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.
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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.
References:
Booth, M. (2013). People and UTS Library. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Booth_PeopleUTSLibrary.pdf
Caldwell, K. Should libraries be quiet? ALSC Blog. https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2024/04/should-libraries-be-quiet/
Cox, A. (2022). Factors shaping future use and design of academic library space. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 29(1). 33-50. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2022.2039244
NC State. (2013, April 3). NC State University’s James B. Hunt, Jr. Library. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scyQPk6n0xA&t=155s
NLB Singapore. (2019, August 25). Keeping Quiet: Library Etiquette for Children feat. Monsters United. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2GxIsA5_HA
MacPherson, K. (2023, May 12). It’s okay for Libraries to be loud! Take it from me, a librarian. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2023/05/12/noisy-library-defense-essay/
Matthews, B. (2010, June 21). The unquiet library has high-schoolers geeked. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2010/06/21/unquiet-library-has-high-schoolers-geeked/
Meier, A.C. (2022, October 22). Libraries are vital community spaces (and, They need to evolve). Mellon Foundation. https://www.mellon.org/grant-story/libraries-are-vital-community-spaces-and-they-need-to-evolve
Stephens, M. (2010, March 2). The hyperlinked school library: engage, explore, and celebrate. Tame The Web. https://tametheweb.com/2010/03/02/the-hyperlinked-school-library-engage-explore-celebrate/