~ What's going on in today's School LIbraries? ~

School libraries have undergone a dramatic shift in services and design during the past decade. Three areas of focus include: Reference Collections, Libraries as Literacy Centers, and Libraries as Learning Centers.

The short story:
* REFERENCE COLLECTIONS:
Student research has shifted from print-oriented to digital-access. Reference subscription databases offer updated information and connect students to multimedia resources. Librarians spend time teaching students to develop key questions, search efficiently for information, and evaluate online sources critically. Reference and non-fiction book collections are reduced---offering more space for teaching, collaborating, and socializing in the library environment.
Students still need:
1. some updated print materials---school librarians often limit non-fiction book orders to subjects studied on-site.
2. work space---for independent study and also for pairs/groups to work on projects.
3. printers

* LITERACY CENTERS:
Libraries support literacy and love-of-reading. Libraries realize that today's students are overscheduled and that reading as a "free-time" activity is now in competition with video games, computers, and television. How have libraries succeeded in supporting literacy? Librarians are trained to MARKET literature (through visual displays, programming, and booktalking). Libraries are stocked with UPDATED titles. Classic books are on the shelves----but purposefully replaced with new editions (glossy, up-to-date book jackets). Think Barnes&Noble, not the libraries you grew up with.
Getting students hooked on reading:
1. Make the library a cool and inviting environment----color, style, comfort, and visual display are all critical components.
2. Create a community----libraries need to serve as a "down-time" and/or "group" space. Students should be invited to book-related events. Avid readers should be able to build social connections. Reluctant readers should feel success when they do visit the library to check-out a book.
3. Popular books on display....Multiple copies of hot titles....Books recommended by members of school community (Mr. Smith recommends....)

LEARNING CENTERS:
In the 1900's libraries were designed on the "Ford Model" of education. Library floor plans were in neat rows. Library desk carrels were conducive to silent study----a place to memorize information or take notes.
Today's Libraries
1. Maintain spaces for quiet study.
2. Offer ample collaborative work spaces (tables for groups to work on school projects)
3. Place a soft-seating area in direct view of the library entrance. Soft seating is paired with end-tables and ottomans. Newest library soft-chairs include swivel desks that allow students to work on laptops in these areas.
3. Respect needs of different learning styles---this is actualized through a variety of seating, work surfaces, audio-learning options, lighting, different types of work stations.

~ Lisa