My thoughts about the library

Switching the furniture from the heavy-duty, virtually immovable tables and chairs that had originally ordered for the library to the moveable tables and chairs makes the library space tremendously more flexible and allows for classes to utilize the space as well as small groups and individuals. Kudos to the librarian for sacrificing a workroom to create a café-like space where students can gather to socialize over lunch or breakfast.

Grouping fiction books into genres allows the students to more easily browse their favorite type of fiction. According to the librarian, students really seem to enjoy the library space since there are usually a large number of students reading, working on computers and hanging out in the café. Overall, I think this library is the best example of the learning commons concept that I’ve seen in person. I’ll certainly try to incorporate as many of these ideas as I can when I manage my own school library.

Introduction to the library

For the User-Centered Spaces assignment, I’ve selected Lewisville High School – Harmon Campus, a 9^th grade center, which opened in August 2011. The library serves approximately 800 9^th grade students, as part of Lewisville High School within the Lewisville Independent School district. The library is located near the center of the building and in close proximity of the main entrance. It’s an open, inviting space with lots of natural light. Initially, the furniture chosen for the library was the heavy, conventional style of table and chairs that are found in many libraries. Working with the district library director, the Harmon campus librarian was able to furnish the library with tables and chairs that would better facilitate rearranging for group and class activities. There are also some comfortable chairs to encourage silent reading. The computers found in the library are laptops which further facilitate the flexibility desired for the library space.  From the beginning, fiction books were grouped by genre rather than arranged alphabetically. There is also an adjacent computer lab for use by classes with their teacher. Additionally, a designated library staff workroom was re-purposed as a student “café” furnished with small, Starbucks™-type -type tables and barstools where students can gather during lunch as well as before and after school.