Hello all,
As I enter my 5th year of working at a public library, one concept that has resonated with me through this course was in the module participatory service & transparency. Over the years, libraries have transformed from a space that solely focuses on lending books and researching, to lending items, media, and tools; offering programs and resources for patrons who visit the library, and providing a communal hub for residents to feel safe and welcomed. Additionally, libraries, especially public libraries try their best to provide as much accessibility to their patrons as technology and needs change over time by providing more online resources through online catalogs and digital collections.
Through my personal experiences working in public libraries, I have seen libraries transition daily from quiet workspaces to boisterous areas for patrons to mingle and engage with one another while working on craft projects or cooking programs. As mentioned in the Shareable article “How San Francisco’s public libraries are embracing their changing role”, Casey O’Brien writes how the San Francisco Public Libraries (SFPL) have transformed into “ a space where people can connect to one another and to services, for free.”(O’Brien,2019) Libraries have increased the amount of services and resources they provide such as including: Makerspaces, a workspace that provides tools such as 3-D printers, sewing machines, and other tools for patrons to be creative; Computer Labs/Computer Stations, public access computers that allow patrons to do word processing, browse the web and other electronic based tasks; and even Lunch at the Library, providing meals for young patrons who visit the libraries during the summer time. During the month of September, libraries celebrate national library card sign-up month and encourage community members to visit the library and invite community members to share memorable moments or feedback they have for the library.
Additionally, most public libraries engage in participatory service by aiming to provide free resources for their communities. Public libraries frequently collaborate with members in their community, ranging from community helpers such as the Fire & Police Departments, Postal Services, and local storeowners. As O’Brien corroborates “branch librarians work with community members, local nonprofits and other partners to develop programs, and are a valuable resource for residents to connect via informal conversations.” (O’Brien,2019) At the public library that I work at, I have seen programs where community partners have been implemented in, such as hosting storytimes featuring community helpers such as the Post Office, Fire Department, and Animal Care, to hosting theme programs featuring community clubs and organizations such as sport clubs and non-profit organizations. Additionally, with the use of the web, libraries have embraced the usage of social media to promote library services and community engagement.
As technology continues to change, libraries are also shifting to adapt with increasing technological needs. Libraries that provide computers and technology assistance are faced with the constant evolution of pre-existing technology and the emergence of new technology. As mentioned in the article Making Libraries Visible on the Web: making libraries visible on the web: to ensure that library content is conveniently accessed, libraries must give search engines what they want, Ted Fons notes how “libraries now have an opportunity to understand the rules of the web and to integrate their collections and services into these convenient interfaces.” (Fons, 2016) Libraries address online accessibility by having publicly accessible catalogs available online rather than using physical catalogs only accessible in the library.
As SFPL communication manager, Mindy Linetzky, proclaims in O’Brien’s article “‘we need a space for people to connect that’s free, that’s open. It’s an expensive city to live in,’ she added. The library is ‘a place where you can go and be part of a community.’” (O’Brien,2019) Digital collections such as Libby, Overdrive, and Hoopla provide excellent resources for individuals seeking access to digital versions of popular media.
As the course progresses, I am curious to see how participatory service is implemented in my workspace and how participatory service builds upon other aspects and topics in upcoming modules.
See Also:
O’Brian, C. (2019). How San Francisco Libraries are Embracing Their Changing Role. https://www.shareable.net/how-san-francisco-public-libraries-are-embracing-their-changing-role/
Fons, T. (2016). Making Libraries Visible on the Web. https://go-gale-com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=csusj&id=GALE%7CA459804903&v=2.1&it=r&sid=AONE&asid=e0d05f0e
Images & Media:
Omaha Public Library. Storytimes. https://omahalibrary.org/storytimes/
California State Library Multimedia. Lunch at the Library. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMIoRPDSJIk
Raising Resilience | Firefighter Storytime https://gwinnettpl.libnet.info/event/10476224
Wionna Public Library. Libby/OverDrive & Hoopla App Classes. https://winona.lib.mn.us/series/app-classes/