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.
Flexibility is really important for library spaces. (In the worst case scenario, because your space is about to be co-opted for someone else's use over your objections, but let's keep that in the back of our minds for now.) I think students, particularly younger ones, spend enough of their time being highly structured and forced into particular schedules; school libraries are supposed to not only serve their education needs, but also to allow them to seek out information at their own pace relevant to their own needs. And it's impossible to understate the importance of this to the STEM disciplines; I firmly believe that a lot of students who have an interest in one of these disciplines and the potential for a bright future can be frightened off by the fear some of their teachers have for the topics. The difference between a future scientist and a future Slurpee machine technician might well be whether your library is engineered to help them guide themselves.
ReplyDeleteDuring library renovations, I think it is important to consider how the library can be a more conducive place for learning. Creating an inviting atmosphere can go a long way in improving patron learning outcomes. I also like that many libraries are developing collaborative areas for patrons.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of having a cafe type space for students to go spend time in is not only a good idea but it's great PR. It shows faculty and students that the library is open and inviting thus improving the library's relationship with its users. As a student who spent most of lunch each day in the library, I would have loved an area like this! The moveable tables are also a great idea, they're probably more comfortable to work at too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe schools are different from when I was in them. But we were not allowed to go to the library unless we had a class in there. Plus it was only open during school hours, ie not before or after school. So I find it difficult to understand why a school library would need to have flexible and comfortable chairs or even a lunch space in it. But I guess if the library is available to students then a haven it should be.
ReplyDeleteMichael, were there any statistics available to show whether student use of the library increased after the renovation?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matthew's implication that giving younger students a bit of power over their environment can make using the library literally feel more comfortable.
Claire, this library was part of a newly constructed 9th grade center (in its first year of operation).
DeleteIn one of my other library classes, there was some objection over the bookstore-arrangement mentality vs the typical library, by-the-Dewey, setup. But if you're going to make a space easier and more accessible to students, perhaps setting it up more like a bookstore (by genre) is the way to go.
ReplyDeleteOnly the Fiction books, which are usually not arranged by Dewey Decimal, were organized by genre so that shouldn't be an issue for the Dewey faithful.
DeleteWhenever I wasn't in theater in high school, I was in the library - I ate my lunch just outside the doors so I could go in after when I finished - we weren't allowed in with food.
ReplyDeleteEverything about libraries and information keeps speeding up, even the furniture! It used to be (and still is in a lot of places) that you invested in heavy sturdy tables and chairs for a library because you'd need them to last a long time. We still need the longevity, but the bulk and size are less valuable as information needs and locations become more fluid (and as people speed up in their interaction with each other and information too). I've posted something like this elsewhere, but it's been sticking in my mind.
-G Streeter
I particularly like the sentence about grouping different types of fiction books together. That would allow for easier browsing. In the library I frequent most often there are two sections of fiction books: science fiction and everything else. What if I want a historical fiction book or a fantasy book. Well, then I have to go on a hunt. Grouping of fiction books is what I would be most excited about if I went to that library.
ReplyDeleteThe article is similar to the things a part-time colleague at CTC library whose primary job is a school librarian in a high school. We have had several discussions regarding the things addressed in the entry. She has mentioned purchasing new more light weight furniture and creating an area where students can play chess before, lunch, and after school. Addressing Jennifer’s comment and agreeing, libraries have definitely changed in many ways since we were kids.
ReplyDeleteangela c
It is extremely important to renovate and update the library. The library is probably the most important building in the school or city. If a library is neat, and renovated patrons will attend. If the library is un updated or broken down patrons will think twice about visiting the library. I will give you a personal story my sister is the librarian at a local elementary school recently she was given a grant for $2,000 to renovate and update the library because the principal felt that it was old and not many students were attending. My sister obliged and during one weekend we drove 350 miles to an IKEA store. She bought stools, desks, beanbags, and modern chairs. Since she has put the new furniture at the library the attendance has increased and the library is the place to be after school. Before the renovation the library was only used by students who needed to go for an assignment now students look forward to going and just relaxing at the library.
ReplyDeleteGreat work, Michael. I know the High School although have never been in the library. Neat to see something local to me being discussed! As more items come preprocessed, work rooms can be smaller or repurposed. Very nice to see it repurposed for the benefit of the students.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brand new 9th grade (only) campus located in south Lewisville, separate from the main LHS campus. Very nice building.
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