Reflection Blog 1 – Hyperlinked Communities: Talk to People
I have been pondering libraries and their role in the community while going through the hyperlinked community readings. At the same time, I have been surveying my coworkers at work to see their views and usage of libraries in trying to tie together what I have read through real life opinions. “A recent survey shows 92 per cent of the people think of libraries as a safe place” (Hasan, 2022). Everyone I talked to said that they view libraries as an essential community service and feel that they are safe places where everyone belongs. Although many admitted they have not been to a library in quite a few years, they found them to be important.
“Libraries are home to more than just books” (Hasan, 2022). I asked everyone if they still used libraries, and most people told me they do not because they do not read much. When I told them that most libraries offer way more services these days, they were not aware and were surprised about some of these services such as online streaming apps, passport services, online and in person classes, and free museum & state park passes. About half of the people I surveyed were upset that many libraries have less books but admit that do not check out books anyway. Libraries must adapt and respond to the local community while changing their services based on their users’ needs especially as these needs are changing in our modern society (Eastell).
“Talk with them, observe them, get to know them and ask them about their lives” (Pewrainangi, p. 10, 2014). To make sure libraries change with the times and add the appropriate services, it important to get out into the community and ask about peoples’ lives and the kinds of services that would be beneficial to them. One way to start this conversation is by surveying the people in our own networks and getting their opinions on libraries today. This can give insight into forming better questions as we go out into the community and get more in-depth feedback.
References
Eastell, C. (2019, June 13). How libraries change lives [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvt-lHZBUwU
Hasan, T.N. (2022). ‘Free, non-judgemental, accessible’: How your local library is a sanctuary of health and wellness. SBS. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/bangla/en/article/free-nonjudgmental-and-accessible-how-your-local-library-is-a-sanctuary-of-health-and-wellness/t15blzsi9
Pewrainangi, S. (2014). A beautiful obsession. In Ingle, M. Editor & Pewrainangi, S. Editor (Eds.), Weve (pp. 7-10). Heroes Mingle. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WEVE_May_2014.pdf
2 Comments
Millicent
@kylehanson It is pretty interesting that many people claim the importance of libraries, yet never step foot inside. Or as you mentioned, how some complain about the lack of books, yet do not even really read or check out books to begin with. I think many people just have this nostalgic idea of what a library is and what they grew up with, and it’s hard to comprehend that they are so much more now. It bothers me so much when I hear people talking about “libraries dying out” – but these same people are the ones that aren’t even using the buildings or services, yet are spreading this terrible information. I think if we as librarians can just reach out more and make our presence more well known (and show all that we do now!), we could help combat these false ideas.
Michael Stephens
@kylehanson Good idea about talking to your networks first! It coiuyld help formulate the best questions to ask when seeking to improve services and engagement.