Filter Bubbles

Filter bubbles are invisible to people. According to Techopedia the definition of a filter bubble is:
"A filter bubble is the intellectual isolation that can occur when websites make use of algorithms to selectively assume the information a user would want to see, and then give information to the user according to this assumption. Websites make these assumptions based on the information related to the user, such as former click behavior, browsing history, search history and location" (Techopedia).

When you type in a keyword to a search engine they are there to give you personally hand picked sites that match sites that are similar to your past searches. Filter bubbles are all about personalizing a search to meet a certain person's wants and needs. Sometimes however they can be negative. In a TED Talk video about filter bubbles, Eli Pariser points out how he had two friends look up Egypt in a search and showed how different their searches appeared to be (Pariser). The problem with filter bubbles are you do not have a choice in whether or not you want them to be activated. They are just there waiting to assist you in your search. 

I have noticed the filter bubble with my own searches. Since I like looking up information on a whim I like broad opinions on topics to get a feel for what I am looking for. The problem is that the filter bubble thinks I only want one side of information on a specific topic. For example, I was trying to look up alternative religious movements for a paper and it kept popping up what is bad about them, not what the particular movement is about like I wanted. This can be deterring if one is trying to do research papers. 

Another instance where I saw filter bubbles at their finest was today. I wanted to show my professor an article from the web. I had used a computer from my work the first time and it popped right up. When I was using a computer she was logged in it took three different searches to locate the article I wanted to show her. It was a pain, and it shows how personalizing search engines can make it frustrating for a searcher on a broad number of topics.

Filter bubbles have their advantages. For one it is a search that is personalized of past searches. They give us what we want to see. It is quick and efficient. They are crafted to allow sites to our preferred tastes to pop up on our screens instead of ones we would not agree with.

The disadvantages can be numerous for scholars, or people who want to learn about a topic. One reason the filter bubbles can be a problem is they do not show everything about a topic. Filter bubbles are very biased for searchers. Another problem is people do not know about filter bubbles because they are not asked if they want them. They take away from the learning process, and make people think they are seeing everything about a topic, but in reality they are only seeing what the search algorithm thinks is appropriate for us to see.

Filter bubbles can be seen as fantastic and destructive. People need to be aware of them so they know how to get around them, as well as look out for bias information when using the same browser over and over again. Watch what pops up on your screen, and see if it is really what you want, or if it is what the search engine thinks you want. You may love a filter bubble in one instance, and hate it in another.

Citations:

Eli Pariser: Beware Online "filter Bubbles" Perf. Eli Pariser. TED Talks, 2011. YouTube Video. 

"Filter Bubble." Techopedia. Techopedia Inc., 2016. Web. 6 Apr. 2016.                     <https://www.techopedia.com/definition/28556/filter-bubble>. 

What I consider to be an information literate person

An information literate person according to the ALA is someone who can "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information" (2016). This does not mean a person who has access to information is an information literate person. It means they can not only find the information but they know what it means. They understand why the information is needed and important. It is knowing how to locate and evaluate information beyond finding the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a topic. It is understanding what you are looking for. A person who has a lot of information is not someone who necessarily understands all the information they have access to. Information literacy encompasses many different areas. Examples are books, audio, video, web, digital, reading, and writing. I am going to use an example of me trying to do a search for a particular group of people to explain how I think an information literate person would go about finding the information.

I think a person who is information literate must be able to use critical thinking skills. For example, if I was looking on the web for information about Hutterites for a research paper I first want to know the basics about who these people are. Now if some sort of reality television show pops up (I tried doing research on this and that is what happened) I know if I am an information literate person that the words I typed into my handy dandy search bar may not be the right wording. An information literate person would try different wording to locate different materials on the Hutterites or even a different search engine. In class we talked about how people have gotten lazy when searching for information on the web. An information literate person would have the skills to find quality work to use (locate information), know if a site is worth using by looking at it (evaluating), and be able to effectively use it. 

Information literacy goes beyond a basic skill level. Not only do information literate people need to have critical thinking skills, but they need problem solving skills. In the above example with my web search, if I was an information literate person I would have to use problem solving skills to get away from the reality television shows about the Hutterites and figure out a way to learn about their culture and belief system. I doubt a reality television show for a report on religious movements will be a valid source. I can problem solve by using different wording or trying to think outside the box by asking for only PDFs or e-books so I get rid of all the unwanted sites. Many people may know how to use a search engine, but they do not have the skills to use it properly to find what they want without sifting through a bunch of nonsense. 

On top of using these skills is computer literacy. In today's day and age technology is everywhere. Since I am in college I use a computer a majority of the time to do my homework. An information literate person would know how to use computers in a basic way, as well as be open to learning beyond the basics if needed.

One important thing I think this type of person needs is the ability to have long-term memory of information and knowledge. It is one thing for me to learn something to get a good grade on a test, but it is another to remember the information years down the road and apply it to my life. An information literate person has the ability to keep different pieces of information stored in their long-term memory for years. They are able to use it more than once in their lives. I wish I could say I remember some information from the last test I took, but I do not remember much about it. So I do not consider myself an information literate person. I have some of these skills, but I need improvement before I can become a successful information literate person. It takes time and effort for someone to achieve this goal.

Another thing people need to have information literacy is an open mind. If you are looking for information and you are so close-minded that you cannot think beyond the goal of one certain point then it will be hard to find what you are looking for (especially on the web). You have to be open to asking questions and rethinking your original idea to get information that is needed. Thinking outside the box is a great way to put information literate people's thinking strategies. If you can do that then you are trying to understand the information you are looking for or looking at.

A willingness to learn new strategies and technologies is a big step in becoming information literate. In this technological world a new device is being produce all the time. You must be willing to learn how to use these devices because of the evolving world of technology. It also helps to be information literate if you are trying to apply for a job or are being considered for a promotion. If you show a willingness to learn and change your ways of thinking for a job then you look more appealing to a future boss. 

Sites used:

 "Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education." Association of College and Research Libraries. American Library Association, 2016. Web. 29 Mar. 2016. <http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency>. 

Libraries following trends for the future

Trends have always been around. They come and go just like different styles of fashions. Trends are important to pay attention to when it comes to libraries. You have to pay attention to what the community wants, and that includes following the trends of today and tomorrow. In class we had the assignment of looking at trends. They have to do with many different topics but I chose three that stood out to me and seemed like they would be important today and for the future. These trends may go out of style in a few years, but 50 years down the road become popular again.

1. Aging Advances
The population of older generations is increasing with each new year. This means there are more costs, and more planning involved in not only taking care of our elders, but keeping them busy. The life expectancy for adults is becoming extended each year with health, and scientific advances. We must deal with these changes because they cannot be ignored. There are more retirees now so they need leisure activities. Why not do this at the local library?! Libraries are starting to expand their large print sections, give basic technology skill classes, and have programs dedicated to seniors. Wouldn't it be great if we, as librarians, could go into the nursing homes and be like meals on wheels, but with books, and programs? I think having activities run from the library would be great. Librarians, could get suggestions of what the retirees want to learn and offer programs that reflect their ideas. More programs could be done during the day for them, like children librarians do for toddlers and young kids. Libraries have a big impact on creating a fun and warm environment for the older generations, and I hope they can find inventive ways to give them access to new learning opportunities. The problem is funding. Libraries must find ways to pay for all these extras. If the programs are at nursing homes, the libraries could split the cost or the nursing home could give the library a set amount of money for each activity. The other problem is space. All these activities and books require space that could be nonexistent in some smaller communities. I do not have a solution at the moment for the space problem, but I hope it can be dealt with when it comes time to do new projects.

2. Emerging Adulthood
I decided to stick with an aged theme on this second trend. This trend is where people in their late teens through their twenties are adjusting to adulthood. It is becoming more common for adults to live at home a little longer than they used to, and become financially independent. This phase in life is important because it is the foundation for the rest of a person's life. It is also a time for them to figure out what they want to do with their life. These adults are in a transitioning phase. This group does not consider themselves an adult or a teen. They are in the middle of getting to adulthood. This could pose a problem for them when they go to libraries. Do they go to the teen section or do they go to the adult section to get a good book? There is a new genre to cope for these confused people(me included)! It is called the New Adult. It is a nice mix of young adult and adult type books that has a happy medium for readers.
Another problem for this age range is being taken seriously in the career field they choose. Libraries can help out by giving them career resources, as well as using the Rent a Person strategy. If your local library has a person that is knowledgeable about the field you are trying to get a job in then rent them for a mock interview. It could be a great learning experience.
Also, programs are an issue. Many libraries appeal to kids, teens, and adults. The problem is that those in the emerging adulthood phase of life cannot go to teen programs anymore, and they do not seem interested in the adult programs. They are left out when it comes to programming. At my local library there is a distinct absence of this age range when it comes to programs. I think libraries need to start book clubs for this age range, or offer a more diverse type of book for book clubs. Also, when it comes craft time for programs do ones that could be geared to new homeowners, or those adjusting to dorm life. One idea could be doing something like decoupaging a nightstand. Dorm rooms need those, and older generations appeal to this as well. The emerging adulthood just wants to be included and feel welcome so find a happy medium for them!

3.Sharing Economy
A sharing economy is one where there is not many who have ownership of a good, or if they do they are willing to rent or share that good. This is becoming a very popular idea. People who cannot afford a good or service are now able to with a shared economy. This can be anything from a laptop to a car. The shared economy idea is great because it cuts back on costs and people can use more products they never would have before. Libraries can contribute to this trend just by being open. They loan books, CDs, DVDs, and people. Some are open 24/7 so there is unlimited access. People share computers and internet when they go to use a computer at a library. They also can share a space. Libraries can expand on this idea by loaning out tablets, park passes(state and national), 3D printers, and equipment like projector screens and furniture. In a previous blog I touched base on Rent a Person and on the cake pan exchange. These both fall under a shared economy. This trend is one I want to start doing in my life. It will save me money, and I can broaden my knowledge on different devices.

Trends are happening everyday. The way we know is by the change in society. Libraries must pay attention to them or even start their own trends. Remember librarians, you could make a difference with the smallest change, but have the biggest impact on your community.

Sources:
http://www.ala.org/transforminglibraries/future/trends

Libraries and Museums bridging the cultural gap

Libraries and museums have a plethora of resources. They take pride in preserving the history of the community. I think one way they could bridge the gap between demographic and cultural gaps are by interviewing former immigrants, new members of the community, and people who have lived in other areas and doing exhibits or classes on the diversity of communities. People take pride in coming to America so why not allow them to be apart of the community culture and teach us a thing or two about their native countries and how they grew up.

Libraries and museums could team up to do genealogy classes so people can learn about their family heritage. Many people relate their culture to America, but America is not called the melting pot for nothing. For all I know I could be more German than Greek even though I have a Greek last name. It would be interesting for people to learn more about where they came from than to just associate it with the town they were born in. People also can learn about other families through genealogy. It is not just about learning your family heritage, but about the history of people. Wouldn't it be cool to learn about someone of prominence in your community? I think it would be amazing to look into the backgrounds of people in Wabash. We have people who were famous singers.

One way museums or libraries could bridge the gap between cultural and demographic differences is having displays to showcase works of arts or for libraries they could display books. Many different cultures see different types of art a piece of their society. They use it to show who they are. Museums could get pictures of people, paintings, sculptures, and other types of art and take a different month of the year and do a rotation of the different cultures and demographics of the community to showcase each aspect of the community. It not only teaches people about other ways of life, but it makes people know others want to learn about their culture or where they come from. You do not need to be famous for a display.

Libraries are bridging gaps between demographic and cultural differences by offering free programs to the public. Different crafts, book clubs, or computer classes attract more than one type of person. This can allow people to meet each other and become friends through these programs.

Museums and libraries are the information center of communities. They are also the educational centers. These are two important parts of what they provide to the communities of their areas. Education of the people is important. By this I mean teaching on the culture and demographics beyond the community. Yes, the community is vital, but there is a world beyond the library district. Kids are sponges for information. If you start teaching them about the cultural and demographic gaps some of these can become smaller once these kids grow up if they learn about how to bridge them together at a young age. Kids are the future so it is important to teach them about what is going on in the world.

Libraries and museums appreciate cultural and demographic differences. This is a big part of how they can bridge the gap between people. Libraries are places where people feel safe no matter where they come from so this is a similarity across all generations and people. They tend to know the lingo of the community so they could teach other communities about dialogue of their local community. Also, teaching other languages can bridge gaps because there are always immigrants in America. People can learn a language from the library or museum and go out and be able to talk to others they normally would not in everyday life. By bridging the language gap people from different cultural and demographic areas could teach each other their customs and traditions. This could all be due to learning a new language. As I said before storytelling is a big way to spread information. This could be at story hour, a cultural meeting, or a new exhibit at a museum. Their are many ways to draw people together you just have to reach out to the community to get the job done. Inspire those who know their culture to share with the community through library and museum programs.

Libraries with the future of the digitized world

Libraries have many important aspects. They are the heart of the community. In Illinois Chef Amy teamed up with her local library to provide discounted lunches to those who normally could not afford lunch. Also, there is a website called Transform U. It helps those who are jobless find jobs and apply for them. Not only are they the heart of the community but they are a center of learning. Kids go to after school programs, and they can go to their local library to do homework. Libraries are starting a, rent a person program where you can rent an expert like I stated in my last post. This is phenomenal for learning about multiple different fields or just for fun. Many libraries now give access to free wireless Internet. People can come in to use it to look up information or to download e-books, as well as audio books.

One aspect that the libraries are good at is helping the homeless. They can come in where it is warm, look for a job online, and look at the materials available to the public. This can be a safe place not only for the homeless, but children from broken homes. It is a safety net.

Many seniors use the library that are retired. It can be a great place to have programs and meet up with friends. My local library does programs for senior citizens to keep them up on technology. We have Facebook, Microsoft programs, and tablet device programs to help them learn and it gives them a chance to ask questions as they learn. Device knowledge is becoming very popular among seniors, as well as other age groups(but they tend to learn on their own). The digital world is always changing so people have to learn new devices constantly so people go see their local librarians who have the knowledge and skills to teach people how to use what they have purchased.

Libraries preserve the history of the community it is located in. People go to their local library to find out about the community in earlier years. The local library always has a section dedicated to major events, people, buildings, and random facts about the area. My local library has a genealogy section with access to obituaries, land owners, and old yearbooks, as well as family histories. Libraries take pride in educating the community on its history, and keep a collection of local work. They are miniature museums.

Libraries are important for non-English speaking members of the community. They offer books in multiple languages, citizenship information, books on learning to speak English, and some have classes to learn English. This is also a great place for immigrants to meet new people and make friends in a strange and unfamiliar place.

People with disabilities are always accommodated for in their local library. The hearing, seeing, or any other type of disability can be helped in some way. More and more has become available over the years for those who have disabilities. Libraries have playaways(books that come with headphones and read out loud to a patron), audio books, and many other forms of reading and digital material.

The digital world is slowly taking over society. This is true with libraries. Cushings Academy opted to get rid of all 20,000 volumes of books and become completely digital. They now have books accessible through databases, and each student can use their laptops or a tablet device to read their books. They said the library was just not being used enough and more students wanted electronics to be the focus. Many people think digitizing is the right way to go, and many believe it is not. It depends all on the person you are talking too. More and more libraries are making their libraries accessible through the web, and this includes downloading e-books, and stream music and movies. Libraries are evolving, but not to the extent Cushings Academy did.

Yes, the digital world is becoming more prominent in the world, but it does not have to be the only material available to the public. I have a Kindle and I love my Kindle, but I also love to read a physical book. When I am getting textbooks for school I prefer the physical copy. Something about the feel and being able to take notes in it clicks my academic brain into action. People learn in different ways, and that can be factored into whether or not and e-book would be better than a paperback book. The digital future has a place in libraries, I think personally Cushings Academy took it too far. Kids need to know how to locate books. When these kids go off to college they will not know what to do at their university library filled with books. There needs to be different types of materials(audio books, e-books, physical copies) to appease a community. Not everyone can afford a reading device so it is cheaper to get the physical copy from a local library. I believe the digital future will have a tremendous impact on future libraries. The digital world is always changing like a library. There needs to be a mixture of materials to have the most success in libraries. If people think the internet is going to run libraries out of business, why have bookstores stayed strong? I think it all depends on the person, and that is why a variety is better than one type of material.

Evolution of Libraries

Libraries used to be buildings filled with scrolls and books. They were only for the select few who could afford to pay for a membership. Many were private and once the books were retrieved never seen by the public. There was no professional librarian. Libraries then became known to the public and it opened up a whole new world for the rich and the poor. People had access to books they never imagined reading.

In today's society libraries are used not only for books, but to have access to computers, learn new skills, and to do research on multiple topics. They are the heart of the community for those who use them. Many unemployed and homeless people use a library to try to find jobs or learn a skill that can help them in life.

The libraries of the future will go beyond the walls of the building and reach out to the community. Libraries are not just about books. They are about servicing the community. Librarians want to collaborate more with local experts and businesses to teach new skills or open up people's understandings about a subject. Librarians want to team up with experts to be able to do more that maybe either expert or librarian could not do without the other for the community. Libraries will be able to be accessed at all times of the day or night in the future. A kid can learn not only how to read, but to play an instrument or learn how to start a business. The possibilities are unlimited when it comes to what future libraries can do.

Many people who rarely visit libraries assume they are only used to have access to books. The libraries of the past were, but in today's tech savvy society they have evolved to create a welcoming atmosphere to everyone. I heard on the radio that people were shocked you had to go to school to work in a library. People who do not visit their local libraries are surprised to learn that there are DVDs, CDs, audio books, and so much more. I work in a public library and I am amazed at patrons who come in and say they never thought it would have a play area for kids. The point of a library is to be of service to the community. A library is not there to only give access to books.

In a video(I have posted the link below) Lis Pardi explains what has changed about libraries since they first opened to the public and how they will change in the future. She points out that libraries have more selection than Redbox in DVDs. They are going into the community to help patrons learn new skills by combining their knowledge if a skill with a trained expert. Did you know you could rent an expert? This was new to me and it sounds fantastic. If you need to know how to know how to get started on a do-it-yourself project you can rent an expert to teach you the basic skills. Libraries are trying to expand the knowledge beyond what they know and continue to evolve with the community. Librarians are not just where the physical building is located. Pardi points out that the future of libraries and librarians is going out into the community. They are meeting people in their homes to make it easier for unemployed workers to get help making a resume, or giving them interview tips. If I was someone who was unemployed I would appreciate someone with the knowledge of where and how to apply for jobs.

A growing trend Pardi likes is the rent a cake pan. Who wants to buy an Elmo cake pan just to make one cake and have no use for it ever again? That is where your local library comes in handy! You can borrow or rent Elmo for that birthday party and not have to worry about where to store it or put it once the cake is baked. Coming from a house where every birthday cake was homemade I fully endorse this program, and want it to come to my local library.

People have to get over the prejudices of what they think a library is supposed to be like. They are far from quiet most times, and the librarians do not(always) wear buns and shush the patrons. I have worked in a library for three years and have never heard someone be shushed. Libraries are evolving with society. They are teaming up with businesses and skilled experts to hold programs that the community wants. These programs can include seniors computer classes, Photoshop,  knitting clubs, recipe swaps, and programs to help educate immigrants.

Technology is a major part of society and that includes libraries. There are some that just have a whole floor of computers with Internet access. Technology is allowing the library to be available 24/7 to get to online material and to see if items are available for check out. It is also expanding what a library can offer. Now you can go to a library to use WiFi and get a research paper done without even using a book.

In the image below(pay attention to the knowledge society side) it points out how libraries are changing from an information age to a knowledge society. Simply stated, libraries are going from books on the shelf to a place where a community can go to learn more than how to read or research from a book. A knowledge society is one who uses all its available resources to enrich the minds of the community.



There can be problems that arise when transitioning from an information age to a knowledge society. For starters funding plays a big role in making these changes a reality. Many public libraries are having to budget cut due to a lack of funds. Public libraries are typically funded from property taxes. The problem with this is they are allocated a certain percent and the government tends to put libraries on the back burner because as Lis Pardi pointed out, people think libraries are dying. If they do not have the funds they cannot purchase digital content, have programs that allow experts to come and teach the community, or go out into the community to provide services. The libraries have to pick and choose what they can do with their budget.

Another issue is getting the community input beyond those who already use the library. In my community there are problems with getting a library card because not all the county pays a tax to get a free library card. I come from a low to middle class area where paying for a library card is not high on the list of priorities. I would not have one if I did not work there. The problem with this is getting those who do not have access to come into the library for programs. My local library allows anyone to come in to join in these programs at little to no cost, but it cannot get people who never visit or look at the social media to come if they do not know about the programs in the first place. My childhood revolved around children programs at the library. I do not want to see kids attendance in these activities decline as technology and funding puts a damper on library visits.

Librarians need to learn how to break through these barriers so more people can enjoy the libraries of tomorrow. The questions I will leave for readers are: What would you do to make the libraries of tomorrow possible if you were a librarian? What do you think a future library should be like? Did you think libraries were dying, and if so, why?

Websites used for this blog:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya7qVSWz01c&feature=youtu.be
• http://screencast.com/t/VQKQnPmWY