Libraries and Social Media

  https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2024/09/12/3-ways-school-libraries-have-evolved-students/ The Helping Hand of Libraries on Academic Endeavors by Anna DiValerio Libraries in any capacity, whether academic or public, are open access to a diverse collection of information. They are also support systems for those in school and continuing that learning individually. I found this article that directly addresses student success and the impact that libraries can have on it. While this article chooses to focus on first generation students, I believe it still is able to directly reflect the efforts and outcomes of any students, and what libraries can do to help. As a student myself, I also find libraries to be incredibly beneficial in my learning endeavors, not just with their collections, but with some of their hosted workshops/activities. This article was enlightening on the true impact libraries can have on the achievements and successes of students, while contributing t...

  https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2015/mar/03/haven-homeless/ The Impact of Connection by Anna DiValerio In libraries being an accepting and welcoming place to everyone, it allows disadvantaged people to have a safe space for themselves. I found an article that does a thoughtful job in discussing homelessness for individuals, what that can mean and look like, and the position libraries are in to help. Along with free access to information, libraries are also communal and inviting spaces that can allow help and workshops to the homeless.  This article highlights the disconnect that the homeless can feel from society, the technology and support that libraries can offer, and what those libraries can and should do in these circumstances. I appreciate the care that the author put into her article about such a topic, and really learned a lot about the extent to which libraries can truly help its patrons from all kinds of backgrounds. Boedigheimer, A. (2024, September). We the Pe...

  https://www.researchinformation.info/feature/web-20-libraries-should-be-more-social-media/ The Benefits of Social Networking Through Social Media and What That Can Accomplish by Anna DiValerio I found this article that discusses social networking for library professionals and the different social media platforms that can boost these endeavors. Community and social gatherings for business and experience is what social networking is all about, but this article describes the wonders and reach that social media platforms can achieve through those same desires. Especially with the rise of technology and its advancements, social media is a guaranteed doorway to access different communities and people.  I can’t personally make a connection to this article, as I’ve never done social networking, but in reading this, I believe it was beneficial to my future trials of it. Different social media platforms were listed and the ways in which they can help reach access to the people that yo...

  https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/libraries-should-capitalise-on-appeal-as-community-hubs-report-recommends  Transformative Measures in Maintaining a Welcoming Environment in The Library by Anna DiValerio Libraries have always been a welcoming community for all who enter, focusing on the wellbeing of its patrons and how best to suit their needs. It tailors its function to the needs of the people and what helps uplift the community. However, change is an ever-present demand in any place, let alone a library setting, and continues to make itself known. Libraries take initiative in understanding the space they hold and what they need to accommodate to make its patrons feel at ease.  This article I found was really interesting to me, as it describes library anxiety felt by students, how it manifests, and what a library can do to help diminish it. Libraries, whether local or academic, present a social aspect to its operation, and I feel that this article shows many int...

Libraries play an important role in helping students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. One example of this is the “Do Your Homework @ the Library” program offered by the San Diego Public Library. The program provides free homework assistance for students in grades K-8 and gives them access to learning materials, computers, and online resources. Programs like this are important because not every student has the same access to academic support. Some students may not have internet access, quiet study spaces, or someone available to help them with homework. By offering free homework help and tutoring, libraries help create equal opportunities for students to learn and succeed academically. This not only benefits the students seeking help, but also the parents and guardians who may need additional support as well. One library in Ohio decided to measure the effectiveness of their homework center by surveying students’ parents (Huffman, 2008). The data showed, “One hundred per...

      From personal experience thanks to interning at an academic (college) library, I know that we do make a difference regarding many student's in their academic careers. We supply a range of both academic and even what some would see as menial materials to our patrons. Many students use our silent study area to peacefully study, our study rooms to do collaborative projects or group studies, but a main used item is our computers. We offer rather cheap printing services but also free usages of our computers, allowing students to be able to access assignments and work on homework, gather papers, and much more when necessary.     In fact, there been a study based on how libraries affect student success, which is linked under this post's work cited for those who want to read more. This article has a plentiful amount of data, such as how students feel regarding how the library affected them, their GPA's, whether or not they used the website or went in-person, age d...

  Friday, C. (2024, September 12). Beyond the bookshelves: 3 ways school libraries have evolved to meet students' needs . Eschoolnews.com. https://www.eschoolnews.com/files/2024/09/school-libraries.jpeg   Collaboration leading to Student Success     By Megan Cook    We all know Libraries are an integral part of student success. Ever wondered why? It all comes down to one word…Collaboration!    Collaboration between librarians and teachers. The ability to integrate resources and services into the curriculum. These methods have been continuously underestimated; as mentioned in “Methods for establishing successful collaborative partnerships” which goes into detail on what factors contribute to successful collaboration ( Kathy Colvin, 2025)    Kathy mentions how “participants in the study shared that the building of relationships is derived from the following methods: building a culture of collaboration, making the collaboration relevant to ...

    Many people across the globe face homelessness, and as such might lack a basic safety net to fall back on when times get tough. Naturally, these individuals utilize public spaces, as they are not likely to get kicked out for existing within them peacefully.     Historical, libraries could exclude homeless individuals based on unappealing aspects that may stem from homelessness, such as having a bad stench due to lack of access of places to do proper hygiene. Although this ended when in 1990s, a federal judge ruled otherwise. According to the New York Times, Judge  H. Lee Sarokin, will continue the "... upholding the library's rules banning patrons without shirts or shoes, he said that other rules were too vague or broad, including ones barring patrons who are not reading, studying or using library materials, who harass or annoy others through noisy activities or by staring, or whose "bodily hygiene is so offensive" that it is a nuisance to others," (New...

  Merlo, C. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2026, from https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/news-and-opinion/the-librarys-novel-approach-to-a-crisis/ Libraries supporting every member of the community By Megan Cook Libraries are pillars of support to all members of the community, Especially those who are unhoused individuals. In a society where everything costs money, libraries are a relief for those who are experiencing homelessness. A safe space where everyone is welcome and where the goal is to meet community needs.   Libraries provide opportunities for unhoused individuals to gain shelter from the elements and access to resources such as access to the internet, community programs, and avoiding being harassed by law enforcement.     Libraries can help bridge the information gap for those who are homeless by educating people and directing people to services that provide housing interventions and other programs for unhoused individuals. ( Amber Boedigheimer, 2024) Man...

ids. (2026). 4 ways social media can help promote your library . Idskids.com. https://www.idskids.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/library-selfie-social-media-promotion.jpg  Libraries and the benefits of Social Networking  By Megan Cook     We know just how effective social networking is in promoting the use of establishments, and what platforms to use; but how do we create interest in someone wanting to go to a library? There have been many methods introduced, one I found the most interesting was “ book influencers”  through the use of  “the Bookernet” which is a term for the online presence for those who are enthusiastic about literature. (Szabó, D., & Dani, E. (2024) This gives people an opportunity to create personalized experiences and share their love of books with others. I believe through the method of “ book influencers” will create a space that would encourage patrons to visit libraries more often. Connections via social media platforms in an in...

    Reynoldsburg Branch, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH; Gund Partnership, Jonathan Barnes Architecture & Design, and Margaret Sullivan Studio, architects; © Brad Feinknopf/Feinknopf 2024, photo Libraries Supporting Communities  By Megan Cook   When asked what a non-library user's impression of a library is, what do you believe they would say? Something along the lines of a stiff environment where one can’t blink without being shushed by the mean librarian? Uncomfortable chairs, or just an unwelcoming environment in general? Libraries however are not what these stereotypes have been implying. In recent years Libraries have begun shifting away from outdated ideas of what a Library is and what it can offer to its community.  Not many know the small intricate shifts that have gone into creating spaces in the Library  for members of the community to visit and enjoy with friends. Yes, while using libraries for reading materials, research, or study spaces ...

Libraries are meant to serve everyone in the community, including its unhoused population. While many people think of libraries as solely places for books, studying, or programs, libraries also provide a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may not have access to basic amenities such as bathrooms, wifi, and shelter from the outside elements. Because libraries are free and open to the public, they often become important places for people experiencing houselessness to rest, use computers, access information, and feel a sense of dignity. Article V of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights states, “A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views” (American Library Association). Many unhoused individuals rely on the services libraries provide including internet access, phone charging stations, and connecting with social services. During the NPR broadcast of an episode titled “Dallas Library Embraces R...

As a first-generation college student entering UCSD, I was terrified of being a part of an institution that none of my family members had ever experienced before. It was a completely new experience for not just me, but for my family as well. The library on campus became my safe haven and it was the meet spot for my friends and I! When I was reading Sarah Rose Fitzgerald’s study about library use, student success, and the focus on first generation students, a lot of their findings resonated with my very own experiences. Their study examines how first-generation students have “lower retention rates and greater challenges in higher education” due to not being able to rely on family members nor having other networks and experiences to prepare them for college environments. Fitzgerald et al. runs a study on how library services and spaces have an effect on student success. Geisel Library                          ...

  I remember when I took a linguistics class, the way that languages continue to survive is that they evolve. I believe with the advances in our technology, libraries are the exact same way. We’ve seen the way libraries have updated collections to include computers, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks, streaming services, and many more. However, libraries aren’t just evolving their collections, but the way they interact with their patrons as well! Social networking is crucial in maintaining the relationships between libraries and the communities that they serve.  In Barbara Fiehn’s article “Social Networking Through Your Library Automation System: What Librarians and Vendors have to say”, they see social networking on a whole different perspective! When we think of social networking, most typically think of sites like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other types of social media. In this article, they see opportunities for networking in library wish lists and through their databases. Throug...