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.
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.
References
Jaap v.d. Geer. (n.d.). Oak Park Public Library. IdeaBox Collections: Local Stories. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAfw2logFJM
U.C. Davis Library. (2025). Exhibits in the Library. U.C. Davis. https://library.ucdavis.edu/exhibits/exhibits-in-the-library/
Hi @nicole316! I love this! This is something we plan to begin at our library this fall!