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
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Sunday, February 7, 2016
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 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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
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.
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.
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