Social Networking and Libraries - Colin Hickey

How Social Networking is important in Libraries

Social networking has become an essential tool for libraries, transforming how they engage with patrons and disseminate information. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow libraries to promote events, share resources, and interact with users in real time. These digital spaces create opportunities for libraries to reach wider audiences beyond their physical locations, fostering a more dynamic and accessible environment for learning and collaboration. As noted by Rappaport, proper citation of material posted on social media is crucial when using such platforms for academic or professional purposes (Rappaport). 

One of the most valuable aspects of social networking in libraries is the ability to enhance research and educational support. Libraries often use websites and online platforms to guide users in accessing reliable information and citing sources correctly. According to SFU Library’s citation guide, digital content—including social media posts—requires appropriate formatting to maintain credibility in research and scholarly discussions (SFU Library). By integrating social networking into their services, libraries help users navigate the complexities of digital literacy, ensuring they can effectively engage with and reference online materials. 

Beyond information sharing, social networking allows libraries to foster community engagement through interactive discussions and virtual events. These platforms provide spaces for book recommendations, literary discussions, and collaborative projects, strengthening connections between libraries and their patrons. In an increasingly digital world, libraries continue to evolve, leveraging social networking to remain vital resources for education, research, and intellectual exchange.

Work Cited

Rappaport, Jennifer. "Citing Material Posted on Social Media Platforms." MLA Style Center, Modern Language Association, https://style.mla.org/citing-social-media/.

SFU Library. "Citing Websites, Social Media & Other Online Content: MLA (9th ed.) Citation Guide." Simon Fraser University Library, https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/cite-write/citation-style-guides/mla/websites.

Libraries as Social Hubs - Colin Hickey

Libraries as Social Hubs

Libraries have evolved beyond being mere repositories for books; they now serve as dynamic public spaces that address a wide range of community needs. A 2023 report by the Canadian Urban Institute highlights how libraries, situated at the heart of communities, provide unique services that no other institution can offer. On any given day, a library might function as a cultural hub, a refuge for those in crisis, a job search facility, or even a community health clinic. Increasingly, libraries are also recognized as “third places”—a concept coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. These are social spaces that differ from home (the “first place”) and work (the “second place”), where people gather to relax, interact, and connect informally in a welcoming environment.

Libraries serve as essential social hubs by fostering community engagement, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. They provide public spaces where people of all backgrounds can gather, exchange ideas, and participate in cultural and educational activities. Many libraries host intergenerational programs, bringing together different age groups through book clubs, workshops, and storytelling events. Additionally, libraries act as connectors, linking residents to local institutions by offering passes to museums, parks, and cultural centers.

Work Cited

“Creating Social Spaces: How Libraries Serve as the Heart of Communities.” LibrarIn, 2024, librarin.eu/creating-social-spaces-how-libraries-serve-as-the-heart-of-communities/. 

Libraries and Student Success - Miranda DeArmond

 

Last week, I had a run-in with someone about reading. I know this sounds very vague.  But I will do my best to give you the information without going on a rant and losing my mind.  So, anyway, I run a class that allows students time to read a book of their own choosing.  In our middle school, they don't have much time for SSR.  We noticed that students today aren't really reading books that they aren't assigned, so we built it into their schedule. I try and keep the library stocked with high interest books in varying degrees of reading levels.  But honestly, I just want the kids to read I don't care what it is.  Manga, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tolkien.  Just READ!  I have found that students who choose their books tend to enjoy them more and their comprehension is better.  Think about it, would you rather read a book you picked and interests you or a book someone is making you read because they think you should?  But I digress.  A colleague of mine told a bunch of students that what they were reading wasn't appropriate for their age. They were 8th graders reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid and were told that the books were too young for them.  The teacher suggested Tom Sawyer (ugh).  Now these kids have a novel study class so they are reading an "age-appropriate" novel, but this is a fun reading book.  I hate that nowadays we are so judgmental about what kids read.  In an age where we are competing with video games and tick tock its a wonder kids are reading at all.  They shouldn't be discouraged when they are actually reading.  If we want students to be successful, we need to cultivate a love of reading and you know how you do that?  Let them read what they want.  I recently read a graduate dissertation called "The Effects of Choice in Reading: Motivation, Engagement and Enjoyment" and guess what, all the statistics go up when you let kids choose their own books.  

So why can't we let students choose their own books?  Why do we still have people who say everyone needs to read The Secret Garden? Don't get me wrong, that is a great classic book, but a lot of really amazing books have been published since that came out over 100 years ago.  Just because it's a classic doesn't mean we have to read it. "Students read more, understand more, and are more likely to continue reading when they have the opportunity to choose what they read." (Allington and Gabriel, 2012) Ok, so I am ranting.  Sorry.  But if we want students to be successful we need to give them access to books and time to read.  My personal belief is that everyone can be a reader when they find the right book.  So let's get out there and help those kids find their book.  

P.S. Sorry for ranting, I just get fired up about students having a choice in their reading journey.

Barberg, Jennifer, "The Effect of Choice in Reading: Motivation, Engagement, and Enjoyment" (2022). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 740. 

Allington, Richard L, and Rachael Gabriel. Every Child, Every Day, 1 Mar. 2012, ascd.org:443/el/articles/every-child-every-day.

Libraries and the Homeless - Miranda DeArmond

So, honestly, I don't know much about libraries and the homeless.  I work in a library at a private catholic school, and it isn't usually the type of student we have.  For one of my library school classes (I heard a librarian call it that once and it made me smile so I now call it library school) I watched a movie called The Public.  It's about a bunch of homeless people who lock themselves in the library and have a standoff with the police.  It definitely gave me a new perspective on how people use the library.  I remember wondering if this kind of thing really happens.  If you haven't seen it you should check it out.  So basically, that is the extent of my knowledge in this area.  That being said, I wouldn't be a library lady if I couldn't fall back on my trusty research skills.  The first place I checked out was the ALA website.  They had a bunch of interesting information that I could use as a jumping-off point. If you're interested check out their website ALA - Libraries respond to Poor and Homeless People

Then my research journey continued on to an article from American Libraries about homeless camping on library grounds. I had always thought of homeless people using the library facilities, but I had never thought about them camping in the parking lot.  I mean it makes sense, especially in Southern California.  The article talks about how homeless camping can create difficulties for the library patrons and the staff. The article states that at one library, "She estimates that a quarter of the library staffers’ time was spent mediating disputes between people living on the grounds and other patrons." That's a lot of time. But the ban that some libraries are placing on camping was a tough decision for many.  They didn't want to just be seen as trying to shuffle people around so they became someone else's problem.  As I read through the article, I thought about how I would act or think if I had to walk through a parking lot of homeless people camping out to get to the library.  I thought more about how I would act if I worked at that library.  Would I deal with people compassionately?  Would I judge them by the way they look or smell? These are questions that I think I will need to meditate on more.  You can check out the article here Give Them Shelter?

While refining my searches, I found some great videos as well.  ABC News Prime had a wonderful story about libraries being on the front lines of the homelessness crisis.

After spending some time with this topic I feel I need to re-evaluate myself.  This is something I have never dealt with, but I should probably learn more about.  I think I just brushed the surface.  If I had searched more, this could definetly be a rabbit hole that I may not find my way out of.  

“Libraries Respond: Services to Poor and Homeless People.” ALA, 19 Aug. 2019, www.ala.org/advocacy/diversity/librariesrespond/services-poor-homeless.

Carlton, Amy. “Give Them Shelter?” American Libraries Magazine, 3 June 2019, americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2019/06/03/give-them-shelter-library-camping-bans/. 

Libraries and Student Success -By Melanie Gomez

Libraries and Student Success 

By Melanie Gomez

    Many people don’t realize libraries are so much more than places that house books. Libraries offer so many great opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds. Libraries are an important part of our community, but did you know libraries also play an essential role in student success? Libraries not only provide students with access to academic resources and materials, but also foster a positive learning environment, promote critical thinking, and for the older students support career development! 

    Growing up the library was the place I went to study, focus and find resources. My school library provided the only place I knew where I could concentrate and effectively learn/finish homework. I also really benefited from free wifi and computer access when I needed to complete an online assignment. The library was my perfect place to focus on my studying and escape the distractions from home. I can confidently say utilizing the library and its resources helped me become a better student, grow academic skills, and largely improved my grades. 

    Schools and colleges around the world “all want students who know how to look for information, evaluate sources, organize research results, present ideas and conclusions, and document their work” (Neal 1). Libraries play a big part in fulfilling these standards. Libraries make “rich academic resources available, deliver the tools to find those resources, offer information literacy instruction, and in general assists students in their efforts to turn newfound knowledge into scholarly coursework” (Rose-Hellmann). However, on top of providing academic resources, access to materials, and a focused environment, many libraries also “offer tutoring services, technology support, and study groups that can make all the difference for students who are struggling with a particular subject” (The Relationship between Library Usage & Your GPA). By utilizing the library fully, students can improve their academic performance and at the same time, set themselves up on the path to success. 

*Watch This*

Watch these amazing videos for more information on the huge impact libraries have with student success and why we need librarians!

We Need Librarians More Than Ever 

How Librarians Can Help Students  

The public library can help students succeed in school and life

The Power of School Librarians  

Works Cited

Neal, Jim. “Fight for School Libraries: Student Success Depends on Them.” American 

Libraries, vol. 49, no. 3/4, Mar. 2018, p. 4. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=4c2b7f4b-8f3a-3992-b1d1-8f9e613676bf.  Accessed 9 May 2025.

Rose-Hellmann, Inbal. “Role of the Library in Student Success.” Ex Libris, 8 

Feb. 2022, exlibrisgroup.com/blog/initiatives-for-student-success-the-key-role-of-the-library/. Accessed 9 May 2025.

“The Relationship between Library Usage & Your GPA | ZotKey.” Uci.edu, 2015, 

zotkey.uci.edu/blogs/the-relationship-between-library-usage-and-college-student-gpa. Accessed 9 May 2025.

Libraries and The Homeless -By Melanie Gomez

 Libraries and the homeless 

By Melanie Gomez

    Unfortunately in today's society, “23 out of every 10,000 Americans — 771,480 people — experience homelessness” (USAFacts 2025). Many people don't realize that libraries are frontlines of the homelessness crisis. How so? you may ask. Libraries play a crucial role in supporting people experiencing homelessness by providing safe spaces, access to resources, programs, and a range of helpful services. Libraries are considered a place where people experiencing homelessness can escape cruel weather, utilize public restrooms, access Wi-Fi & computers, and even connect with essential community resources.

    Libraries also often partner with organizations that provide additional support to the homeless, such as hygiene kits, food, and information about housing & social services. The following picture shows The Public Library District of Columbia providing the homeless with a food bank service.

Many libraries even “serve the professional needs of the homeless by offering programs that help patrons develop and hone skills to re-enter the workforce” (Roy 2014). It’s important to recognize and understand the expanding roles libraries have to meet the needs of their vulnerable patrons (Garner 434). By providing safe spaces, resources, and partnerships, libraries help address some of the challenges of homelessness and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. So how can we be a part of this change? We can support libraries in helping homelessness by donating, volunteering, advocating for supportive library programs, and by partnering with community organizations.

Here is a link that provides librarians with resources that can help people experiencing homelessness. 

• Resources for Helping Unhoused Patrons 

If you haven't already, I definitely recommend watching the movie, “The Public,” as it is an eye opening and realistic depiction of some issues libraries face in working with people experiencing homelessness

*Watch “The Public” trailer here*

THE PUBLIC Official Trailer | In Theaters Everywhere April 5

Work cited

Garner, Jane. “Public Libraries and People Experiencing Homelessness: The 

Experiences and Attitudes of Library Users.” Journal of Library Administration, Taylor & Francis, Mar. 2025, pp. 1–14, https://doi.org/10.1080/01930826.2025.2475703.  Accessed 8 May 2025.‌

Roy, Mantra. “Public Libraries: A Haven to the Homeless.” WebJunction, 28 July 

2014, www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/public-libraries-a-haven-to-the-homeless.html. Accessed 1 May 2025.‌

USAFacts. “How Many Homeless People Are in the US? What Does the Data 

Miss?” USAFacts, 28 Feb. 2025, usafacts.org/articles/how-many-homeless-people-are-in-the-us-what-does-the-data-miss/. Accessed 8 May 2025.

WebJunction. “Resources for Helping Unhoused Patrons.” WebJunction, 

WebJunction, 10 Nov. 2022, www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/resources-for-helping-unhoused-patrons.html. Accessed 8 May 2025.

Social Networking and Libraries -By Melanie Gomez

 Social Networking and Libraries

By Melanie Gomez

Let's be honest, either you (the person reading this) or someone you know has a social media platform. 73% of the U.S. population has a social media/social networking platform. That’s over 253 million people (Singh 2025)! Before we get ahead of ourselves let’s break it down, what is social networking? Social networking refers to using online platforms (social media) to build and maintain relationships with individuals, groups, or organizations. Social media/online platforms are ways people can connect with friends, family, or colleagues by sharing information, photos, videos, and participating in online communities. These activities can be social, business-related, or even a combination of both. 

You may wonder, why is social networking important to libraries? Well, libraries can use social media for the benefit of the library itself and their patrons. Through social networking libraries can promote events and programs, have a greater outreach, and increase community engagement. Libraries can use many different social networking platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to connect with patrons, promote library resources, and build relationships within the community. Personally, I love using Instagram and Pinterest to find inspiration and ideas to: 

• Create fun & engaging library activities

• Choose books to use in my read out loud's.

• Make my library more welcoming

• See what books are trending 

And so much more! 

It’s important to realize as times get harder (like if another pandemic occurs) libraries will need to keep community engagement alive for the benefit of all. What better way to reach the majority of the population than social networking platforms/social media (Mckenna 14). 

Here are some links to tips & tricks on social networking that benefit libraries and librarians!

• Resources for Librarians about Online Social Networking 

• 4 Ways Social Media Can Help Promote Your Library 

*Watch This*

Watch these videos that discuss social media marketing, librarians as Social Media Curators, and Integrating Social Media in Libraries 

5 Social Media Marketing Ideas For #Libraries and Librarians That Cost Nothing 

Librarians as Social Media Curators 

Integrating Social Media in Libraries 

Work Cited

  Admin. “Resources for Librarians about Online Social Networking.” Young Adult 

Library Services Association (YALSA), 29 Sept. 2006, www.ala.org/yalsa/guidelines/socialnetworking. Accessed 8 May 2025.

IDSkids. “4 Ways Social Media Can Help Promote Your Library | IDS Blog.” IDS Kids, 

17 Jan. 2024, idskids.com/4-ways-social-media-can-help-promote-your-library/.  Accessed 8 May 2025.

Mckenna, Brian. “U.K. University Libraries and Social Media.” Information 

Today, vol. 28, no. 2, Feb. 2011, pp. 14–15. EBSCOhost, research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=45b87991-c95e-32c0-83ac-e796c88cc60a. Accessed 8 May 2025.

Singh, Shubham. “Social Media Users — How Many People Use Social Media in 2025.” DemandSage, 15 April 2025, https://www.demandsage.com/social-media-users/. Accessed 8 May 2025.

Libraries as Social Hubs -By Melanie Gomez

 Libraries as Social Hubs

By Melanie Gomez

  

     To start off let's define what a social hub really is. A social hub can be defined as a space (physical or digital), with the purpose of facilitating social interaction, connection, and community building. So, how are libraries social hubs? Well, libraries act like social hubs because they provide accessible spaces for community interaction, they offer a variety of resources & programs, and even provide a safe place for patrons that has proven to foster a sense of belonging. “Libraries exert a critical impact on society by fostering equal opportunities and providing equitable access to lifelong learning and education, research and innovation, culture and recreation for all” (Sipilä 95). When libraries promote and support patrons in participating in community events and library programs they single-handedly “contribute to building stronger communities and societies” (Sipilä 95).

Growing up, I was homeschooled for the majority of my schooling and because of this I was a bit more sheltered and did not have the opportunity to interact with others especially with kids my age. Due to me being at home most of the time without social interactions, the feeling of loneliness was a common accurace. Even as an adult I sometimes still struggle with these feelings as my everyday life feels repetitive with me being at work and school all the time. The latest research from the Cigna Group indicates that “more than half (58 percent) of American adults are considered lonely—and those percentages jump more so among minoritized populations. Loneliness isn’t just about isolation—it’s a feeling of being alone or disconnected even in a world where technology enables instant contact” (Rich 12). When libraries provide programs such as gaming for teens, book clubs, and other family events “they possess the physical infrastructure and community relationships to tackle loneliness and social isolation”(Rich 12). Libraries provide a space where people can not only build connections but also relationships with people like neighbors, classmates, or even strangers. “These social connections help shape a feeling of belonging that one needs to combat feelings of loneliness” (Rich 13).

I always remember the library being my sanctuary, my place to socialize as I constantly participated in community events and library programs (my absolute favorites were all the summer activities for kids). Till this day, the library has remained an important part of my social life. It has allowed me to participate in free programs I'm genuinely interested in and has allowed me to make connections along the way with others that share similar interests. Libraries connect people with essential services and others which makes them crucial for social connection and community building, making them a vital social hub for the community. 

*Watch This*

Watch this video by TEDx Talks to see how a redesigned library reconnected a community. 

Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community | Shamichael Hallman

Work Cited

Sipilä, Sinikka. “Strong Libraries, Strong Societies.” El Profesional de La Información, vol. 24, no. 2, Mar. 2015, pp. 95–101. EBSCOhost

https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.3145/epi.2015.mar.0 Accessed 24 April 2025. 

Rich, Hallie. “Hungry for Connection.” Library Journal, vol. 149, no. 2, Feb. 2024, pp. 12–15. EBSCOhost         

research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=03b69743-2de9-39de-afa4-813e10c748bAccessed 24 April 2025.