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.
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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.
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.
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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
Hey Makeda!
ReplyDeleteI don't use tiktok but I watch a lot of youtube videos and I think the kids like to call it "booktok". I love the fact that videos about books are going viral and more people think reading is cool! Hopefully more librarians will start using tiktok to inform a wider audience about the joys of reading.
What a great topic! I used Tik Tok a lot during my teaching days, but never considered it's use in the library sector. I did not know there were so many cool library Tik Toks! I do agree with the concerns about data security and privacy (I actually deleted my own Tik Tok for this reason) and the spread of harassment and misinformation. However, with the right planning (and children's librarian) this could be a useful endeavour to engage Gen Z. Great perspective!
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