Hyperlinked Communities: Talk to People

I have been pondering libraries and their role in the community while going through the hyperlinked community readings. At the same time, I have been surveying my coworkers at work to see their views and usage of libraries in trying to tie together what I have read through real life opinions. “A recent survey shows 92 per cent of the people think of libraries as a safe place” (Hasan, 2022). Everyone I talked to said that they view libraries as an essential community service and feel that they are safe places where everyone belongs. Although many admitted they have not been to a library in quite a few years, they found them to be important.

     “Libraries are home to more than just books” (Hasan, 2022). I asked everyone if they still used libraries, and most people told me they do not because they do not read much. When I told them that most libraries offer way more services these days, they were not aware and were surprised about some of these services such as online streaming apps, passport services, online and in person classes, and free museum & state park passes. About half of the people I surveyed were upset that many libraries have less books but admit that do not check out books anyway. Libraries must adapt and respond to the local community while changing their services based on their users’ needs especially as these needs are changing in our modern society (Eastell).

     “Talk with them, observe them, get to know them and ask them about their lives” (Pewrainangi, p. 10, 2014). To make sure libraries change with the times and add the appropriate services, it important to get out into the community and ask about peoples’ lives and the kinds of services that would be beneficial to them. One way to start this conversation is by surveying the people in our own networks and getting their opinions on libraries today. This can give insight into forming better questions as we go out into the community and get more in-depth feedback.

Modern Space of more than just books at Cerritos Library, California

References

Eastell, C. (2019, June 13). How libraries change lives [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvt-lHZBUwU

Hasan, T.N. (2022). ‘Free, non-judgemental, accessible’: How your local library is a sanctuary of health and wellness. SBS. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/bangla/en/article/free-nonjudgmental-and-accessible-how-your-local-library-is-a-sanctuary-of-health-and-wellness/t15blzsi9

Pewrainangi, S. (2014). A beautiful obsession. In Ingle, M. Editor & Pewrainangi, S. Editor (Eds.), Weve (pp. 7-10). Heroes Mingle. https://287.hyperlib.sjsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WEVE_May_2014.pdf