The New Model

In the readings around new models, resonating with me were the concepts of community engagement, interacting with information in a new way, and bringing people back together and back into the library.

Technology and the internet have allowed many to experience community and access without being physically in person. This has been extremely advantageous especially for those who are unable or unwilling to leave their homes or communities, as well as those who are differently abled. One example of this research I did for an early INFO class where I looked at how the information needs of teenagers. It was a personal research choice as my children are 11 and 14 and I was curious as to how technology impacts the development during the teen years. In my research, I discovered how the internet has allowed teenagers to help seek out people, cultures, identities, and other areas of interest as they explore their individuality and identities. It has allowed teens whose communities or families aren’t conducive to seeking out people, identities or behaviors different from those around them.

On the flip side, technology has allowed people a vehicle to demean, bully, trash, and lie about anything and everything, especially on social media. And they can do so without having to show their face or look someone in the eye. Hot topics as of late include but are not limited to the Covid pandemic and subsequent vaccines, world affairs, and the current political climate and elections.

As I read about Anything Libraries, sweating in stacks, and the 100 great ideas for the future of libraries, I was inspired by the ways libraries were helping to reimagine libraries and the spaces within them, while also incorporating the collection, helping people access information, and other tried and true library attributes.

It also made me think of a post I saw on Instagram. The post had an image of a kit kat bar that was actually a flash drive. The post said how at Halloween, kids thing they’re getting candy but really they are getting a sense of belonging by sharing joy with the people in their community. I love this sentiment and I think it can resonate with libraries as well. By focusing on providing events that allow people to share joy, we can really increase a sense of belonging while helping to counteract the negativity in society today.