Library as a Physical Space

No, I am not a superhero. I do not even take a multi-vitamin. However, I can hold hundreds of books in my hand and even turn the pages with one hand tied behind my back, but using a Kindle, iPad etc, to read will not diminish the need for the physical space in todays libraries. However, the traditional view of spaces that are sterile and quiet is changing.

Reading Chapter 6 in our text, Woolls offers many nuggets of good advice when thinking about the facility that a school calls the library media center. It lists dimensions of shelving regarding width and height and according to the age of students. I don't think I've ever been given that information before. I am very lucky in my current situation. I have a wonderful library that is about 10 years old. Even with the new emphasis on a “learning commons” I feel that I won't have to reconfigure the basic library floor plan for many years, if ever, until I retire.

One interesting thing mentioned by our text book author is the thought that building a new space for the library might be easier than trying to remodel the old one. The old space can be divided for conference rooms, classrooms, reading/technology labs and then the library can be located elsewhere. It reminds me of searching for an emergency exit in the movie theater or maybe an airplane. The closest exit may not be the one in front of you but the one behind you. Though it seems the one in front is logical, it actually is not the best. Therefore, remodeling the old may not be the best.

When planning a new physical space for the 21^st century library, we need to keep in mind the increase of digital resources and the decrease in the need for print material. The concept of a learning commons is the new mindset. The blog article by Michael Whelton and the screencasts by Jessica Hansen give some specific ideas on the transformation from a traditional library to the learning commons. Making a large open space is very important in the design. There needs to be space to encourage collaboration and also space available for individual reading and studying. Many electrical outlets needs to be available as well as smartboards. Also the LMS should encourage collaboration with other core or special subject teachers such as the art and music departments. They can help create areas for performances and galleries.

Tom Corbett in his article in the School Library Monthly, April 2011, mentions that the learning commons concept requires deep consideration of the digital library world. Therefore, the physical space can be effected. It opens up the space to new uses. Not only can they work collaboratively like previously mentioned but they can even produce multi-media projects and get an occasional latte. If I had a library for high school or college students, I would definitely look into the possibility of a place for sipping a beverage while reading or discussing the collaborative project of the day.

Sharry Bryan shared in her screencasts called “Calgary 2012 LC” that there are some common desired outcomes in changing the physical space of the library to a learning commons. One is giving students authentic real world situations. Most careers require working with others to solve problems or at least to get along and to be organized. The learning commons space should be one that students feel is theirs. They should feel free to be creative and have conversations as they problem solve and inquire. I personally changed up the concept of what is appropriate behavior in the library. I think conversations about projects or what someone is reading is exciting and appropriate. 
 

In our text by Woolls, chapter 7 discusses managing personnel. In order for a library media center to reach it's full potential, there must be people employed and/or volunteering that can help patrons with confidence and capability. I'm lucky to have 7^th and 8^th grade library aids almost each hour during the day. How I manage those, since it is a new undertaking, is constantly evolving. I assume to much when it comes to those students. They are the elite well behaved students but sometimes they do not want to put books back on the shelf in the exact spot. They get lazy and have a tendency to wander around unless I give them specific tasks. Sometimes they can make the library run less smooth then when they aren't there.

As the library media specialist, I am in charge and make the final decisions regarding aids and volunteers and even my full time assistant. They are only as good as I train them and if they can't seem to do well, then the hard decision has to be made by me to dismiss them. It is very important to remember that concept and keep the ultimate goals of the LMC in mind when hiring and training personnel. Our text Empowering Learners also emphasis the importance of having full-time highly qualified and certified librarian, but also for qualified support staff. I plan to make sure my volunteers/aids and my valuable full time assistant is better trained to help the library and it's patrons be more successful and thriving.

TEXT: Empowering Learners: Chapter 3, “Staffing” (p. 32); “The Learning Space” (pp. 33-34)

TEXT: Woolls: Chapter 6, “On the Job: Managing the Facility”

TEXT: Woolls: Chapter 7, “On the Job: Managing Personnel”

Corbett, Tom. “The Changing Role of the School Library’s Physical Space.” School Library Monthly. Apr. 2011. Web. 1 June 2012. <http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Corbett2011-v27n7p5.html>.

Bryan, Sherri. "Calgary LC 2012." Calgary LC 2012. Web. 03 June 2012. <http://sites.google.com/site/calgarylc2012/home>.

Hansen, Jessica. "The Learning Commons."Screencast.com. TechSmith. Web. 01 June 2012. <http://bit.ly/Kv4aeF>.

“The Learning Commons: Physical Learning Commons, Virtual Learning Commons.” Screencast.com. TechSmith. Web. 5 June 2012. <http://bit.ly/Kv4Y38>.

Whelton, Michael. “Our 21st Century Learning Commons Journey Begins…” Michael Whelton, 18 Apr. 2012. Web. 3 June 2012. <http://michaelwhelton.com/2012/04/18/our-21st-century-learning-commons-journey-begins/>.