![](https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/csurtc/files/2021/05/Fake-news-300x200.jpg)
Image source: istockphoto.com
The Digital Transformation Video (Qualman,2019) highlights many shifts and trends that impact how libraries and their users behave as individual digital citizens. According to Qualman (2019) two in three people get their news from social media. Accessing news using social media platforms makes convenient sense. However, there is a risk of users being misinformed by fake news. Libraries have a responsibility to ensure that their information policy emphasis is on educating and providing guidance on how to discern credible, accurate and informative news from reliable online sources.
Another shift and trend identified by Qualman (2019) is the influence that social media has to 93% of buying decisions and trends. This percentage surprised me but as the video also mentions, 50% of the world’s population is under 30 years old. A demographic that generally has a healthy disposable income and who are characteristically influenced by trends particularly those on social media. Library policy must use these statistics to leverage the impact that influence and the soft sell of social media has in promoting and marketing their services, increasing user engagement and improving client experience.
![](https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/csurtc/files/2021/05/Goldfish-300x225.jpg)
Image Source: Getty/Cultura RF
It is also not surprising that our attention span is shrinking and sits at 7 seconds, one second less than a goldfish (Qualman, 2019). Technological advances to how we view and interact with social media are changing almost daily. Users are entertained, informed and drawn to various highly stimulating and engaging social media platforms. I am guilty of being drawn, distracted and compelled to regularly engage with social media. Scrolling, reading, watching and trying to cipher and engage with an overwhelming amount of information. It is no surprise that users find it difficult to retain their attention to one post for long. Library policy should guide the amount of content and length of social media posts, including video posts that should be short and cover a single topic or piece of information.
It is astonishing that more people own a mobile device than a toothbrush (Qualman, 2019). It would seem that the influence of social media to stay connected far outweighs our priorities to oral health! Information policy must address this priority to mobile connectivity to include guidelines on privacy, security and confidentially of personal data, copyright, consent and censorship which should all be carefully considered. Further emphasis should address the diversity, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status of these high numbers of mobile device users who are library patrons. Library policy must ensure inclusivity in library information services and engagement.
![](https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/csurtc/files/2021/05/Toothbrush.jpg)
Image source: bentsoncopple.com/
![](https://thinkspace.csu.edu.au/csurtc/files/2021/05/digital-transformation.jpg)
Image source: forbes.com
There is no stopping digital transformation. The choice is how we do it well (Qualman, 2019). A library information policy should inform the establishment of a cross-functional social media team to develop, implement and manage social media to ensure responsible social posting practices, authenticity and transparency. Policy must ensure that the library seeks innovative technologies and platforms as a way for users to engage, collaborate with, locate and utilise information and library services.
References
Digital transformation [Online image]. https;//www.forbes.com
Fake news [Online image]. https://www.istockphoto.com
Goldfish [Online image]. https://www.google.com/search
Qualman, E. (2019, January 9). Digital transformation video [Video file]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k_G_h41ZaQ
Toothbrush and mobile phone [Online image]. https://www.bentsoncopple.com