Are You Up For The Tech Out Challenge?

Finish this sentence with the first thought that pops into your mind:  "You know you're living in a digital world when...."   Easy right?  It is not hard to come up with examples of how a digital world has changed life for the better or worse.  What is difficult is trying to come up with examples of if going back to the old ways would be better?   That is if the "old" ways can be remembered.  Let's be honest when social media posts up meme of old telephones, washboards or card catalogs and asks the question, "how many remember what this is?" ,  the first impulse is to blurt out what it is.  The second impulse is to remember how far back that object dates.  Ten, twenty or fifty years?  It doesn't seem that long ago dail-up modems were the only way to travel on the information highway.  Yet,  in 2015 the thought of having to wait a minute for a page to upload seems like FOREVER.   Is this an exaggeration?  Perhaps but there is truth in the statement.   There is also truth in that libraries, for better or for worse, have fallen in the trap of keeping up with technology.  What is being lost is the art of communication.  That's where the digital world has created the most havoc.

Due to the increase usage of the Internet,  social groups that once would meet face to face, now just "meet" and "converse" online.  What is even more irritating are the responses in happy faces or cartoons that express the emotions of the moment or reaction to what has been said.  Is this the slippery slope of trending away from reading, writing or speaking?  This may sound like someone ranting over something trivial but it has been the experience that these small changes in culture tend to have an impact on what technology will come  up with tomorrow.  Ah, the simpler days are gone, or are they?  Perhaps there is a way to recapture the experience of unplugging and recapturing the simple art of communication.   For a back-to-school/get-to -know-your-peers activities here are some ideas that can be effective in opening the door to communicating the old fashioned way.   It might just make the entire school year better as well.  Most importantly it will get students and parents to understand the huge role that technology plays in daily routines.

Some may call this idea similar to going cold turkey.  Others may call it going off the grid.   The best title to give this exercise is Tech Out Challenge.  In other words, how long can students do without their social media gadgets?  Give each student a manila envelope. Have them write on the outside of the envelope the date and time that they have last used the device.    Instruct them to place their phone in the envelope and seal it.  Once they do this, they are to place the device in a safe place and not retrieve it for three days.  In the event that the student "feels" the need to use their phone, they may retrieve the manilla envelope and rip it open.  At that time they will record the date and time they opened the envelope and the reason for retrieving the device.   Regardless of when a student opens his/her envelope,  all students will participate in a group discussion where the topic will be how well or badly the students did during Tech Out.  Some of the questions to consider asking:

How did you feel about not having your phone with you 24/7?

What did you enjoy the most during  this time?

What did you miss the most during this time?

Would you ever participate in a Tech Out Challenge again?

How has this changed your view about technology?

Remind the students that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions.  The best part of this program is to see how surprised students are out their findings.    It is amazing to see the reactions of teens when they find they can live without technology and still be connected with their social and family groups.

As for the adults who choose to participate alongside their younger counterpart, they too may find something interesting about themselves and technology.  One of the major drawbacks to technology is that it brings with it more distractions.   Has someone called?  Who's online ?  Was there an email missed?  Now bring all these distractions into a learning environment like a school or library.  Is it any wonder that students haven't become stark mad raving lunatics.    This type of constant fight for the students' attention can only lead to more stress and distraction  Not to mention, a loss of social skills.

Consider this an invitation to try this challenge at home, work, library teen programs  or church group.  As life gets more hectic, it is better to take a step back and unplug.  It may be the only way to connect with the real world again.  Or in the case of students,  the opportunity to connect in the "real" world.  

Libraries Are Relevant ...Part Three Getting Down to Business

When asked what does a library provide,  the most common answer will be books.  In terms of marketing this is what would normally be called the library's image or "brand".  While librarians should not complain about the brand, which has served libraries well over the years, something more should be added to give it depth.  What are in books?   Entertainment in the way of stories and poetry.  Education in the form of information.  Both of these elements bring positive changes to a person's life.  In this last post  of this series, the biggest surprise for readers to find out how libraries not only change lives but also change to the local economy.  How?   Public libraries across the country have formed specialized collection to serve businesses and entrepreneurs. 


It is a natural fit that libraries fill this need.  After all most small businesses don't have the time or the money to invest in costly business resource.  This is where libraries fill in the gap quite well.  From everything from stock performances to forms for filing for a new business. Established businesses can find a valuable asset in a business librarian who can guide the research process or provide the services where information is gathered for the business patron. Entrepreneurs will find that the business collections have databases, journals, and forms that every new business should be aware of in the planning stages of opening a business.   Most libraries will provide free  meeting rooms, providing a private and professional place to meet with clients.  (Some libraries will charge a small fee for using the meeting space, but most often it is cheaper than what is available from hotels or other conference venues.)


 In addition to that,  libraries  offer networking and informative workshops to bring leaders of local business together to share expertise, success stories of opening a business or the pitfalls of business ownership.  It is a positive outreach that directly impacts the local economy.  Chamber of commerce have taken notice of these types of library services, and will often promote them on their websites.  City halls have followed suit to promote the gems in their libraries, as an incentive to lure businesses to open their doors in within the city.  This can be quite enticing to perspective homeowners as they see a city growing with new businesses.


Books, databases and workshops are all wonderful but once in awhile some libraries get creative.  Social media has taken communications and marketing to a whole new level.  The need to get the message out quickly has become the norm of modern business.  With that business owners need tools to create web content that will capture the attention of the intended audience.  One tool that they may need but do not have the funds for is  video equipment or perhaps a  green screen.  For a mere $80.00 libraries can purchase a green screen which allows users to place any background behind the subjects before the camera.  Think of the local weatherman.  Everyone sees the map behind him, but in reality if the weatherman were to turn and face the screen all he would see is "green".  This provides a polished look to the video, that can be uploaded to a webpage or YouTube in minutes. 


Libraries are relevant, now more than ever.   If the last three posts have not convinced library deniers,  then nothing will.  From tracing family roots to bridging the generational gap with teens to providing tools for business development  there is indeed something for everyone.  It just may be that the deniers don't need services at that this time but eventually there will be something that draws them in and they'll get hooked.  Just like everyone else does. 






 

Bullying -- Helping Children Through Books

Is there anyone who has never, ever been bullied? Even just a tiny bit? It is safe to assume that everyone has experienced the "humiliation" of being bullied at one point in their lives. On the playground. In the classroom. By siblings or peers. Bullying has been around it seems since people have begun recording history. It's even in the Bible isn't it? The snake bullied Eve into eating the apple and in turn she bullied Adam. Okay, that might be a stretch but the point is every generation has witnessed bullying in their lifetime. However it seems that this generation is experiencing bullying in a whole new way then perhaps their own parents did as children. There are many ways that it is different and quite frankly thank goodness for authors who have provided librarians with resources to help children and their parents deal with this all too painful problem of childhood. Before any adult goes off and exclaims that we are pampering children when it comes to this topic, there are several thins to consider. Picture this scenario. A girl is walking home from school on a cold winter's day. There are a group of children walking behind her laughing and making comments about her hat. One girl whispers to another, they give each other a glance and it happens. One is ready with their smart phone to take a picture of the accomplice coming up from behind the inspecting girl and grabs her hat. This "surprise" causes the girl to lose her balance and she ends up falling on the sidewalk with her books flying everywhere. The picture is taken at the right moment and sent to a group of kids from their class. The picture goes semi-viral where almost the entire school has seen the picture and laughed at the girl's expense. The girl who was bullied is mortified. She doesn't want to go to school to face the laughter. Sounds like something that could happen in a made for tv movie? Yes, it could very well be but the reality is this is what bullying is like for today's children. One of the best way to help children deal with bullying is to talk about the problem. One step further, there are three wonderfully books that can help start the discussion. First, for the younger reader One by Kathryn Otoshi is reminiscent of Little Blue, Little Yellow by Leo Lionni. It is a book about quiet little blue who teaches all the other colors that differences among each other is good and it only takes one to say something to make a difference. Great story about acceptance without hitting the reader over the head without being preachy. Second, for the little older child who is in elementary school, Patricia Polacco's book Bully is a contemporary portraying the reality of how Facebook can be a tool to aid in bullying. Children will be able to relate to how two friends can be separated when one makes the cheerleading squad and the other does not. Lyla, the heroine of the story, demonstrates how true friends stand up against bullying by standing by their friends. It's a classic tale that helps the reader to see how it is possible to do the right thing even when peer pressure says differently. Third, perhaps the best book, is by Jerry Spinelli. Loser is also known as Zinkoff. However, Zinkoff does not know his other name nor does he pay attention to what all the other kids say. He is the typical character in a Spinelli's novels, quirky, fun and different. It's Spinelli's specialty. From the reader's point of view, Zinkoff is someone they can relate to. Either it's someone they know at school or they might even see themselves in this character. The best lesson from this book is that every Loser has the potential to change their name to Hero. There are many more wonderful books but these are the best of the best. If looking for a concise list of books about bullying drop an email to lvnlibrarian@yahoo.com.

LIbrary Porgrams for Smart Mulit-Tasking Librarians

Every library is looking for a spark of "magic" that sends patrons stampeding over with enthusiasm and anticipation. This is not an easy task. With budgets draining and demand for libraries rising, what is a multi-tasking librarian to do? Take a deep breath and unleash programs that are not only economically sensible but do not take a lot of effort or time, which will make patrons believe that the librarian is a miracle worker.

In areas that are serving patrons who are leanring English as a second language the library is an ideal place to meet with their literacy partners. These new "neighbors" have come from many different places in search of a better life in the States. A social time to help these new immigrants practice speaking English is a great way to keep these students coming to the library. Little by little, these new citizens will discover the benefits of a library card, storytime and homework help for their family. Imagine, that this can happen just by offering someone a cup of coffee (or two) and friendly conversations. Programing can't get any easier!

Reluctant readers have a special spot in the hearts of all librarians. Its in our nature to want to reach out to them and guide them into reading adventures that they will be sure to enjoy. However, over the years, people have become snobby over what is acceptable reading and what does not pass the smell test. With this attitude is it no wonder that non-readers from thrity, twenty readers refuse to go into a library today? Thankfully, graphic novels have helped with the changes in attitude towards acceptable reading. A program to help entice these readers into the library is a "comic book swap" day. Where comic book enthusiasts can share and swap their favorite comic books. Invite the participants back with another program such as a movie night theme where comic book heroes are featured.

With the economy as shakey as it is, many people are working at trying to save money on esential things such as clothing. Knitting has become an excellent way to save money, be creative and meet new friends if the local library hosts a "Knitters" club. What makes this program a breeze is that it fits age groups from teen to adults. It is gender friendly, men can learn to knit a mean cap too, just ask Russel Crowe. On top of that, once the group gets started there are knitters from every stage, from advanced to beginners, who love to share what they know and help their fellow knitters.

The love of reading is what libraries are best known for promoting. What better way to engage readers and challenge them at the same time than to host a read-a-thon. Pick a day or night where readers come in with their favorite book to read for as long as they possibly can keep their eyes open. This program can help the library in ways of fundraising, inviting businesses to become involved by sponsoring the event or partnering with literacy groups to promote reading as a healthy, everyday activity for families. It's also a great photo ops for the local newspapers.

Finally, if all the ideas above don't inspire the multi-tasking librarian, try a low key idea that gets big bang for the library's buck. never forgetting that patrons can now "visit" their library in the virtual world. Host a "Tweet" fest where avid readers can tweet about their favorite new read at the libray. Its as easy as deciding on a time and day where tweeters and librarians will tweet. Nothing more is needed! If you have patrons who have never tweeted but wanted to know what the buzz was all about. Invite them to come to the library when the "tweet" fest is happening and offer to show them how to get into the fun! It's kind of like knocking off two birds with one stone. (Yes the pun was intended!)

It doesn't have to take a million dollar program to get patrons running to the library. As a matter of fact, with a little quiet time, a pad of paper and a look through the local paper, inspirations can strike at any moment for a cool idea. If that doesn't work, check back at this blog. Together there may be a few good ideas that can be conjured up for library magic for your community.

Librarians As Truth Detectors

It's interesting to notice the changes that have come about because of the Internet. In it's infancy, finding information was difficult and pinning down authority was a task in itself. Librarians working with students, patrons and peers, would instruct over and over again to discern if the information was accurate, authoritative, and accountable. These days the internet more pages, more pictures, more of everything that it has lead to information overload. This is how librarians can fill the role as truth detectors. To take it a step further, libraries can be the voice in the internet wilderness using social media as its megaphone.

Statistics about Facebook and its users can be a real eye opener. For example, comScore reported that in 2010 1 out of every 8 minutes online was spent on Facebook. With this in mind, it would be logical to conclude that patrons are spending more time online. Articles have begun to surface asking the question, "Do you know your Facebook friends?" Some statistics indicate that for most users they do not personally know 20% of their Facebook friends. Perhaps its not who has the most toys that wins but the one with the most friends. One thing for certain, Facebook and other social networks like it, is the platform to reach out and connect with people. The opportunity awaits for libraries to bring information and people together. Many libraries have already made their own path through social networks. Their examples should be the blueprints for everyone to follow.

In this fast paced world, it is often assumed that everyone knows how to use the Internet. That assumption is based on the fact that computers have become imbedded in our society as a tool we can not live without. Libraries can not afford to make that assumption about their patrons. Which is precisely why social media is very important to use as a communication tool to reach out to the community. New technologies are always a hard sell to users in the beginning. The thought of learning something new can be intimidating, especially when there does not appear to be a "need" for it in everyday routine. When Twitter first began, there were skeptics who did not think this social network would fly. Gradually, users began to see the value of putting out an instant message as a way of marketing skills, products or opinions. Libraries found this network as a exciting way to blast out the word about library programs. Patrons who were not familiar with Twitter, would begin to ask questions about the network. What is Twitter? Why would I want to sign up for it? What types of information can be found there? With the librarians guiding them, patrons are becoming familiar and comfortable with tweeting, posting, and poking.

Bringing together people and information is what libraries do best. The library of the early 1900's did not have to deal with complex ways of finding information. The amount of information available to the community was limited to what the library's collection held. Added to that, verifying the sources of information was much less complicated. Now with new technologies it is the libraries responsibility to make sure that no citizens are left behind in the digital divide. Social media can be effective in finding out what patrons need and want of their libraries. It can also be the avenue to finding out how savvy patrons are on the computer. For example, are patrons finding the information they need quickly or are they spending too much time "googling" information that should have only taken a few minutes to find. If it's the later, librarians can take the step to get tips on internet searching instantly on Twitter or Facebook. When patrons see the tips posted, one of two things will happen. First they will be satisfied with the tips and begin using them immediately. Secondly, it may spur the conversation to go further when patrons post message asking for additional help. Its a win win for everyone involved.

At the same time as making information easily available to everyone, the Internet has made it more confusing to pick out the "correct" information. Being a truth detector is an important task in helping patrons become effective on the Internet. It also paves the way for an informed and educated society. It can only be hoped that with critical thinking skills, patrons will not only click on the "right" information. It will also eliminate all the misinformation out in cyber land because people would avoid visiting such sites.

Considering the "CONS" of Using Social Media in Libraries

Social media has become the “greatest” thing since slice bread. Everyone is using it and if they are not using it, they are hearing about Facebook posts, bloggers worth reading, YouTube videos and one-liner tweets from their family and friends. The information highway has created a path to where no man has gone before. Could anyone have possibly envisioned cell phones used as a small pocket computer to gain access to emails, webpages and Facebook? Maybe technological gurus saw this coming, but not the average Joe. For the average person, who remembers computers with the black screens and green lettering, Web 2.0 is a dream beyond the wildest imagination. For Librarians, who are often accused of living in the Stone Age, social media has provided an opportunity to get the word out to the world about our passion: libraries. Now that technology has waved its magic wand to make almost anything possible, how should librarians use this tool? More importantly what are some of the traps to avoid when using such a powerful tool?

It has been said that if Facebook were a country it would rank third in population behind China and India. This is quite an impressive accomplishment. Libraries that are using Facebook as an instant marketing tool have found it to be a convenient and quick method to let “friends” know everything that is happening at the library. As an added bonus, libraries have a new way to build public support by asking patrons to “like” them on their Facebook page. Social media can become one of the best platforms for library advocacy. The many uses of social media can be as creative as the user. It never hurts to take a step back to evaluate the cons of jumping on the bandwagon of any new trend.

When first using Facebook, it seems so innocent to ask people be “friends” and “like” the library but at the same time it can be seen as a desperate attempt for recognition. As one patron put it, “It’s kinda like going back to junior high, having the insecurities of whether you are liked or not, and hoping to be a part of the “in” gang. “ Consider for a moment, what would happen if people “un-friend” or no longer “like” the library. This is almost akin to a public shunning, but only viral. The key to avoiding this situation is to keep the webpage active with updates and comments. When there is a negative comment about the library, whether it is about service or programming, address it immediately.

Bad publicity is only one thing to consider when using social media. Libraries must also consider other concerns such as copyright infringement, defamation laws and privacy issues. These issues can be dealt with effectively if the library have a clear vision of why, who, when and what information to use social media to promote the library. The ultimate reason why to using Web 2.0 should be a no-brainer for directors. It is as simple as promoting the Library’s brand to be visible and recognized. On the library staff there should be a designated social media position which would be able to maintain the web presence, when the profile/webpage will be updated and what will be promoted from the library. Examples of what libraries often mention on Facebook and Twitter are library contests, story time programs, and library mileages.

Copying, pasting, and manipulating data is easier than ever with social media. Friends frequently download a link to their Facebook page, creating an open invitation to not only visit the link but to share/post on their wall. There is the possibility that a library’s “friend” can post a link that would be considered inappropriate or claim that their post is “their work” when actually it is someone's intellectual property. With a clear vision and written policy libraries can inform “friends” what will be acceptable submissions and creative work is accepted as long as the creator has given consent to the library to post it on the wall.

At first, defamation issues seemed a little far fetch to have a concern about. However, think of what would happen if on a library’s teen Space Facebook wall, a young patron wrote something disparaging about another teen or adult that wasn’t true. Not only could this be considered cyber bullying, it can also be classified as libel. With the proper staff involvement these issue should not arise but if they do, it can be dealt with quickly by blocking patrons who abuse the opportunity to have their comments read on the library’s wall.

Privacy issues, such as posting pictures of young patrons who have participated in the library’s program, should be given serious consideration. The Internet has made everyone's lives an open book for anyone to see. Children are especially at risk because of their trusting nature. Child molesters often find their victims online. Common sense should be the foundation when deciding which pictures to post and for how long the pictures will be left on the page. Needless to say “tagging” teens or children in pictures is not a good idea. It is a prudent policy to not tag anyone in pictures. The only exception to that would be when a noted local official, or well known personality visits.

Even with the cons that were presented, there are many more pros that will cancel out the cons. The purpose of exploring the bad side of social media is not to discourage their use in libraries, but simply to be aware of the potential pitfalls. Social Media is wonderful to use and if libraries are not using it at this point, they are really doing more harm to themselves than good. It's to to get up to speed with the rest of the virtual world. Where do we go from here? Who knows for sure. There will be a day, and to be sure it is coming soon if it hasn’t already begun, when libraries will be going to where their patrons are in the virtual world. Imagine a school library visit where the librarian comes to the classroom without leaving the public library. The children could participate in a story time, go on a library tour and receive a digital library card to use the next time they bring mom and dad for an in person library visit. One thing is for certain, libraries must be ready for Web 3.0 and beyond in order to serve patrons in a meaningful way.

Identifying the Teen Reader

In library school they never taught future librarians what to expect when working with teens. How could they? They are a diverse population that to identify what teen readers are looking for would be to identify what adult readers are looking for in their books. The fact of the matter is, there isn't an easy way to identify the teen reader. Sometimes it's a matter of observing them while they visit your library. Having said that, there are a few tips that can be passed on to the new YA librarian.

Expect the unexpected. At one point, I had a supervisor who had been in libraries for years tell me that boys do not read books. As a matter of fact, there was no sense in purchasing fiction books for an academic library that served an all male school population. My first reaction was to remind my supervisor that reading fiction, as they do in English Literature class, increases vocabulary, awakens the curious nature in the reader and stirs the imagination to be open to the possibilities of "what ifs" My argument may have been well thought out and academically correct but what took me by surprise was when a young student spoke up at an Open House event to "brag" to a prospective student that the computers were cool but the fiction section was cooler. The Lesson to be learned here: Teens say and do the unexpected at the opportune time! They are paying attention to the collection and will give kudos when they see what they like. Just like adults!

Never Judge A Teen By The BDon't ooks they Read Another stereotype that I have often heard librarians and teachers profess as gospel truth is that the Graphic Novel reader tends to be into goth and will not read traditional books. They are in a class by themselves. Hogwash! This thought is suggesting that teens who express themselves differently in the way they dress or wear their hair are not avid readers. It may surprise many of these professionals in educations that straight A students who love are avid readers love the Manga series and graphic novels. It is clearly a different way for them to escape or another type of entertainment. Consider this question: Would your friends be surprised by some of the "guilty pleasures" you have in your television viewing habits? As for the Goth Teens, just because at this point in their lives they love one particular genre does not mean they will stay with it foe rest of their reading lives. Eventually, they will move into other books, as educators and librarians we should be prepared to help them find the books that will inspire them.

Don't Tell Them What They Like, Ask Them Too many times as educators, the assumption is made that students must be dictated to in their studies and reading materials. Not true. The best "role" for the educator/librarian is to be the guide. Ask teens these questions to get a sense of where they are in terms of reading for pleasure. What was the title of the last book you read? Name an author that you absolutely loved? Name an author that you absolutely loathed. These are just a few questions that can help teens to find the right book for them. It's no different than asking them what kind of music they like or what was the last movie they viewed? Actually these questions could help in find the right book too. In a nut shell it is all about getting to know them better.

Don't Assume Social Media Dominates Their Lives Having said this I know that there will be hoards if not hundreds of parents, teachers and the like who will swear that they can not tear the teens away from Facebook or MySpace. To some that is very true. Which is why I recommend that librarians are familiar and use Social media. Having said that, it is equally important to understand that for some teens the lure is just not there because they feel they have nothing to share, or parents have forbidden the use of such sites. Another important factor is that in tough economic times, not everyone has access to the Internet at home. The ease of use is not applicable. When getting the word out about programming to teens, the old fashioned way channels such as snail mail, flyers on bulletin boards are as effective as modern tools. In the case of teens, using traditional methods mixed with the new is always the best route.

The one rule of thumb that YA librarians can always count on is that teens just want a place to be accepted and be comfortable for who they are. Isn't that the same with all of us? The best way to identify a teen readers is anyone who walks into the YA area looking for a book, magazine graphic novel and of course the Internet computers. Now the "secret" has been revealed to you, go out and guide those young adults who are waiting to find the right book.

Facebook, Facetime and Friends!

Facebook has changed the way our society communicates and share ideas. At first glance social media, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and FourSquare, allows their members to communicate effectively and quickly through a few key strokes. It's not limited to just saying hello or letting the world know what's on your mind. It can also allow event planning, forming fan pages and buidling virtual communities. It's hard to imagine life before these tools of mass communication? How did we ever get anything accomplished with plain old email? Thank goodness those archaic times are behind us! Libraries, if they have not aleady done so, should grab hold of the opportunity to build public support for their libraries.

My Facebook account was activated in 1997 because I had enrolled in an online course through YALSA, that required that I sign up on various social media sites in order to become familiar with them and experiment on how to use these tools to fit my needs. It was an interesting class, but afterwards, the lure was not there. Primarily becasue it felt weird to send "friend requests" and "follow" someone. Secondly, the idea of knowing what was on the minds of my fellow classmates and colleagues 24/7 seemed like TMI. (For those who don't know the abreviation, TMI means Too Much Informaiton.) Laslty, was there anything worth saying to the world and would anyone be interested.

After watching how Facebook and other other social media forums have exploded, the pieces have come together. Especially in terms of marketing and building patron loyalty for libraries. It is amazing what a fan page can do for a library's image. Fan pages help libraries promote who they are, where they are and what they are doing. Think of it as virtual "facetime" with patrons whenever they login onto Facebook. The best part of it is that it is FREE advertising.

Social media is all about making the connection and starting the conversatioin. That is what libraries have done since they first opened their doors. People have always come into the libraries for books, information, music and the local news. What do they normally do with the information they find? Talk about it with others in order to make sense of it all and perhaps even shape the events in their community. Social media can breath life into the library world in so many ways, andyet the surface has just been scratched.

If I Love Libraries can count the number of fans they have, wouldn't it be cool if a library could tell a patron how many times they have used the library this year, how many items they have checked out or programs they have attended just by swipping their card at check out? Going beyond that, think how FourSquare would boost the library's image if a prominent politican "checked in" that they were at they library? These are the numbers and images libraries need to make the case that the library is not only needed but is used on a daily basis. Why not reward them for being the 100th fan of your page with a library tshirt or other promotion? Buidling a "friends" list would not be difficult once word got out about the "hip" library where inforamtion is easy to access and communitcating with a librarian is almsot instantaneous with live "chat". These will be the "friends" that the library will need for longevity and viabilty in the future.

Nothing stays the same and technology is ever changing. Libraries not only need to be the place for information but also visionaries. The future is so bright, it's time to put on the shades and dream of all the things we would love to do and find ways to make it happen for our future and our facebook friends.

What is a Library?

A library, according to many dictionary sources is described as a building which holds a collection of materials. A library may also be used in a computerized term where one has a library of music on a hard drive. Both definitions are true and yet they both point to the direction that libraries are heading. Access to the Internet has changed so much in how we retrieve, read and report information. No longer do readers fumble through card catalogs, indexes and microfilm tape in search of information. Now with a click or two, information is easier to find, to consume and share with anyone and everyone we know. This is a clear signal that the descriptions of a library in the future will be quite different from what we have known. As a matter of fact, the reach of the librarians will no longer be within the walls of the library or even within their community. An educated guess tells me, that librarians will have to adapt to working within social media networks to establish connections in new and exciting ways. We are boldly going where no librarians have gone before. Frankly, it's about time.

The advent of social media has changed the way people connect and communicate. Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks offer the opportunity to state what is on your mind, get information out quickly and stay connected with people who share your interests or like what you do. For any community organization, this is a goldmine opportunity for free Public Relations. Why would anyone pass up that opportunity? Fear? No time? Waiting to see if this is a fad? The fact of the matter is that if we are afraid that new technology will bring more chaos into the library, chew up our time and be gone before we figured it all out then it is time to admit that our role in the communities we serve are no longer needed. However, this is not the case here, this is the opportunity we have been waiting for since the advent of the Internet.

For years libraries have had their identity stolen, or at least borrowed, by big chain bookstores. Walk into any Barnes and Noble and find that it is a clone of classic library space without the classification system. What they added were a cafe, comfortable chairs and occasional entertainment from authors or musicians. Nice. However, it doesn't replace what libraries have done for years and can continue to do so via social media, which is to guide patrons through the maze of information to select what is best suited for their needs. Bookstores can sell you books, toys, magazines but they are not experts in information retrieval. Librarians are the experts of knowing where to look, which sources are more reliable than others, and why one format is better to use than another. Social media will allow libraries to reclaim their identity as the information source. While the bookstores may have a presence online with their web pages, Twitter accounts and fan pages on Facebook, their physical buildings will be gone. They will be seen only in the virtual world. Don't think this is true? Consider the fact that the major book stores are promoting heavily electronic readers. Why? Easier to download a book than have a physical copy of it that would need to be shipped to their customers. However, in the case of the libraries, there is an opportunity to be the expert and provider of information in all formats. Variety is the spice of life!

While the need for bookstores as a physical building seems to becoming a reality of a bygone era, (and I could be wrong on this) the future of libraries in communities is becoming brighter every day. Why? Humans beings need and love interactions with other human beings. Libraries will be what they have always been for their patrons: the meeting place where people and information come together. Social media will make it all the more easier to connect to patrons and draw them into our libraries. At this point, libraries who fail to make waves on the social networks are doomed to the same fate of bookstores. They will be viewed as obsolete and fiscally draining on already burdened budgets. In other words, like dinosaurs, the libraries will be viewed as a great way to retrieve digital information to begin the search but refining it will be done by someone else. Our profession has changed much in just the past twenty years or so, and it is continuing to change to the point of if librarians don't keep up they will be left behind. There is always the chance that there will be mistakes now and then when working with new technology. Consider this: if we don't embrace it, learn from it, and become the facilitator to help others gain access, we will have effectively put ourselves out of the picture in every community. A library will always have four walls, maybe even bookshelves or stations where patrons can plug in their devices to download information, but the added bonus is that librarians are not confined by the walls. They can go to where the patrons are without taking a step out of the library. Hang on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride but well worth it!

What Teens Have Taught Me...

The past eleven or so years of my library career has been spent working with children. it has been a source of pride for me because I tell everyone that this is what keeps me young. On very few occasions do I feel truly old around the teens, and that's only when they tell me that my attitude is much in line with their moms and dads. Which in the whole scheme of things really isn't that harsh of a reality check. As much as I like to think that I have taught them something of value, I know deep down, they have taught me some very valuable lessons. Who says age has anything to do with being a teacher or sharing knowledge? I thought I would take the opportunity to share with everyone what the teens have taught me.

!. The more things change, the more the stay the same. Years have gone by since I was a young one in high school, yet when I overhear the conversations before the T.A.B. group meetings, the conversations haven't changed all that much. The girls talk about books, dances and boys. The boys talk about, cars, games, and girls. They make me smile, and realize that yes this is the generation that will be leading us soon but it is so nice to see them growing into their roles. They will make this world a better place.

2. Teens love to Share their opinions. Good golly do they ever. Everything from politics to sports to who will be kicked out on Big Brother. To write down all that they have to say would take years, but just like adults, everyone wants to have a chance to be heard. As adults in their lives, it is our responsibility to hear what it is they have to say and take it on face value.

3. Everyone wants a place to belong. This is what is so cool about the library. Everyone is welcomed. Whether you are a geek, athlete or straight A student everyone has a chance to explore, learn and grow at the library. Once in a while i will be listening to the radio's PSA ad that lectures on how teens need a place to go after school. It seems silly that everyone forgets that the best place to go is the library. It's a great hangout place. Which is why it is so important that libraries have the funding to not only keep the doors open but also to provide an alternate place for kids to call home. I love it when a teen plops down on the couch in the Youth area and starts to read. It's as if they own the place and that's okay with this librarian.

4. Out Of The Mouths Of Babes Comes Great Book Suggestions. Young Adults truly do have a way of seeing things differently than adults. The first cover of Pretty Little Liars made me think, "Great, another chick lit book! " Yet it was one of the TAB members that told me I had to read the book So did. Surprised was I that I actually not only liked the book but looked forward to the next books in the series. What drew the teen to the book? It wasn't the color scheme of the book jacket design, or the title itself. It was the premise of a not so ordinary mystery tale. Another case of not judging a book by it's cover!

5. Going with the flow. Teens have the spirit of spontaneity that adults have seem to lose when they get into the real world. At a recent teen book talk event at the library, I watched a teen describe a book in details with props. It was as if we were watching a one man play based on the book he choose to talk about. At one point I thought that perhaps I should stop the "performance" but decided not to because I saw how enthralled the others teens were and figured this is the time to go with the flow. The program ended a little bit late but the teens are still talking about how much fun they had that night. With the beginning of the school year just around the corner, these teens can become a walking PSA for the library to all their friends. Free advertisement! You can't beat that!

6. Never fear change or technology! Teens have taught me to embrace many new things that before I met them, I may not have tried on my own. Facebook, Myspace along with all the new gadgets did not thrill me when they first came on the scene. To be perfectly honest, the value of the 'new wave" looked more like wasting time than getting things accomplished. Boy was i wrong! This time, I'm glad I was wrong because now I see the potential of making the connection to not only my patrons but friends too! So with the teens help, I will boldly go where no librarian has dared to go before.

All these items individually, are wonderful but together they are the core to why teen advocacy is so important to libraries. Teens need libraries just as they need schools or hospitals. It's not just about educating or entertaining them. It's not even about giving them a safe place to hang our or an area that they belong. It's about providing for future leaders, parents and citizens who will one day understand the value of protecting their community by learning, growing and exploring together. The library is truly a portrait of a community. Invite the teens to be part of the portrait. They can teach others the same lessons they have taught this librarian.