The Post-Pandemic Future of Library Services

 Fajardo, Mariella

Shumaker, D. (2021). The next normal: The post-pandemic future of library services. Information Today, 38(4), 14-16.

Summary: Shumaker introduces the main idea that changes in librarianship will mirror changes in society; in this case, the coronavirus pandemic. Two main trends with the change included an increased reliance on digital technologies and the increasing vulnerability of disadvantaged communities. He states that librarians experience the impact of these changes through collections, programs, and community needs. The use of digital collections has been increasing and set new records in 2020. Similarly, in higher education, circulating physical collections is considered to be practically "irrelevant." Virtual programs have changed since they can overcome transportation and distance barriers. In recent years, librarians have taken new approaches to engage their communities, specifically through online services. However, a digital divide continues to persist. 

Evaluation: It's apparent that post-COVID planning is a necessity in the change for public libraries. Librarians should continue to advocate for themselves and to address the needs of their communities during the pandemic. Along with the increasing digital divide, innovation and creativity are important for librarians to maintain in order to be successful and be a part of society's recovery during this pandemic.

The Significance of User-Created Content in Public Library Participation

Lara, Veronica

Abdullah, N., Chu, S., Rajagopal, S., Tung, A., and Kwong-Man, Y. (2015). Exploring Libraries’ Efforts in Inclusion and Outreach Activities Using Social Media. De Gruyter, 65(1), 34-47. DOI 10.1515/libri-2014-0055


Alfonzo, P. (2016). Snapchat in the Library: Librarians master an app to reach millennials. American Libraries, 47(11/12), 22-23.

Bernier, A., Males, M., & Rickman, C. (2014). It Is Silly to Hid Your Most Active Patrons: Exploring user participation of library space designs for young adults in the United States. Library Quarterly: Information, Community, Policy, 84(2), 165-182.

Ford, A. (2016). Fellowship of the Fans. American Libraries, 47(11/12), 34-39.

Perrero, M. (2016). Marley Dias: Bringing diversity to kids’ books. American Libraries, 47(11/12), 26.

            In one of our early presentations, we discovered the technology being utilized by the libraries we study, respectively.  One element of this study was to determine ways in which libraries are utilizing Web 2.0 tools.  Web 2.0 is the trend of user-created content on the web.  An example of this is wikis.  Wikis are user-created online dictionary entries for various subjects.  We certainly don’t need an introduction to Wikipedia to understand this concept. 

            Libraries have been using Web 2.0 tools to encourage participation among their patrons.  In Abdullah’s, et al. article, Exploring Libraries’ Efforts in Inclusion and Outreach Activities Using Social Media, the authors state, “the Internet has undergone a transformation, from being a static repository of information to being a socially interactive Web” (2015, p. 34).  Social media sites are a place for creating and sharing content.  This is in stark contrast to libraries, which have often been described as “information silos.”  Therefore, the goal for libraries should be to create a more participatory environment for its patrons. 

            Several articles have reported on the ways libraries are increasing their presence on social media to boost participation.  Paige Alfonzo writes about a number of libraries that have utilized Snapchat as an outreach tool to bolster teen involvement in public library programs.  Alfonzo discovered that  teens are often featured in the snaps, by sharing their favorite book or to share what they are currently reading.  Other libraries also have contests to create Geofilters for the library.  This allows teens to create the content themselves. 

            But participation doesn’t stop with Web 2.0.  Libraries have been encouraging users to participate and create content in other ways.  For example, Marley Dias is one 12-year-old girl who launched a campaign to diversify the children’s collection at her school, after being dissatisfied by the lack of diversity in the required reading materials.  Her campaign, #1000BlackGirlBooks, as collected and donated 7000 books to six different cities.  In this case, Ms. Dias has taken it upon herself to guide the collection development of these libraries. 

            Programs are another way for libraries to bring in new patrons, and librarians have found a way to incorporate content creation in these too.  The North Liberty Community Library in Iowa has offered a program in which patrons come together to write fan fictions, share, and critique each other.  The point of content creation in this case is to encourage participation in a library program.  Patrons can think of the library as a place to commune and share ideas, rather than it being a place that houses books. 

            Relatedly, an article written by Bernier, Males, and Rickman discuses the library spaces themselves as a way to attract participation.  In the article, the authors state that Young Adult sections are a significant indicator of teen participation.  More specifically, they argue that higher teen participation in the design of Young Adult sections leads to greater long-term participation in teen services.  Their study includes the creation of an index by which to measure teen participation in design, which positively correlates to overall future presentation.  In other words, higher participation in creation of the space leads to higher participation over all.  User-created content, or even planning involvement, is shown to have a profound impact on the idea of ownership over the space.  This sense of ownership is what encourages participants to continue the tendency to participate.

            So what does this show us?  It has been documented in several studies that higher participation during content creation leads to better general participation throughout the library.  We should be thinking of patrons as contributors, and assigning new roles to what libraries offer.  Information no longer moves in one direction.  It should be disseminated, analyzed and recreated into new information.  Thinking of a library as a place to simply receive information is antiquated.  The sooner we realize this, the sooner we can tap into the wealth of information that is our community.

            These are just a few of the articles I have chosen to highlight in this post, but there is a plethora of literature on this subject.  If you find one, please share it here.  I would love to see other examples of user-created content.

Developing an Outstanding Core Collection

Chase, Matthew
Fall 2016

Citation

Alabaster, C. (2002). Developing an outstanding core collection: A guide for librarians. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

Summary

Alabaster's book provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to the collaborative development of a library's core collection. She uses the case study of the Phoenix Public Library system to thoroughly examine the process. The author defines a core collection as one in which each title circulates regularly and reflect the current interests of the local community. She addresses the issues relating to core collection development such as budgetary limitations, lack of communication among library staff, and an inconsistent understanding of what constitutes a core title.

Evaluation

I found the book to be a great resource that sought to clarify the issue of what makes up a well-established core collection. In particular, her definition of a core title resolves the misunderstanding that they only concern the so-called classics of literature. She aimed to expand this narrow criteria to include any materials relevant to the needs and the interests of a library's community. Alabaster also adds the criteria of currency and usage to determine a title's status as part of the core collection. She highlights the importance of maintaining clear communication and goals, emphasizing the need for written collection policy statements and well-organized staff forums to discuss issues. While the book proves very useful, I thought it problematic in some ways. The case study of an entire library system was of particular issue, since they sought to develop a uniform core collection across all library branches, with each library being required to purchase the same core titles no matter budget and other limitations. There were several issues arising from this ambitious endeavor as the smaller branches didn't have the funding or space to match their larger counterparts. It also neglected to recognize that some core titles won't be as relevant to some of the branch communities being served.

Re-examining the role of public libraries

Lara, Veronica

Garmer, Amy K. (2014) Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries. Washington DC: The Aspen Institute. 66p.

The Aspen Institute is an organization that creates a platform by which groups or communities can discuss ideas regarding various programs, promote leadership, and take action for the betterment of society.

The Aspen Institute published its report, Rising to the Challenge, in 2014 in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  This report was the result of a study aimed at determining the need for public libraries to re-envision their role in the communities they serve.  It is clear that libraries are a vital information resource.  In many cases, public libraries are communities’ only opportunity to gain access to resources, especially those online.  

The first half of this report focused on the significant changes to the way information is created and gathered.  Overwhelmingly, the shift has been significantly digital.  However, many communities (ie. learning communities) find it difficult to keep up with technology literacy or find access to online tools.  According to the University of Maryland Information Policy and Access Center, “62% of public libraries are the only source of free Internet in the community” (qtd. in Garmer, 2014, p. 16).  With this in mind, what do public libraries need to do to provide resources for their community? Public libraries should be thinking about how their new technologies are helping people connect to and use the digital resources they need.  New technologies such as free video conferencing and audiovisual editing commons are being added to more and more public libraries (p. 25).  These technologies can be used to create a connected, educated, participatory community. 

The report then goes on to discuss strategies by which public libraries can meet the technological needs of its community.  The author lays out 4 guidelines the library should strive for.  First, library services should match the goals of the community.  The library should be built around the patrons’ desires and needs.  Libraries should be reaching out to these communities to assess their needs and act accordingly.  Second, libraries should be endeavoring to diversify content format.  Information searching is rarely done in print anymore.  E-books, online journals, and other digital content should be provided to users.  Broadband access is no longer a luxury; Internet connection is integral to the success of a communities citizens.  From online classes to online job searches, the people need to be connected.  Third, libraries must procure a sustainable source of funding to ensure their longevity.  The study shows that state and federal funding accounts for only about 8% of a library’s funding.  All other funding comes from various sources in the local community.  In that case, libraries should actively be seeking business partnerships to not only maintain the services they currently offer, but to plan for growing and improving resources and services.  Finally, libraries should cultivate leadership by actively collaborating with the community.  The community members should be driving content and services within the library.  To do that, they must have a voice that can demand that their needs be met. 

Thinking of a re-envisioned library like this is inspiring.  The idea that libraries will no longer be “information silos” is one that gives me hope for the future of libraries.  As a library student, I have heard many people express concern about the current landscape of information science.  This is not a “bad time” to be getting into libraries; this is the best time.

An electronic version of the report can be found here.

Library Collections that Impact Communities

I’m inspired by the limitless potential of library collections. Working as an Early Childhood Educator has developed my interest in resources for this critically important and sometimes overlooked subject. The excited aspect of ECE is that it’s still emerging with positive goals that are easily obtainable through time and funding. Minnesota is home to an organization called, “Think Small”. The focus of this agency is to promote child development services, resources, and advocacy for early education. Those most interested in these resources are often educators and parents. Small business owners who often operate child care services from their homes have a single place where they may find resources for all sorts of topics related to the health, education, and development of children. Curriculum materials for young children ranging between infancy through preschool can be found in the collection. Librarians are available to put together materials for a  patron’s specific interest to support their lesson plan for their early learners. Think Small is visionary enough to design an entire library collection that is centered around child development and education. The Debra S. Fish Library is a library that is exclusively dedicated to early education. Think Small is home to the Debra S. Fish Early Childhood Library. You will find over 5,500 exceptional early childhood materials on a variety of topics: child development and learning, the business of child care, parenting, SIDS, and much more. What’s even more impressive about this collection is the use of the space. This library is new, and streamlined to project the essence of the subject-matter within. Anyone with a library card can check materials out from the collection, and this collection alone has improved child care and early education directly throughout its community. I would like to see more models of libraries that are community-based and dedicated to a specific mission.

If you’re interested in exploring the Debra S. Fish Library, please visit:

http://www.thinksmall.org/for_early_childhood_professionals/debra_s_fish_library

Preserving Cultural Heritage: Considerations for Librarians & Information Professionals

Unger, Amy

Roy, L. l. (2015). Indigenous cultural heritage preservation. IFLA Journal, 41(3), 192-203.

Summary:

Author, Loriene Roy, is herself a member of the White Earth Reservation, a member of the Minnesota (USA) Chipewa Tribe; she is Anishinabe.  Her experience as an Indigenous person contributes to her literature review of  Indigenous cultural heritage preservation, as does her position as faculty at the University of Texas at Austin, USA.  Her review provides summary of the current literature (found to be "still rather sparse and underdeveloped"), albeit still emerging in the field of Library & Information Science, regarding preservation of cultural heritage, as well as statements of the library professional's place in such work; how to attain guidance (such as from IFLA, the International Federation of Library Associations); policy documents that are adhered to; and research methodologies/theory.  
Regarding collection development, libraries (as information settings) are recognized as connected to the preservation of cultural heritage from several vantage points:

1. They collect (and house) cultural heritage in its many formats, e.g. print, media, and digital.
2. They create and organize records of cultural heritage, i.e. through the processes of cataloging and classification.
3. They assist and shape a user's understanding of a cultural heritage by providing access to records through specific policies, e.g. employing digitization).
4. They provide location for cultural heritage to be expressed.

Perhaps most interesting is the recognition, noted through review of "Access and control of Indigenous knowledge in libraries and archives: Ownership and future use" (Anderson, 2005) in Correcting Course: Rebalancing copyright for libraries in the national and international arena, out of Columbia University, in light of the paradigm shift occurring in libraries: power is being gained by the people as their voices become heard through the library.  What will this mean for people whom have traditionally been subjected to archives, as they now/soon become able to "gain a recognized voice and question not only status within the archive, but the authority of the archive as a centre of interpretation" (Roy, 2015:193).

It is recommended that an adoption of non-western research methodologies is likely necessary for future successes in preserving cultural heritage; there is a concept of the Cultural Interface - written about by M. Nakata (2002) in IFLA Journal 28(5/6): 281-289 - which is constantly negotiated by Indigenous peoples: the place where their Indigenous lifeways and western viewpoints come together" (Roy, 2015: 197).  And yet, barriers that lie in the means for access to digitization/money/reliable and affordable technologies are as much of concern as the development of sensitivities regarding this work.

The author points to several free online resources that primarily highlight children's and youth collection pieces (this also leads to understanding of the absence in publications of the needs of adult library patrons, and is part of the impetus that led to the US campaign, "We Need Diverse Books" in 2015).  Among the resources are two through the ALA (American Library Association) website, i.e. the TRAILS (2008) notebook, and the Guide to Building Support for Your Tribal Library Toolkit.  One of IFLA's key publications on cultural heritage, the IFLA Disaster Preparedness and Planning manual, is also available for free online.

Roy concludes the literature review with recommendations for further work in preparing librarians to, essentially, be more culturally competent, and prepared - through acquiring knowledge of the specific techniques and processes involved in cultural heritage - for when the Indigenous communities reach out to libraries, archives, and museums "as settings with staff knowledgeable in cultural preservation" (Roy, 2015: 199).

Evaluation:

In addition to my affinity for library experiences of my past, I also look to the future through this reading.  Experiences of my past include visits to exhibits such as that of the State Indian Museum in Sacramento, CA and the Yosemite Museum, which:

has displays that interpret the cultural history of Yosemite's native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present. Demonstrations of basket-weaving, beadwork, and traditional games are presented. The reconstructed Indian Village of Ahwahnee behind the museum is always open. The art gallery is open periodically and often exhibits pieces from the Yosemite Museum collection.

It is my humble opinion that through explorations such as this, about the care-taking of cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples, I may become a better librarian in service of any, and all, people in the local community that I may serve.  Nonetheless, it is fun, too, to imagine myself as still possibly able to connect with such valuable work as archiving and curating in the second half of my career.  I find it inspiring any time that I see such works going on in public, K-12, special, or academic libraries.  I look forward to this including more of a community's local peoples, and not just authors of published books.

Libraries as Infrastructure

Brandes-Miesner, Marta

Mattern, S. (2014). Libraries as Infrastructure. Places Journal. Retrieved from https://placesjournal.org/article/library-as-infrastructure/

Summary:

The subtitle of this article really says it all: Reading room, social service center, innovation lab. How far can we stretch the public library? The author of this article proposes that in our quest to continue to redefine the role of libraries now and in the future, that we must view the library as a network of evolving infrastructures-that is specifically, of an architectural, technological, social, epistemological and ethical foundation. This will help guide us in identifying how we want our libraries to serve and what can reasonably be expected of them. She goes on to state that the library has always evolved to be a host for informative and social needs. She doesn’t like the libraries as platforms metaphor because it is too, 2 dimensional.  It implies that the library only   lays out resources for people to consume. Rather, libraries are everywhere and persistent because they act as mediators in defining the cultural values of our communities. However, libraries are also “opportunity institutions” and “cultural refuges”, keepers of the homeless, sitters of latch-key children, election sites, etc., which begs the question, how can we do it all? The article goes on to explore all of the different challenges that libraries venture to take on and in turn offer up to the public as opportunities-from maker-spaces, science labs, career centers, technology petting zoos, game-labs to hacker-labs and even robots retrieving books! So now we are becoming consumed with the combination of knowledge consumption and production. The authors point is that libraries need to stay focused on their long-term goals for communities and on the ways in which it symbolizes our cultural priorities beyond consumerism and the fiscal aspects of society. Yes, libraries still need to offer opportunities, but we also need to retain our intellectual and ethical goals. Libraries need to incorporate these other aspirations   by allowing other institutions to partner with us in more mutual, more reciprocal circumstances.  Finally, we need to keep our intellectual and ethical goals at the forefront of our mission.

Evaluation:

This was a very interesting article, but the author took some time to make her point. I think we do need to keep sight of our goals and reassess the ways in which we fulfill them. Libraries should also depend more upon outside resources if they are going to fully incorporate some of these new visions for the library’s purpose, lest we just become promoters for the latest technology. We need be careful to retain and uphold the library’s role as mediators of knowledge, culture and ethical societies.