. As mentioned in the article, my library has also found it difficult to stay up-to-date with the most relevant trends. Either because we don’t have enough copies of the hottest book, or we aren’t able to get book displays approved in a timely manner. The hold franchises has amassed over the past few years are mind-boggling. Children in my library come in wanting anything and everything that has their favorite character on it. Budgeting accordingly when purchasing mainstream titles due to trends or franchises and niche items will likely continue to be a balancing act for librarians.