Library Spaces

Library Spaces

            This was a fascinating group of articles, blogs and video. There were too many to talk about each one, but I will say, I learned an awful lot about creating a learning commons. There were some remarkable examples of creative, exciting and inviting library spaces in the videos. I loved the openness of so many of the libraries and the colorful pictures and words on the walls. One of my favorite libraries had a big dragon on one wall and a castle on another with open seating that made me want to just sit down and read a book or watch a puppet show.

            The big idea I came away with is that there is no one design that works for every library. Each school library was different and yet, striking and inviting in different ways. There were some good design principles laid out, like make your space flexible, put things on wheels, buy comfortable seating that can be easily moved, put in a lot of outlets all over the library, so the students can recharge their iPhones, laptops and other electronic devices. Figure out first what the different needs of the learners are, then plan the space. I loved the fact that so many of the libraries created social areas where students could hang out, talk and play video games, but they also had small-group work spaces, event spaces, computer labs and video labs.

            Each library took the time to find out what the students and staff needed to build a community of learners that is alive, excited and dynamic. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for libraries if these are the libraries of the future.

Citation:

“Library Spaces.” Elementary Library Routines. 27 May 2011. Web. <http://elementarylibraryroutines.wikispaces.com/Library+Spaces>

Lori Jane Perdew

LIS 5240