Libraries as Social Hubs

Libraries play a vital role in the community as social hubs for everyone from toddlers and children attending story time to senior citizens, there is something for everyone. It is a great way to make new friends, learn a new skill, get tutoring, join a club, and enjoy a music program or an art exhibit.  The Encinitas Branch Library even boasts two open mic programs where aspiring writers and musicians share their work. In reviewing the numerous programs at the various San Diego libraries, I am astonished at the variety of programs offered. And the best and most amazing part is that most of these programs are FREE!

Libraries have become vibrant learning and social centers. “Libraries in the Internet age have morphed from somber institutions into social hubs for job seekers, small business owners and local residents looking for advice, help or a free meeting place.”  Reuters (6/23/2011)

Some public and university libraries have coffee shops located in the library or right outside. The Westerville Public Library in Ohio opened its coffee shop initially as a service to patrons but often makes a profit. Associates: The Electronic Library Support Staff Journal, 11/2007 .  I love the idea of being able to have a cup of coffee and a snack after I’ve checked out my books. It’s a great service for book clubs and other groups that hold meetings in the community rooms.

With the increasing role of libraries as social hubs for all residents in the community, it is vital that we keep our libraries funded and open seven days a week. I was encouraged to learn that San Diego Mayor, Kevin Faulconer has proposed increasing hours at all city branches by four hours a week and five hours a week at the central branch. KPBS 4/14/2014  This is welcome news for all, let’s hope it passes.

Libraries as a Social Hub

                                Libraries are the center of their community.  They are a place of information and activities.  The Poway Library is a good example of a place for the community.  Besides the access to information and books, they provide a place for people to gather.  The Poway Library has reading times for both toddlers and pre-schoolers ,social classes for teenagers, science classes, craft classes, exercise classes, and citizenship classes.  The schedule is busy.  When visiting the library, you can feel that it is alive.  The Poway Library supports its community’s needs.

                There are those who would like to end public funding for libraries.  “On April 1, House Budget Committee chair Paul Ryan (R-WI) released his budget proposal for the fiscal year 2015. It would cut five trillion dollars from federal balance sheets in the next decade by making significant cuts to spending on initiatives like Medicare and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as food stamps. Among librarians, though, the most controversial cost-saving measure proposed in the Ryan budget might be its elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) entirely, cutting millions in grants to libraries around the country.”(1)

                Libraries are essential to society.  That is what a Pew survey has found.  “Some 90% of Americans ages 16 and older said that the closing of their local public library would have an impact on their community, with 63% saying it would have a “major” impact. Asked about the personal impact of a public library closing, two-thirds (67%) of Americans said it would affect them and their families, including 29% who said it would have a major impact.” (2)

                I believe that cutting funding to libraries would have a negative impact on society.

 1.Chant, Ian. "Ryan’s Proposed 2015 Budget Would Eliminate IMLS." Library Journal. Media Source Inc, 3 Apr. 2014. Web. 16 Apr. 2014. <http%3A%2F%2Flj.libraryjournal.com%2F2014%2F04%2Flegislation%2Fryans-proposed-2015-budget-would-eliminate-imls%2F>.

2. Zickuhr, Kathryn, Lee Rainie, Kristen Purcel, and Maeve Duggan. "How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities." Pewinternet.org. Pew Research Center, 11 Dec. 2013. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.

Karin's Post-The Demise of School Libraries

     It is very disheartening to read and hear of the demise of school libraries.  With the growing age of digital use and the need for its access especially among lower socioeconomic communities, it is hard to believe that school libraries are would be a target of cutbacks and downsizing.  Proposals of alleviating school librarians and putting the responsibility of library information and access on teachers and volunteers is not an easy answer.  Teachers are already overloaded.  With the implementation of common core and the increase in class size, teachers are at their maximum, working hours above and beyond their paid salaries.  Working in an elementary school and being married to a fourth grade teacher, I am aware of the extensive hours put in beyond the typical paid eight hour day.  To add the duties of library skills and checkout requires more than the expected job description of a teacher.  Also, assuming that volunteers can pick up the slack too is an unreliable answer.  A lot of parents must work to support their households and do not have the time to volunteer at schools.  With the support of school administration, we must keep the staff in school libraries in motion as explained in the website, AlterNet, Is the End of the School Library Upon Us?  Budget Cuts Hit Librarians Where it Hurts.  Keeping school libraries open and staffed offers students a place where information, assistance, and contact to the digital world are accessible for their needs.  How can we expect our youth to grow and learn if we limit their resources?  Limiting availability to all of the libraries resources is like asking children to limit reading.  School libraries set the precedence for public library use and all of its services.  A keen appreciation and understanding of the services offered in a library starts in a child's school library.
   

Libraries in the Digital Age

The role of technology in libraries today has expanded exponentially since I was a child and first remember using the library: from the elimination of the old card catalog to switch to computerized databases and circulation systems, then the advent of the internet and the need to offer access to it, and most recently the increasing use of eBooks and ereaders and the role of libraries in offering these technologies to patrons. This is only the tip of the iceberg too. Now libraries have their own websites that offer the invaluable tool of being able to search for books and materials, and place holds on these items, from anywhere that you have internet access.Through this class I have learned even more about the expanding role of the internet in promoting libraries. Many libraries now have their own Facebook pages that promote events and programs, offer digital tips and advice, and give book reviews and recommendations. For example the Escondido Public Library has a fantastic Facebook page. I loved the picture of their teen reading area mural (below). I also learned that they have a dedicated Digital Services Librarian. There is even a Digital Bookmobile that travels to the different library branches to help patrons learn how to search for and download eBooks--that is so cool.

Although print books still dominate, in the digital age eBook reading has risen. According to the Pew Research Center  (1/16/2014), “28% of American adults ages 18 and older read an e-book in the past year, up from 17% in 2011;” and “50% of adults now own either a tablet computer or an e-reader.”

The need for libraries to keep up with the demand for digital services and tools is a must. Additionally, the role of the librarian and the library staff have to expand and grow to include training and knowledge of all the digital services provided. “Librarians in this digital age provide access, guidance and training to both physical and electronic materials housed onsite, and in online archives while remaining on the leading-edge of the vast digital databases available.” (TeachThought: "The Changing Landscape for Libraries & Librarians in the Digital Age")

Karin's Post-Libraries in the Digital Age

     Keeping abreast with the changing times in our society is a big part of libraries goals.  With an age of profound digital use, the library setting feels the pressure and need to offer patrons accessibility to electronic resources as well as internet connection and information.  As a result, libraries' websites have become an important feature for patrons linking them to services that are offered.  For example, the Temecula Library offers  family programs  for its patrons that are posted on their website.  With this direct information, patrons may view this and other programs that the library offers.  This connection to the community helps build a relationship between the two.  Along with library websites is the increase of electronic resources.  As stated in the Pew Internet & American Life Project website, it explains how a large percentage of Americans own tablets or e-readers, and libraries are providing patrons with the resources to accommodate them.  This also involves the constant task of improving the manner of which a patron may access electronic resources as explained in the textbook, Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion.  There must be multiple entry points so patrons may locate databases, electronic reference collections, and periodical indexes. Keeping up with the digital age has been a great task for libraries who must participate in order to accommodate the community for which they exist.

     

Karin's Post-Libraries at Social Hubs

     When the library is used or looked at like a "social hub," it appears to be two-fold.  Some look at the library as a place to collect information while in the presence of other people, e.g. talking to library personnel or other patrons visiting the library, or using their social media internet access to connect to others via facebook, email, twitter, or skype to name a few.  Social networking as explained in Chapter 11 of Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion by John Burke states that people bond through social networking which is done more often through online social media.  The library offers a place to accomplish this connection within our society by supplying free internet service.  For some libraries their focus is to transform reading areas into gathering places for people to gain media information as well as connect with society through digital access. The Helsinki Central Library is progressing toward this mind set. Even in college libraries the "social hub" is prevalent.   Emory University has a blog page that connects students and offers a social link among students. The age of digital socialization is becoming an important place in our libraries many of which are trying to conform to this change.

The demise of School Libraries

“School libraries can be the heart of the every school,”  this opening line of the Why School Libraries Matter video and it is music to my ears.   In this video the narrators mentions that the library can be a “safe haven for students” and “provide access to resources” and my response?  Yes!  So true, yet so often overlooked.  Unfortunately, school libraries have faced and are facing budget concerns that affect the hours of the school Librarian or Library Technician and affect the availability of reading material made available to students, either for school research projects or for pleasure reading.  In my own experience, the middle school library where I work, I don’t have a budget.  If I want to buy books for students, I better start raising money.  And I do, through book fairs and community fundraisers, such as partnering with a local restaurant for the school to receive a portion of the day’s sales.  Through these fundraisers I’m able to purchase non-fiction books that support the new Common Core Standards and books by the latest popular author that the student’s want to read—which encourages reading and students who read perform better all-around academically (a known fact).  My school library also just got new and faster computers (the students are very happy) for students to do research and to type their papers—not all students have computers at home.  But cut-backs to affect the school library—does this mean our demise is just around the corner?  Libraries, public and school, are often forced to remind their community of how important their role is in the community and how we support individuals in their quest for information and resources.  

If you want to view the video I mention above here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU7x-25NXdE