The position’s of libraries on social media

This research examines how public perceptions of libraries, expressed through social media discourse, influence their role as public spaces. Using qualitative methods and data collected from various online sources, including Twitter, blogs, and news articles, the study analyzed 18,461 texts related to libraries in Indonesia. Out of these, 82 texts were selected for critical discourse analysis, revealing that social media discourses about libraries are subjective and open to interpretation rather than representing absolute truth.

Indonesia’s library history dates back to royal periods, notably during the Srivijaya and Majapahit Kingdoms. Public awareness of libraries emerged during Dutch colonial rule in 1778. Library expansion began in 1969 alongside the implementation of PELITA. However, as of May 2022, only 22% of Indonesia has library facilities. Factors such as book availability, facility completeness, and speech culture impact community literacy. Libraries are viewed as book warehouses due to their inability to meet digital native needs, leading to low borrowing rates and e-library usage.

Yet, libraries have evolved to offer work skill development, digital resources, and social media management, countering negative perceptions. Understanding public discourse about libraries, especially on social media, is crucial for improving library services. With technology advancements, libraries integrate social media to attract users and stay relevant. Analyzing social media discourse helps library managers enhance services, considering the diverse user base and the influential role of discourse in shaping perceptions and actions.

The discourse on libraries in Indonesia varies across different regions, highlighting diverse perspectives and roles attributed to these institutions. Initially, libraries were primarily perceived as sources of information, but emerging narratives challenge this notion, emphasizing their broader roles in facilitating learning and social engagement. Contrary to previous findings, some provinces view libraries solely as tourism facilities, promoting social interactions and well-being through shared laughter and community engagement. Libraries are increasingly recognized as spaces for joint learning, fostering academic and non-academic development, particularly in Papua, South Sulawesi, and West Kalimantan.

Moreover, libraries are acknowledged as platforms for self-development, with a focus on informal learning opportunities to nurture individual potential. However, achieving this requires commitment from library managers and librarians. Libraries play a crucial role in improving community resources, not only by providing facilities but also through effective promotion and branding strategies, utilizing social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok to engage with users, particularly the youth.

Despite these positive narratives, negative perspectives exist, such as viewing libraries merely as complementary facilities or outdated repositories. Libraries are criticized for their lack of updated collections and failure to adapt to the digital age. However, ongoing transformations, including the shift towards electronic collections and the integration of artificial intelligence, indicate a modernization of library services.

These contrasting discourses reflect varying perceptions and interpretations of libraries’ roles and relevance within society. It’s essential to recognize the complexity of these perspectives, acknowledging that each narrative reflects individual biases and understanding of the library’s significance. Ultimately, these diverse viewpoints contribute to a nuanced understanding of libraries’ evolving roles and challenges in contemporary Indonesia.

Based on the findings, three recommendations are suggested:

Library managers should actively manage their reputation on social media in response to negative discourse, addressing criticisms constructively to improve the library’s image.
Libraries should conduct periodic discourse analysis to understand evolving trends on social media, enabling them to adapt programs and services to meet community needs effectively.
Diversified communication strategies should be employed, involving communicators from different backgrounds to ensure a balanced narrative that reaches diverse audience groups through collaborative events, articles, and various social media platforms.

The study examines discourse surrounding libraries on social media, revealing diverse perspectives shaped by users’ biases and experiences. Researchers utilized the Brand24 app to collect thousands of texts, identifying fourteen positive and seven negative discourses. Positive discourse highlights libraries’ societal benefits, while negative discourse criticizes their condition and limited resources. Employing Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Derrida’s deconstructive method, the study emphasizes the dynamic nature of social media discourse and the need for balanced analysis. It underscores the influence of cognitive factors on individuals’ perceptions, showing how varying levels of knowledge and experience shape attitudes towards libraries. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the importance of analyzing multiple viewpoints to uncover the complex truths behind library discourse and avoid singular interpretations.

Source:

Dessy Harisanty, Rahma Sugihartati, Koko Srimulyo & Norizan Anwar (2024) The position’s of libraries on social media, Cogent Social Sciences, 10:1, DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2023.2287117