B Y S A N D R A C R U Z

A Welcoming School

Library Environment

Photo retrieved from

www.lociarchitechture.com

Considerations

Your patrons

Age

Interests

Needs

Space

Budget

Technology

The Physical Space

The main goal is to have students feel welcome as they enter the library.

Librarians should aim to keep students coming back…but how?

The physical aspects of a library that should be considered are the following (Mardis 2011) A space for collaboration

Comfort

Clutter-free

User-Friendly

Visually appealing

Photo retrieved from www.librarylearners.com

Collaboration

Libraries are now a place for social interaction and collaboration with peers.

In what ways should a library’s physical space promote collaboration?

Comfortable seating areas that mirror living room designs.

Several electrical outlets at seating areas.

Game tables and lounging space.

Places to eat/drink with peers.

(Cesare 2014)

Photo retrieved from www.cis.edu.dk

Comfort

In what ways can a library be comfortable?

Seating

Lighting

Non-intimidating

Shelves are accessible

All resources are readily

available

(Mardis 2011)

Visually Appealing

What ways can a library be visually appealing for your students?

First and foremost – Library Displays

Keep them updated

Keep in mind who your audience is.

Keep displays clutter-free

Promote several types of genres

Allow for student input

Be creative if you are limited in space – use shelves, desks, tables, counters, window ledges, and bulletin boards (Gall0)

Even the floor and ceiling are excellent spots for displays.

Displays

The following displays are geared towards middle and high school

students during Halloween season.

Photo Retrieved from www.librarydisplays.org

Photo Retrieved from www.ashslibraryhome.weebly.com

Library Displays

These displays would be more appropriate at the elementary level.

The Collection

Signage

Consider Bookstore Shelving (Cesari 2009)

Grouping your collection by interests (Horror, Sports, Classics, Poetry, Graphic Novels, Cookbooks)

More Book Jacket displays rather than spines

Taylorlibrary.blogspot.com

A Welcoming Environment

Other ways to provide a welcoming environment

Atmosphere and mood

WIFI!

Promotions

Hours

Available resources

www.thedigitalshift.com

Mood and Atmosphere

How can a positive mood and atmosphere be created?

Mardis (2011) states that students internalize three ideas when deciding whether a library is suitable for them:

1. Is this my kind of place?

2. Can I be successful here?

3. Does this place fit with the rest of my life?

Ways to target these needs are through modern, quick, and updated technology, databases and library catalog are easily accessible, and by linking the library to social media.

WIFI

One of the most important needs for students is WIFI access (Breeding 2014)

WIFI must be easily accessible and fast.

There must be a generous availability of outlets.

www.longviewlibrary.ca

Cell Phones

Do not ban cell phones…most students use them for web surfing, social media access,

and texting.

Post reminders to keep cell phone use

quiet and silence ringers.

Sarahglassmeyer.comCompliancedesigns.com

Promotions

Keep students motivated to come to library, even when they are not checking out books or using the resources.

Promotions such as contests, book clubs, and activities will get students excited about their library. Book Jacket design contests

Dress-up as your favorite character

Reading clubs such as library web designers,

book talks, and book trailer creations.

Lunchtime reading

Video promotions

ALA.org has several promotional events on

their site

Ala.org

Availability

Your library should be available for all users on an on-demand basis.

Hours Before School and After School

During Lunch

Drop ins welcome

Library Web Page Easy to access from home

Library catalog online

Databases and passwords are

available

Social media connection

watson.wsd3.schoolfusion.us

Other Considerations

Know your students’ needs before you implement change.

Ask students, faculty, and parents for input by providing a needs assessment (Lowe 2009).

Allow students to use their creativity to benefit the library…which in essence, benefits themselves.

Keep up-to-date on technology, resources, and ideas that will impact your 21st century

media center for the greater.

Have fun yourself…

it’s contagious.

Blog.tutor.com

Works Cited

Breeding, M. (2011). Using Technology to Enhance a Library as Place. Computers In Libraries, 31(3), 29-31.

Celebration Weeks & Promotional Events 2014-2015 (2014). American Library Association. Retrieved October 19, 2014, from http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks.

Cesari, L. (2014). Arranging a Library to Support AdoloescentDevelopment. Knowledge Quest, 42(4), 44-48.

Lowe, L. L., & Cummings, R. (2009). Small Spaces, Small Budget, Big Results: Creating a User-centered Learning Space on a Budget. Georgia Library Quarterly, 46(1), 18-21.

Mardis, M. A. (2011). Reflections on School Library as Space, School Library as Place. School Libraries Worldwide, 17(1), I-III.