What has been standing out to me the most, when reading about hyperlinked communities, is how libraries are using technology to digitize local collections such as the one shown in the Oak Park Public Library video, along with building exhibit displays.
Interactive digitized local collection at Oak Park Public Library.
These collections may increase in the future, and encourage patrons to learn more about their community, connecting them to the history of the town, region, or city they live in. These collections of course, may take awhile to build, and the help of community partnerships and patrons could really expand the digitized local collections, almost transforming the library into a local museum as well as a place to find information. The contribution of such partnerships allows the community to maintain a hyperlinked community as well.
The expansion of interactive digitized collections and exhibits in the library allow more interactive exploration to be done inside the library. Not only do these digitized collections exist online, but can be presented in person as well. The U.C. Davis Library, while not presenting them digitally, also has exhibits displayed inside the library for people to get a closer look at their university’s special collections and connect with the new information being displayed every few months.
I think more libraries should take this approach, but not just present information digitally or exhibit displays, but find ways to connect them with people. It’s the interactive design of these library services that may draw the attention of more patrons to visit the library.
Libraries are moving away from the “no talking” rules in the library and making way for a more communal, social space where sharing information out loud is encouraged.
Expanding participatory service allows the library to be more connected with others, the librarians, and even information. Booth’s article “People and the UTS library” brings up this notion of libraries challenging the norm of library practices (2013) and reimagining the library filled with new and developing technologies. Libraries are becoming a supportive and welcoming community space, encouraging users to voice their opinions on any old or new services and programs libraries have to offer. These developing technology services help people connect with each other and information (Stephens, 2010) which helps the hyperlinked library model grow and flourish in other libraries planning or starting to expand participatory services.
(NLB Singapore Public Libraries, 2019)
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NC State University’s James B. Hunt, Jr. Library (2013)
Public libraries aren’t the only libraries evolving into loud libraries, school libraries are transforming into their own classrooms as well. Matthews’ article “The unquiet library has high schoolers geeked,” explains the students’ experience with being able to use their phones in the library to learn their lesson of the day has enhanced their library experience, along with encouraging classroom engagement by syncing up their phones with the smartboard. Many schools would usually be against the usage of phones at school, but this school library has managed to use phone technology to the students’ advantage, (Matthews, 2010) instead of it being a distraction to the kids’ education.
Academic libraries are following this trend as well, creating more space for students to work with friends and classmates, transforming study spaces into aesthetically pleasing areas, and constructing more space for students to relax. Academic libraries show support to their students by taking care of their mental (Cox, 2022) and physical health. If they need space to collaborate and innovate, simply hang out with friends, walk, or eat, academic libraries will provide the services necessary to the student’s success.
MacPherson’s article shares a similar perspective, “noisy is the new normal,” (2023) about the current state of libraries. She states technology has also played a large role in their children’s and adult programs and services, inspiring more creative thinking and noise being made in the library. Many libraries, whether they are public, academic or even school libraries, are supporting “community participation” (Meier, 2022) by creating new programs and services that make the library and, to an extent, people of the community more visible. It is the job of the librarian to help users find information, and the louder they can be, the better.
This aspect of participatory service informs me about the different types of services libraries are offering these days. Socializing in libraries is the new normal. Designing services that will benefit the library’s community members and inspire them to make noise in the library will help me be a better information professional. Whatever information users have to share, whether it’s innovation, business, academic, or even feedback, the librarians are ready to listen.
Hi everyone! My name is Nicole and I am in my 4th semester in the MLIS program. I chose this course because I wanted to learn more about the emerging technology trends happening in the library world. As more libraries adapt to new technology tools, I feel like taking a class like this one will inform me better about what LIS jobs in the future may start to expect from me. And of course, develop new skills to add to my resume. I am very excited about my classes this semester because each of them having something unique to teach me about different jobs I can apply to for the future. I’m most interested in the academic librarianship pathway and would love to work at college libraries, however I am open to other areas that may take me. Nice to meet you all!
Other facts about me: I love to read and my favorite books are the Percy Jackson books, I love Disney (especially love reading about how they make movies and the rides at their parks!) Love watching cooking competitions. Recently got back into playing video games, favorite game is Mario Kart! And my favorite tv shows right now are Gilmore Girls and Succession.
