Books vs Screens: Is TikTok the New Library?

TikTok is one of the latest social black holes – a site to get lost in, watching endless bite sized videos of absolutely anything and everything.  It can be addictive; some have likened it to junk food, and you never quite know what the algorithm will show you next.  There is, however, a growing trend for #BookTok, a vibrant online community elevating the platform into a unique space where book lovers passionately share uploaded videos waxing lyrical about the realms of literature, sparking a virtual celebration of diverse narratives.  Whole colourful bookshelves are paraded before an eager audience and it has revolutionised advertising for new books.  As a Librarian deeply engaged in encouraging a love for reading among pupils, I couldn't help but explore the impact of TikTok on our school Library and the broader literary landscape.

However, I received an unexpected insight in the Library this week whilst chatting about books with a Year 11 voracious reader; not unusual for a Librarian, one might say, until I mentioned #BookTok.  She promptly rolled her eyes at me. ‘Uh oh’, I thought. ‘I’m not the cool librarian I thought I was!’  She simply told me that in the beginning it was “really cool” for book suggestions but nowadays they always seem to be promoting the same genre, fantasy books.  ‘But you like fantasy books’, I said. ‘Yeah, but once you have seen one #booktok about ACOTAR, you get bored!’  This revelation was both surprising and reassuring.  Thankfully, it affirmed the unique role of the school library, which offers a diverse collection beyond the repetitive trends.

I will admit that I have partaken in TikTok, just to see what it is all about, and yes, I can see that it could be addictive.  I followed several school librarians and ‘booktokkers’ and discovered an array of creative ideas that could be adapted to enhance our own Library space.   The power of a well-crafted TikTok recommendation is such that it can turn a seemingly mundane book into a must-read sensation, captivating the entire pupil body.  Even Amazon has acknowledged the frenzy of books highlighting them as #BookTok trendy.  Colleen Hoover books are an excellent example of this, now affectionately referred to as ‘CoHo’ by her fans, her books flew off the shelves of booksellers and libraries.  Witnessing these books fly off the shelves, I seized the opportunity to offer additional recommendations, creating a ripple effect as pupils read and returned for more.

So, is TikTok the new Library?  Not in this school's Library!  While TikTok has undeniably contributed to the reading enthusiasm, the Library continues to be a sanctuary where pupils can delve into a diverse array of genres, discover hidden gems, and engage in meaningful discussions about literature.  As a Librarian, I am invigorated by the endless possibilities that the digital era brings.  The evolving landscape of technology and social media presents exciting opportunities to connect with our pupils and cater to their ever-changing needs and interests.  While TikTok has carved its niche in the literary world, our school Library stands resilient, ready to inspire generations of readers to come.