The Ripple Effect of Libraries

By Jennifer Lohmann at NoveList

Do you remember the last time you saw a solar eclipse? I do. One passed over southern Idaho when I was in elementary school. I didn’t have solar eclipse glasses (or access to a pair of welding glasses), but I remember standing under the trees outside my dad’s office and then looking away like the smart, rule-following person that I am.

Events like the solar eclipse get entire communities excited. The eclipse is all over social media, including the tidbit that libraries are having programs about the solar eclipse and are a source of those elusive solar eclipse glasses. Of course, storytimes and free glasses are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to resources libraries have on the solar eclipse. Libraries have books, science databases, DVDs, online access to PBS videos, and more. Personally, I’m brushing up on my general “space awareness” by listening to Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Astrophysics for People in a Hurry. Tyson’s rich, deep voice makes for excellent narration. I’m going to listen to the book again — both so that I more fully absorb the information and because it’s great to listen to.

The fact that the eclipse has generated so much interest is a good example of what linked data can do for your library. Not only does linked data put your library’s resources on the web in a searchable format, but linked data makes your library’s data usable — by you.

Want some ideas for getting your library’s resources out there? The new features in your linked data can help you.

· Is your library organizing an eclipse watch? Or handing out glasses? Got a local star gazing organization that’s organizing group viewing? Embeddable widgets can be posted on any website! Any organization can click on the embed link and find the best option to display on their website. All they need to do is copy and paste the code. The widget shows off your library resources and takes anyone who clicks back to your library catalog.

· Share your favorite resources from your library on your social accounts. Social sharing is coming to libraries as they are being refreshed. Simply click and share.

· No reason to limit the excitement about eclipses to the subject heading “solar eclipses”. Embed your library’s collection of biographies of astronomers and the history of astronomy on your social accounts and your blog posts. Encourage your local community groups to do the same. Along with social sharing, newly refreshed linked data pages are getting a navigate function, allowing you and your staff to search for books, authors, and subject headings most appropriate to the programs you’re promoting. Find your navigation under “Services” on your library’s linked data pages.

One of the most satisfying things about being a public librarian is the ripple effect you can have on someone’s life. For many people, the solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime. One of the excited children getting their solar eclipse glasses and juvenile biography of Kepler may grow up to be the next Neil deGrasse Tyson and, in thirty years, I may be reading their book.