I once posited my thoughts on the library of the future and suggested
that I could probably do away if 1/3 of my space and still have a great
facility. I envisioned less books shelves, more student "production"
areas and more computers.
This thread is making me take an even closer analysis of what I do and
what I have. We rarely have a situation where teachers "require"
students to use print resources. Our online databases are superb, and
with good instruction we are doing a good job of getting students to go
there instead of simply using search engines.
We've done away with allow of our "research" periodicals, but our
periodical count remains the same, if not higher, with almost all
high-interest magazines. Our fiction collection is completely paperback
and we weed it constantly, replacing tattered books (the most read) and
culling out old chestnuts.
Now I'm thinking of going very radical and I've had a discussion with
my colleague about weeding a third or more of our collection. Why are we
keeping these books if NO ONE READS OR USES THEM? We tossed around the
idea of putting in 8 to 10 sofas with coffee tables. Putting in a big
student production area where groups can work together with supplies and
computers readily available. Even getting a wireless transmitter so that
students can bring their own laptops in.
We also talked about the idea of getting more bookstore style shelving
to highlight different high interest books in our collection, like our
graphic novels.
Ours is jam packed before school and during lunch. Our kids are great,
there are study groups and students doing homework. Lots of kids
checking out the latest magazines. And every computer is being used,
even though we do not allow games or music (How Luddite!).
Having no library in a high school is really a sad situation. It does
seem to imply that there is no point of having a librarian either. I
think the architects are missing the point. A library is more than just
book shelves, and way more than just another computer lab!
Just my thoughts.
Have a great weekend!
Adam
Adam Janowski
Library Media Specialist
Naples High School
1100 Golden Eagle Circle
Naples, FL 34102
E-mail: NHSWebmaster@collier.k12.fl.us
Phone: 239-377-2210
Fax: 239-377-2370
Library web site: http://collier.k12.fl.us/nhs/lmc/
School web site: http://collier.k12.fl.us/nhs/
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