Sara's Hyperlinked Blog

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

It’s important for libraries to look at new horizons and adapt, but I’ve always personally felt a little behind the times. I was one of the last people I knew to get a smart phone when they came out because I was “against” them. I was never interested in the newest tech. In my high school self’s opinion, the internet and smart phones were making people lazy, absent-minded, and gullible. I don’t feel as strongly now, and I know that I must stay knowledgeable on new trends to be a successful librarian. Seeing the articles about ChatGPT and libraries piqued my interest.

In the article Getting a Grip on ChatGPT (2023), the authors mention the slight panic when Wikipedia launched and that turned out to be a bit of an overreaction. ChatGPT might follow in the same footsteps. Eventually, it might be used so often that we don’t even think about it. But how can we use ChatGPT in the library setting? The article called ChatGPT: A Library Perspective (2023), says “the library is here to help you to learn and understand how these tools can be used and provide some guidance on when they should or should not be used according to our professional best practices.” This made me realize that having library programs related to best practices when using ChatGPT would be a great idea. This shows the public that libraries are current with the times and not shying away from new advancements, while also teaching people information literacy. Incorporating new tech in libraries isn’t inherently a bad thing. There are positives that can come out of it.

Two of my favorite things are libraries and animals. Aside from some libraries offering programs where children can read with dogs, animals and libraries don’t particularly mesh well together. This led me to think of a way in which libraries can help animals in need just like they help other members of the community. Follow the link below to see my idea for a monthly cat cafe adoption event at my local library.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGBxEVYHfs/dAlY0_iUxJaIialJDVaIXA/view?utm_content=DAGBxEVYHfs&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Photography is by Einar Aslaksen.

Looking into global libraries makes me yearn for a trip around the world just to visit these beautiful and innovative spaces. One that stood out to me in my search was the Deichman Bjørvika, or Oslo Public Library, in Norway. The library is a massive, six-story building next to the Oslo fjord. The top floor provides nice views of the fjord. Not only are there thousands of books, but the library also houses a cinema, workshops, cafes, auditoriums, recording studios, and gaming rooms. It’s obvious the Oslo Public Library prides itself on being a community hub that people can enjoy for many reasons.

What stood out to me most was the Future Library art project. This century long project started in the year 2014 and collects one manuscript a year from 100 authors. The manuscripts are kept hidden away in the library and are not able to be read until 2114, at which time they will be printed and published. The forest already exists that contains the trees that will be used in the printing of the books. The Silent Room in the library (where the manuscripts are held) is made out of wood from the trees in the forest. I think this is a fascinating way for the library to start collecting material for the future and to ensure the works of these authors are being read and discussed many years from now. Katie Paterson, the artist of this project, says it “has nature, the environment at its core – and involves ecology, the interconnectedness of things, those living now and still to come.” The Future Library is living, breathing art.

References:

https://www.futurelibrary.no/#/

https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/designing-for-typologies/a5595-10-innovative-libraries-in-the-world/

https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/deichman-bj%C3%B8rvika-oslo-public-library-main-branch/224381/

Photo by Yael Gonzalez on Unsplash

The library I work in is located in an underserved and low-income community. We have 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade class visits every week and many of these students don’t know their birthday, address, or how to spell their last name. Many of the parents of these kids don’t have the time or resources to bring their kids to the library. Class visits are a step in the right direction, but I’d like to examine what else libraries can do to give these students the best chance at success.

The IMLS Focus: Engaging Communities article (2015) states that 80% of low-income children can’t read by 3^rd grade. The article focuses on the importance of partnerships being made throughout the community, not only to help with early learning, but to help with other basic needs. A lot of these kids also need food and clothing.

For one, libraries can determine which grades and/or schools aren’t taking advantage of class visits to the library and librarians can go directly to the schools and give students and teachers information on upcoming events at the library. The librarians can also put on a storytime for the kids. I would also like to see libraries bringing materials to the schools for the kids who can’t make it to the library. The teacher can collect the books they check out and the librarians can pick them up at their next visit to the school. The goal would be to get kids excited about reading by bringing library resources straight to them. This eliminates some barriers and creates more accessible services.

Long-term relationships between libraries, schools, and other organizations can give kids a better life now, and a better future.

References

Gonzalez, Y. (2019). [Green frog drawing]. Unsplash. https://unsplash.com/photos/green-frog-drawing-oV6RSDQlq8Q

Hill, C., Streams, S., Dooley, J., & Morris, L. (2015). IMLS focus: Engaging communities. Institute of Museum and Library Services. https://www.imls.gov/sites/default/files/whitepaper_convening3_final_9-2-2015_tagged.pdf

For assignment X, I’d like to explore a very divisive transition my library is currently going through and relate it to topics from class and outside readings. It’s clear that libraries must change with the times. This can mean changing the physical spaces of the library, having a stronger online presence, roaming librarians with moveable desks, etc. “Libraries for the people” is a concept that I feel many libraries are working towards, including the library system I work for.

Essentially, upper management in my library system has decided to implement a major re-haul of the children’s areas in all the libraries in the system. Small playgrounds, educational structures, and interactive activities are going to be installed. The goal is to teach families the importance of using play as a method of learning. This update will come at the cost of 50% of our collection. 50% of our material must be eliminated to make room for these changes. This decision has caused rifts between upper management and the employees who actually work in the libraries and want to keep our items available for our patrons. This upcoming change in our library spaces has piqued my interest in other libraries doing something similar. I’m hoping that looking into the great changes libraries are making will make me feel better about the loss of books at my library.

Libraries aren’t just buildings that house books anymore. Libraries today can now have tech centers, cafes, playgrounds, media centers, and more. Saskia Leferink (2018) points out, “the way a physical space meets the needs of individuals in specific user groups is key.” It’s important to have a space for everyone (quiet spaces, collaborative spaces, teen spaces…).

An article in Library Journal describes some of the fun and innovative ways libraries are using their spaces. A library in Texas is building a creativity space with a kitchen that will be open to the public even when the library is closed, a video production room, a train for kids to ride, a pretend restaurant, and a veterinary center (Pierce, 2021). The article also mentions libraries using mobile shelving and raised floors that can accommodate changes to the physical space and power distribution.

Redwood City Public Library opened up a makerspace in 2022 that includes 3D printers, modeling and design software, sewing machines, crafting tools, whiteboards, screen monitors, and reconfigurable tables and seating (Peninsula 360 Press, 2023).

The entrance to the Makerspace at Redwood City Public Library. Photo: P360P

When making big changes, it’s good to have transparency between all employees and invite those who don’t work directly in the library to visit the space. There should also be communication between everyone involved. According to Michael Casey and Michael Stephens (2007), “the transparent library’s fluid nature and open communication allow all levels of staff to understand what it takes to meet user needs.”

Ultimately, change in libraries is inevitable and should be for the best of the community. Teams should work together to transform libraries into what the community needs and work towards a common goal. This can mean having an open mind and trying new things. Here’s to the evolution of libraries!

References

Leferink, S. (2018, January 24). To keep people happy… keep some books. OCLC. https://blog.oclc.org/next/to-keep-people-happy-keep-some-books/

Peninsula 360 Press. (2023, May 7). Makerspace celebrates its first anniversary at the Redwood City Library. https://peninsula360press.com/en_us/makerspace-fulfills-its-first-anniversary/

Pierce, D. (2021, November 8). New library design: Spaces that connect, cultivate, and transform communities. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/new-library-design-spaces-that-connect-cultivate-and-transform-communities

Stephens, M. & Casey, M. (2007, September 15). Going to the field. Tame the Web. https://tametheweb.com/2007/09/15/going-to-the-field/

Hi class!

My name is Sara and I have about one year left in the MLIS program. I’ve lived in the bay area my whole life, currently in San Jose, and work as a library assistant for the Santa Clara County Library District. I work in the children’s reference department and my goal is to become a children’s librarian. I’ve worked in public libraries for about 16 years in many different roles, both circulation and reference. I’m taking this class because I feel like I can learn a lot from it, and I’ve heard great things about it.

My hobbies include reading (currently Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson), playing board games (my favorite at the moment is Arkham Horror), and traveling to new places. I’ve been really into sci-fi lately and am binging all of the Stargate shows and movies. I also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and his dog, Buster, and my cat, Jack. I love animals and meeting a new doggo always makes my day. I’m looking forward to learning with you all this semester!