Convergence and Information Centers

Information centers are often regarded as the cultural and learning hub of their communities. In order to
deepen community engagement and social inclusion, libraries are adopting new
technologies to facilitate a participatory and learning culture.

A variety of platforms are used for the purpose of communicating and providing access to users and there communities at large. The typical gadgets that is the smartphone or tablet now incorporates digital technologies such as Geo-location, audio, video, photo, and web technologies. Bringing all of these technologies into a single device has enabled the development of apps such as Instagram, HistoryPin and Sound Cloud. It has also changed the way users engage with established social networks such as Facebook
and Twitter, and photo-sharing sites such as Flickr.  

Users have the ability to create and share content on an unprecedented scale from any accessible WiFi or mobile phone network. Libraries are embracing these technology-rich apps to interact with their customers in many different ways. 

For example, HistoryPin allows libraries to share their archival collections connecting images with physical space through the use of the HistoryPin GPS app. HistoryPin also facilitates online social interaction where users are invited to share comments or memories about pictures and contribute their own photos to
match old images.

Benefits of using these technologies are

1.  Increased discoverability of library collections can be achieved through creative leverage of established and emerging converged media platforms, thereby increasing the value of library collections to the community. 
2.  Libraries can continue to evolve as transparent, engaged, responsive cultural organizations through the principles of participatory culture, by going beyond the role of trainer to become an active participant.
3. Libraries can enhance connections and must seek more meaningful participation with online communities through opportunities presented in the converged media environment.