The social networking phenomenon is really just a small subset of the larger Web 2.0 trend, which includes blogging, wikis, tagging, mashups, RSS feeds and other tools to create a web experience that is both user created and user centric. Similarly, Library 2.0 is a model focused on a user created, user centric library experience (Casey & Savastinuk, 2006) which may put many of these Web 2.0 tools to innovative use in a library context.
Meredith Farkas, distance learning librarian at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, suggests using Facebook, MySpace, and Flickr to promote library events and special collections (Farkas, 2007) as a way of getting in touch with potential library users who may not be reached by more traditional methods. Michael Casey, father of the term Library 2.0 (Bolan, Canada, & Cullin, p. 40), points to the Lester Public Library's Flickr account as a particularly good example of this sort of event and program promotion (Casey, 2008). Some libraries, particularly libraries with special collections, may benefit from digitizing their collections and opening them to commenting and keyword tagging by the community.
In their article "Web, Library, and Teen Services 2.0", Kim Bolan, Meg Canada, and Rob Cullin point to an array of Web 2.0 tools which may be usefully applied in the Library 2.0 context, especially as an avenue to engage younger patrons (p. 41). At the same time, they emphasize that technologies are one part of larger physical, philosophical, and organizational changes proposed by the Library 2.0 ideal.
As John Blyberg, creator of AADL's social OPAC (SOPAC), reminds us, Web 2.0 tools are just that: tools. He cautions against applying technology for technology's sake, pointing out that "when we use technology, it should be transparent, intuitive, and a natural extension of the patron experience" (Blyberg, 2008). Instead, the library itself must be remade to be "more interactive, collaborative, and driven by community needs" (Bolan, Canada, & Cullin, 2007).
Are Libraries and Types of Libraries Still Relevant in the 21st Century?
Although libraries can easily be grouped into four types—public, academic, school, and special—the lines between them are becoming increasingly blurred. The Dority text states that special collections can be found in almost any type of library (Dority, p. 74). In a study on the changing role of academic and research libraries (Changing Roles of Academic and Research Libraries, 2007), the Association of College and Research Libraries suggests that academic libraries need to focus less on control of materials and more on open access to all information, including online sources and sources at other libraries. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San Jose, California (About Us - A unique partnership) is an innovative partnership between the San Jose Public Library and the San Jose State University Libraries. It rises to the challenge of open access by blurring the line between public and academic libraries and making academic resources accessible to community members who might not otherwise use them.
The ACRL study also suggests that academic libraries create more student-friendly public gathering areas. This idea creates an interesting non-cyberspace alternative to online social networking by providing a spot for students to network face-to-face. The University of Illinois LIS program blog includes a post compiling suggestions for making academic library physical spaces more appealing for students who want to gather there (Searing & Stover Lucht, 2006). In "A Sense of Elsewhere," Vartan Gregorian agrees with this assessment when he suggests that libraries can take a cue from bookstores to create "an inviting haven" for their patrons (p. 48).
Discussion Questions
- Much has been made recently of some technologies, such as MySpace/Friendster or SecondLife. What technologies do you think may particularly useful to libraries and their patrons and why? What technologies do you think may be less useful?
- Do you know a library that is using Web tools in an interesting way? What is the library's homepage? How is it using Web 2.0 tools? In what way has this use succeeded or failed?
- How might libraries like the King Library in San Jose maintain their relevance to both community and academic patrons? Do you think partnerships like this will become more widespread in the future?
- Is the creation of inviting and comfortable physical gathering space a worthwhile effort for libraries looking to maintain relevance with their 21st century patrons, or might these resources be better spent elsewhere?
Works Cited
About Us - A unique partnership. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2008, from SJLibrary.org: http://www.sjlibrary.org/about/index.htm
Blyberg, J. (2008, January 17). Library 2.0 Debased. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from blyberg.net: http://www.blyberg.net/2008/01/17/library-20-debased/
Bolan, K., Canada, M., & Cullin, R. (2007). Web, Library, and Teen Services 2.0. Young Adult Library Services , 5 (2), 40-43.
Casey, M. E., & Savastinuk, L. C. (2006, September 1). Library 2.0 Service for the next-generation library. Retrieved January 28, 2008, from Library Journal: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html
Casey, M. (2008, January 17). Lester Public Library and Flickr. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from LibraryCrunch: http://www.librarycrunch.com/2008/01/lester_public_library_and_flic.html
Changing Roles of Academic and Research Libraries. (2007, February 13). Retrieved January 23, 2008, from ACRL Association of College and Research Libraries: http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlissues/future/changingroles.cfm
Dority, G. K. (2006). Rethinking Information Work. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
Farkas, M. (2007). Your Stuff, Their Space. American Libraries , 28 (11), 36.
Gregorian, Vartan. A Sense of Elsewhere. American Libraries, v.38, 10 (Nov, 2007), p. 46-48.
O'Reilly, T. (2005, September 30). What is Web 2.0. Retrieved January 28, 2008, from O'Reilly: http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html
Searing, S., & Stover Lucht, K. (2006, September). The Library as Place. Retrieved January 23, 2008, from UI Current LIS Clips: http://clips.lis.uiuc.edu/2006_09P2.html
30 comments:
In regards to your question about what other new technologies can be helpful for libraries and their patrons, and I would suggest subscribing to pod casts. Granted, they may be difficult to index, they are usually a free service and come in a variety of topics. I subscribe to pod casts that deal with soccer, Italian History, NPR and even a famous Civil War Historian, James MccArthur.
Pod casts are an untapped resource, and if a librarian does research into the topic, I'm positive they can find podcasts that directly relate to specific or general topics.
Have u try the online bookstore Cocomartini
http://www.cocomartini.com/
I get all my textbooks for this semester from this bookstore. All are brand new and half price discount from normal price.
Good luck and wish some help.
hehe ^_^
Is the creation of inviting and comfortable physical gathering space a worthwhile effort for libraries looking to maintain relevance with their 21st century patrons, or might these resources be better spent elsewhere?
I think the answer to this question is multi-leveled and depends on the patrons' use and age. I stopped by our local library yesterday afternoon just after school and the lower level children's area was filled with Middle School students doing homework on big soft pillows, and eating snacks and working at tables together. While there was some socializing and game playing at computers etc. there did also seem to be a large number of kids actually working. Not only has this library succeeded in getting kids to do what a lot of parent's have trouble doing by creating an inviting space that is bogged down with rules, but it is also growing its next generation of library patrons. These kids will grow up, use libraries for research in HS, become parents and bring their kids to the library etc. So, in short, i think YES! we definitely need to make physical open and inviting space for our patrons of all ages. Web 2.0 tactics are a way to get the word out that the library is the place to be, but it has to be that place when the patrons arrive as well.
In regards to your question about comfort in the library or should money be spent else where; The object is to get patrons in to the library to use the materals that are available. If a library is inviting for all ages than more will visit. I use to visit one with young children that had a place just for them away from adults. Its chairs and couches were their size with a few larger ones for the adults. They had computers with children's games, books, puzzles, puppets and a craft room just for them. They even had a n easy check out for books that the children enjoyed doing on there own. There never was a time when I took the children that the library was not pack. The adult side was also pack. I would say they were doing something right.
Technology is an important part of today’s libraries, but I think it was a great point that it shouldn’t be used simply because it is there. Librarians need to determine what their patrons already use and are comfortable with technology-wise and also what technology will work best with the library’s collection.
Finding new ways to apply technology can certainly be a great asset to the library and the patrons that use it. Not using it just because it is new or cutting-edge, but seeing the possibilities and benefit of the technology first (having a plan or goal for it to accomplish) is what is key.
-Holly C.
Libraries need to remember their roots as well. There is still a large book loving population. I think it will be nice for every library to be able to find a happy medium between technology and tradition. With the proper marketing tools the library should have good success. The best marketing campaign that I have ever seen in a library was the RIF program [Reading is Fundamental]. I was happy to learn that RIF still exists today. I think that it would be great to market it they way they did when I was a child to compell more people to utilize the library.
Just a few weeks ago this was printed in the NY times.
It states that individuals with a high speed internet access are more likely to have used a library recently and individuals 18-30 are more likely to have used them as well. It also says libraries serve as a bridge for those with low speed or no access. No matter whether we like it, or want it, if we want to reach new library users, we need to be on the web and using these new technologies to reach them. It’s not about choosing library 2.0 services and its users over other library users, its about integrating new services to serve the 2.0 users as well as those that are using the library as that mentioned 'bridge'.
I agree with Sarah's ending statement when she says that using Web 2.0 is a great way to get the patrons to the physical building. We can offer patrons the option of subscribing to an RSS feed and update it weekly with programming information or the newest books and dvds that have arrived. In fact, this would be a great way to advertise a list I compile each month of books from popular authors that will be published in the coming weeks or months. Once compiled and sent to our tech. department, wouldn't it be great if that alert could be sent to any patron interested enough to subscribe to the feed?
We can also sustain a presence on MySpace or FaceBook and use it the same way: to promote the happenings and additions at branches that will bring the patrons into that physical building. We can use blogs to compile reader's favorites or comments about the great programs we offer. There really are a multitude of ways to use the Web 2.0 technology, but I think the goal of using it should be to draw the patrons in, not to leave them setting at home.
Using RSS to supply patrons with 'newsletter' type information, such as events, acquisitions, and so on, is a really excellent idea. I think there can also be some potential to recommend and share podcasts, blogs, or other internet features, and promote library services.
If you haven't looked at it, I strongly recommend looking at the Ann Arbor District Library's webpage. Essentially, it's a collection of blogs. Interested users can sign up for RSS feeds of whataver part of the site they're interested in, such as the books feed or the comics subject list and generes feed. By building their library homepage around RSS and blog tools, even the smallest site update becomes a feedable resource any interested patron can subscribe to. Also, since it's a blog, registered users can comment on any of the items. It's a really excellent idea, and I wonder if they have any statistics on subscription rates.
With regard to jface's suggestion that libraries may subscribe to podcasts, I think providing an avenue for both librarians and patrons to recommend, keyword tag, and share podcasts, then include them as part of a more general search of library resources is an excellent idea as well.
Creating an inviting and comfortable space is a worthwhile endeavor to maintain relevance. It is even more important now to create a “space” where people are comfortable, where thought provoking and fun events happen, and where people feel “safe” to learn whatever it is they want to learn. Most public libraries have been doing this for a long time. Some are putting even more emphasis on it. ALA has seen this as important and worth funding - http://congress.ala.org/ala/ppo/ccffactsheet.htm If it fills a need that is not being met elsewhere I think that it is o.k. to put resources into it. If a library because of budget constraints has to make a choice between a book signing event and buying new books for teens then I’d say buy books. The more that we are an integral social part of our communities the more relevant we are and the more likely people are to support us now and in the future, as the children we serve become taxpayers and users.
Academic libraries too should consider creating this inviting and stimulating cultural space. Movies, lectures, learning events all are useful and meaningful for students, staff and faculty. Connections can be made, networking can occur and most importantly it promotes the goals of the academic community of learning and scholarship. It will bring people into the library who normally don’t spend much or any time there and it helps to change attitudes about libraries. Why not create initiatives that bring athletes into the library, something that people normally see at different ends of the spectrum.
Librarians can keep blogs, or create customized monthly/weekly newsletters about their department at the library. The newsletter could be emailed. Keeping people informed about new books or presenters at a library is always good. Flickr is nice, especially for special collections or very visually focused collections.
Michigan State University Main Library has a whole main level of comfortable space. They even have a coffee shop in a section of this floor with tons of seating. It was so popular that it was often hard to find a seat at any time in the evening on a weeknight.
That's a good point about the library using an RSS to supply their patrons with somewhat of a monthly, or even weekly newsletter that clearly lists their events and services. It would save on the costs used to distribute their paper version and, essentially, they could re-direct funds typically used for advertising into some other endeavor.
What about a text message list also for those who use the library for their sole Internet use? These patrons could then get messages about upcoming events also.
Tim--thanks for the ALA link. I had been thinking of public spaces as informal gathering spots for patrons, but it would be easy to integrate some potentially great cultural programs with programs to improve public spaces. They'd definitely lend themselves well to book discussion groups, author readings, and even some classes a public library might offer.
All of the conversation on space reminds me that our libraries, whether they are public, academic, special, or school...or whether we are buying books or maintaining virtual presence, need to serve as cultural centers of the communities that we serve.
Here is some info from the:ALA on libraries as community centers.
Or this interesting link that combines an organization working to create meaningful public space with communities that want libraries.
I am really curious about academic libraries opening their resources to the community. As a resident of Lansing and a MSU graduate, I would love to use some of their databases. Unfortunately, I no longer have access. I can go to the library and check out books, but I do not have access to the electronic resources. I also wonder if academic libraries could open their resources to one another? For instance a MSU student could have access to the Wayne databases. This could push that idea of open access to all information and maybe be more cost efficient. This would probably be very hard to do with many reasons why it would not work, but it is interesting to think about.
I think it is so important to have a "comfortable" area for patrons. I know we have all heard "don't judge a book by its cover" but for many that is hard to do. In order to keep people who might not regularly attend the library, we have to create a comfortable environment. It seems as though the library that Sara had visit was accomplishing this. We know that libraries are competing with technology, so we need to work hard to create a comfortable, welcoming environment for all that walk into the door.
I completely agree with Sara, in regards to libraries identifying themselves as cultural centers for their communites. Libraries should seek to draw in their patron base by appealling to their interests and/or concerns. It seems like libraries today are pushign their own agenda which they feel best suites them, but in turn they are not willing to compromise and invest an interest in the community's interests. Granted you can take a broad new service like "Learning Microsoft 2008" and get a fair amount of eager learners. But will that new service establish a long standing connection with the patrons who participate in that class? Most likely no.
I grew up about 10 minutes south of Seattle in a fairly large city called Tacoma. I was spoiled with the kind of library I had in my town. I learned how to play guitar, become active in sports,and recycle (#1 recycling city in the U.S...Even beating San Fran.) among a wide array of other activities and services that revolved around the community. My library established itself as a cultural beacon for the community. They essentially aligend themselves with their patron based and worked towards creating a bond with the community in hopes of fostering a productive and educational relationship.
I think it's that connection between the patron and library that will provide a longer more enduring relationship in the end.
Regarding the importance of creating an inviting physical space in a library, consider, if you will, Purdy Kresge and the UGL at WSU. The UGL is spacious, clean, and inviting, with lots of tables and comfy chairs. It is always packed with students studying, using the computers, etc. Unless things have changed in the year since I graduated, Purdy Kresge is somewhat dingy and run-down. There was a women's bathroom on the first floor that was, for a long time, all but unusable. Anywhere but the first floor of the library is usually pretty much deserted. The vast difference in the atmosphere of the two libraries may be a significant reason that the UGL is patronized so much more heavily.
Moreover, I think that creating a comfortable and inviting physical space is particularly vital to the success of public libraries because they are in a sense "competing" with big chain bookstores for visitors.
Sarah,
I enjoyed the links that showed the changing role of libraries in our communities. In particular, I think the Santa Fe, California library is on the mark by creating partnerships within the community, especially with local schools. It seems like teenagers and children (especially small children and their parents) are two groups who really use the library as a community center.
As I have said elsewhere (notably on the Discussion Board) I clearly see the 'blurring' of the lines (no pun intended) between and among different types of Libraries (and also) Archives, most dramatically on the Internet. I personally love the words 'library' and 'archives' and the images they conjure up. However I think it's also important to have other words that might describe where the 2.0 (some now say it's heading for 3.0)transition appears to be going.
I thought I was going to (cleverly) suggest some 'new' terms for libraries--maybe 'Information Portal' or 'Knowledge Hub' or 'Knowledge Portal' but a quick 'google' search showed me that some others are already ahead on this (see below for examples).
Language is important because it can limit our thinking by keeping us within the conceptual framework or paradigm that we associate with the word.
Our language has always changed to embrace and describe new or changed concepts.
Maybe this is one of those moments for some new words.
Examples:
(please copy & paste URL)
Knowledge Portal
http://www.knowledge-portal.com/
http://www.mylib.com.my/
Knowledge Hub
http://www.uni-graz.at/geowww/hmrsc/pdf/hmrsc9/227_234_shrestha.pdf
The University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library's website is a wonderful example of using the wed to reach out to researchers and patrons. While I found no links for RSS feeds the website is full of portals, online exhibits, image collections, and links to their finding aids. The Bentley is an archival repository for the U of M and collects archival collections relevant to history of Ann Arbor and Michigan in general. It is especially important for archives to utilize new technology for outreach to new researchers. The general population doesn't have a conceptual understanding of what an archive is or even what a primary document is. The online exhibits the Bentley provides can be discovered when a middle school or high school student searches "History of Ann Arbor" through Google. While a report could easily be complied from the information off their website, they have successfully discovered a new patron who many visit the library. At the very least the student is now aware of their presence and will revisit the site for more information at a different time. The patrons of archival repositories often are international researchers, and genealogists. If an archive does not a presence on the web they risk losing a large patron base who simply won't know they exist. While the web presence is essential and online exhibits are a wonderful use of their collections, the web will not replace the experience of holding a letter written by Jerome Cavanaugh to the President of US requesting the president declare Detroit in a "State of Emergency" during the 1967 Civil Unrest. To conclude: a web presence is essential to reach out to patrons, although digital documents and a digital library will not replace the physical structure of the library or archival repository.
http://bentley.umich.edu/
One technology that is extremely useful to libraries is digitalized texts. So far, there are tons of resources available online for various academic journal publications. It’s encouraging that just about every academic institution subscribes to sites that provide access to these sites for their students. What we need to see more of is searchable digitalized texts for books. When doing research for a paper, it is easy to read many books and then forget where one has read something when it comes time to start writing. Amazon.com allows the public to search some texts that they have for sale on their website. Libraries should look into adapting this technology and making it available for more books.
I don’t believe there are any technologies that should be written off as not being useful to libraries. Every new technology has its merits and uses, it’s just up to us to be inventive and think of the most creative ways to make use of each.
Is the creation of inviting and comfortable physical gathering space a worthwhile effort for libraries looking to maintain relevance with their 21st century patrons, or might these resources be better spent elsewhere?
In order for libraries to stay with the times a small portion of funding should go to the creation of a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for its patrons. Now day’s people want to be able to relax with a cup of coffee while studying at the library in nice soft chairs. Unlike in the 1990’s when you weren’t allowed to eat or drink in the library and they only had hard wood chairs for you to sit on. I personally thought the chairs were uncomfortable and tried to keep my library visits short.
Times have changed and so have the needs of the library patrons. I know when they built the Adamany Undergraduate Library on campus I found it very weird how few books they had. Back then I had to grasp the idea that more and more people were going to the library to use the computers for find their information and not just to check out books. With these thoughts in mind libraries need to really think about the people they are trying to attract and their needs in order to compete with the coffee houses and posh bookstores.
I actually had a similar discussion with a local librarian recently. I was amazed at how advanced their library had become as opposed to the other libraries in the surrounding cities and I asked her with all the technological advances being made, did she foresee the standard library being a thing of the past. She explained to me that one of the biggest issues they face is that they have this abundance of technology, yet most of the patrons in the community did not even know how to use it. Since technology is constantly changing, they will have to continue to educate others on how to use it.
Well written article!
Tim brought up some very good points. Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for library patrons is a good idea, but funding can be the main deterrent. Not all libraries receive the same amount of funding therefore they have to decide what needs take top priority. I’m sure that all libraries would like to have make changes to their to the décor and space setup to attract more users, but if they need to pay their staff I’m sure they would do that instead of buying comfortable chairs.
When Tim mentioned that academic libraries should create an inviting and stimulating cultural space I think that the WSU Adamany Undergraduate Library has done just that. They offer seminars, gatherings and other learning events for both students and staff. Although I work close to this library I do not frequently go there unless it is for a work event but when I do I always ask myself, why I don’t come there more often. I enjoy the openness of the second floor, the chairs are more comfortable than the ones at the Purdy Library and the UGL offers rooms for groups to study. I'm sure that there are better libraries out there but I think the UGL is on its way to being something great.
"4. Is the creation of inviting and comfortable physical gathering space a worthwhile effort for libraries..."
I believe it is necessary to an extent in the public library, although not so much in the academic setting. As the public libraries are becoming more like community centers than just libraries, I feel the comfort level needs to increase for all patrons. The more comfortable and inviting the environment, the more likely that people are to come back. And, not only that, they feel less intimidated by the hard chairs, cold surfaces, and uninviting look. I'm not advocating allocating huge resources to remodels, but comfort is a factor in how often people return to a place of business. I work for a bookstore that has very comfortable seating, a relaxed atmosphere/style, and a friendly staff. The comfortable seating is a frequent comment piece amongst our customers. They love it.
Understanding what 21st century patrons want is a great way to keep them coming back. They are the future of the libraries, literally. They are the ones who will use our services for the next 50+ years. We don't want to neglect them or else we get left in the dust. But, we also want to maintain the older feel of libraries where people can sit at desks and study in peace.
Perhaps a good solution is to have a section of the library dedicated to a more comfortable public gathering place, where events can be held (gaming, poetry readings, public speakers, etc) or a reading room where people can curl up in a comfy chair with a book. We have to change with the times in order to keep people coming back.
Meagan Brown.
I forgot to add this in my last post, but it is a link to one of my local library branches. Its a photo of the inviting space, that sort of enforces what many of us say about updating the spaces to be more inviting.
http://www.thegdl.org/branches/gv/gv3.jpg
Meagan Brown
I liked the point in the blog about how it is important to reach people through non-traditional means. One example I can think of of a library doing this well is UM's library system. They have an AIM account that patrons can use from their dorm rooms to ask librarians questions. It's nice because patrons don't have to learn to use something new -- it's something familiar that connects them to the information they need.
As for the question of funds being used to create a comfortable environment, I think that (within reason) that can be a good use of money. There are lots of comfortable places to go and read, like bookstores and coffee shops. We have competition, really, and I think we need to make ourselves competitive. Also, libraries tend to have a stripped-down, utilitarian feel compared to most bookstores these days. Even websites, actually, fit this bill. I wish my library website had recommendations for me like Amazon.com! The more libraries can put themselves on par with other information outlets, the more relevant they'll be in the 21st century, in my opinion.
I foresee one of the most useful tools of technology that librarians will use is the IM programs. I think they are time savers, a librarian can directly communicate with a patron from anywhere. Some of them now are starting to have voice over technology, which will make the communication even less cumbersome. And I think there is a whole segment of library users who wouldn't necessarily ask a question face to face, but they will on an instant messenger.
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