Keywords
social capital, YouTube, third space, social media
Description
The library is a source of social capital. Several studies have examined how library spaces, services, and programs generate social capital. In this manner, the physical library became the third space, following the first and second spaces of home and work. However, during the global lockdown, the third space closed its doors and redirected its attention to social media platforms. While libraries have been engaged in Web 2.0 endeavours since the early 2000s, maintaining social network presence has not been an option. Libraries were given the opportunity to reengage with social media as a result of the pandemic, and new chat services were developed as a result. However, chat services cannot replace the social connection that library patrons experience when they visit the library. As a result, YouTube became a medium for maintaining social relationships. Hence, YouTube had eliminated the library's status as the third space and elevated itself to that position. In what manner was this accomplished? The YouTube channel has been used by YouTubers to post videos in which students can experience the library atmosphere by listening to music and viewing an image of bookshelves. Using these videos, users were able to engage with one another and find a quiet place to study while listening to the library's ambience. Although these YouTubers are not LIS professionals, they have managed to garner between 1.2 million and 1.4 million subscribers and provide users with a glimpse into the library. Although social media platforms or chat services are available, libraries have a much lesser influence, and despite the fact that social capital is formed in libraries, we are reluctant to explore outside the box ventures. The purpose of this paper is to examine how YouTube became the third library space and how it has succeeded in building social capital for users. Additionally, the article will shed light on how libraries may reclaim their third space.
Adams Paper
The YouTube social capital - library users finding a place and space on YouTube
The library is a source of social capital. Several studies have examined how library spaces, services, and programs generate social capital. In this manner, the physical library became the third space, following the first and second spaces of home and work. However, during the global lockdown, the third space closed its doors and redirected its attention to social media platforms. While libraries have been engaged in Web 2.0 endeavours since the early 2000s, maintaining social network presence has not been an option. Libraries were given the opportunity to reengage with social media as a result of the pandemic, and new chat services were developed as a result. However, chat services cannot replace the social connection that library patrons experience when they visit the library. As a result, YouTube became a medium for maintaining social relationships. Hence, YouTube had eliminated the library's status as the third space and elevated itself to that position. In what manner was this accomplished? The YouTube channel has been used by YouTubers to post videos in which students can experience the library atmosphere by listening to music and viewing an image of bookshelves. Using these videos, users were able to engage with one another and find a quiet place to study while listening to the library's ambience. Although these YouTubers are not LIS professionals, they have managed to garner between 1.2 million and 1.4 million subscribers and provide users with a glimpse into the library. Although social media platforms or chat services are available, libraries have a much lesser influence, and despite the fact that social capital is formed in libraries, we are reluctant to explore outside the box ventures. The purpose of this paper is to examine how YouTube became the third library space and how it has succeeded in building social capital for users. Additionally, the article will shed light on how libraries may reclaim their third space.