In thinking about Hyperlinked Library communities, I’m most intrigued by the idea of how libraries bring people together. In everyday life, we’re so isolated from each other. Most people will tell you they only interact with the same few groups of people regularly – immediate family, some extended family, people at work, a friend group, and maybe a hobby or two. Especially here in the U.S., we have a strong lack of third spaces – those areas that aren’t work or home, places where people can spend time without having to make financial investments or other commitments for entry, where one can find groups and opportunities beyond their normal path. Libraries are uniquely situated to be a perfect third space, reach into multiple parts of an extended community, and draw people together. The hyperlinked library engages people “via technology tools, place-based meet-ups, and engagement strategies designed to enlighten and entertain” (Stephens, 2024). This may look like inviting photography students to practice taking photos for other community members, such as headshots, merchandising photos for small businesses, or family portraits. Or perhaps a high school art class could come to display their art in the library and get tips from local museums and galleries on how to exhibit their designs best. A library has the room, the connections, and the time to bring disparate communities together for everyone’s benefit and create opportunities they may not have otherwise had. 

Those are just a couple of examples of how the library could use its partnership and outreach services to cultivate a library community that has nothing to do with books. As librarian Maarya Rehman describes them, “The library is a space, and the best libraries are like the TARDIS in Doctor Who: they can shift and expand to meet your expectations and needs in strange and wonderful ways’ (TEDx Talks, 2019, 0:03:10). The options are endless, especially if a library is willing to involve its users in developing the kinds of programs and services they would like to have. Really listening to the wants and needs of the library community and being willing to take risks, be creative, and get involved are essential to the success of a hyperlinked library community. Let the community take over and build the community they want to find in the library. After all, the library doesn’t belong to the librarians but to the people who use it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6b_a7FMLz4

[TEDx Talks]. (2019, November 13). Libraries – the good (third) place [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6b_a7FMLz4