Technology

Our rapidly changing digital culture poses a challenge since the Internet can fulfil many of the traditional functions of the library (Wyatt, Mcquire & Butt, 2017, p. 2935). Librarians must rise to meet the inevitable encroachment of technology, keeping up to date to stay relevant and helpful to patrons (Anderson, 2020, p. 7). 

In recent years, TikTok has emerged as one of the world’s most popular social media apps and, in 2020, was one of the top five most downloaded apps for Apple and Android devices (Anderson, 2020, p. 7). Admittedly, I scorned it as mindless Gen Z entertainment, which is hypocritical as I am only Gen Y and frequently engage with most other popular social media sites.

For my professional development, I decided to overcome my TikTok aversion and explore the app to see what value it might have for librarians. 

Hello I'm Nik, 2020

What struck me most when I signed in was the extraordinarily vibrant, colourful and busy interface. Video, music and text compete to grab users’ attentions, which at first can be overwhelming. Luckily, TikTok provides a guided tutorial for first-time users. 

I searched for library-related hashtags and surprisingly found viral-level views: #librariansoftiktok has 55.3 million views, #librarian 60.8 million, while just the term ‘library’ has an astounding 489.6 million views; not to mention the plethora of similar terms. 

These short, looping videos were diverse, ranging from humour to library craft ideas (such as @carolllblo, who paints ceiling tiles to look like book covers), and instructional shorts about repairing damaged library books, covering them in library binding, and more.

Screenshot of TikTok user @carolllblo's 'Ceiling tiles part 7' video

I realised I was wrong to judge an entire app without using it and that there is valuable content to be found. 

Libraries usually use social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to connect with patrons, including my local Gold Coast branches, so employing TikTok would be a natural progression and might draw younger generations who use the app. 

Why Librarians Should Embrace TikTok

• Even if its popularity wanes or another app replaces it, librarians can still use the skills and tools they developed using TikTok for the next app, such as “video creation and sharing” and modern cultural phenomena like “memes, challenges and trends” (Anderson, 2020, pp. 7-8)
• Librarians can learn about the ‘cultural sensibilities’ and ‘digital lives’ of younger patrons (p. 8) — better understanding means better service
• TikTok can be used for “outreach and marketing”, to inform patrons about library collections, programs and services, promote events, and give guided tours of library spaces (p. 10)
• Librarians can use TikTok’s widespread popularity to attract patrons to the library, with some already creating TikTok clubs (p. 10)

However, as with any social media app, TikTok raises concerns about data security, safety, privacy, the spread of misinformation, censorship, hate speech, and harassment (pp. 9-10). Anderson (2020) reminds librarians to be aware of the app’s benefits and drawbacks while suggesting this provides an opportunity for librarians to teach patrons about these issues (p. 10).

Reference List

Anderson, K. E. (2020). Getting acquainted with social networks and apps: it is time to talk about TikTok. Library Hi Tech News, 37(4), 7-12.

https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-01-2020-0001

City of Gold Coast. (n.d.). Connect with us. https://new.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/libraries/Home

Tik Tok. (n.d.) Caroline Elizabeth (@carolllblo). https://www.tiktok.com/@carolllblo?lang=en

Wyatt, D., McQuire, S., & Butt, D. (2017). Libraries as redistributive technology: From capacity to culture in Queensland’s public library network. New Media & Society, 20(8), 2934-2953. https://journals-sagepub-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/doi/10.1177/1461444817738235