{"id":20,"date":"2026-09-14T05:40:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T05:40:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/linkeduplibrary\/?p=20"},"modified":"2026-09-14T05:43:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T05:43:10","slug":"building-relationships-with-the-public-the-importance-of-participatory-service-in-public-librarianship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu\/linkeduplibrary\/2026\/09\/14\/building-relationships-with-the-public-the-importance-of-participatory-service-in-public-librarianship\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Relationships with the Public: The Importance of Participatory Service in Public Librarianship"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello all,<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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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 \u201cHow San Francisco\u2019s public libraries are embracing their changing role\u201d, Casey O\u2019Brien writes how the San Francisco Public Libraries (SFPL) have transformed into \u201c a space where people can connect to one another and to services, for free.\u201d(O\u2019Brien,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.<\/span><\/p>\n