Is Our Library At An Acceptable Level?
I feel that our library meets the standard of acceptable. As the criteria states it is “a barrier-free learning environment that ensures access to a centrally organized collection of learning resources. The school library is an inviting, safe, and stimulating place for individuals and small and large groups to use for research, browsing, listening, viewing, and reading. There may be a limited production area. The design of the facility supports the wide range of activities that comprise resource-based learning and teaching” (National Standards).
Our library allows for good flow of students throughout the space. It also is organized in a way which allows easy access to the book shelves. The library is also very open with lots of windows. This provides the space with a lot of natural light. It also makes it aesthetically appealing, especially on bright sunny days. Due to the light and layout, there are good sightlines so that the teacher-librarian and teachers can supervise the students. There is a great deal of resources available to students including computers and other audio-visual equipment. These characteristics make the library at my school on par with the acceptable standard from the “National Standards” document.
While our library does have a lot of positive attributes, there are areas where improvement could occur. For instance, the acoustics in the library are poor. The library has a very high ceiling and the space itself is quite sparse. As a result, the acoustics are poor. This makes it difficult for students to work quietly as their every noise is amplified by the glass windows and high ceiling. The library also does not have access to adjacent computer labs. While it is located next to a computer lab, this space has been used for the Planning 10 classroom. As a result, less library users have access to digital resources found online.
The aspect of our library which requires the greatest amount of change is its layout. The space is set up in a way which only allows one group of students (one class) to be in the library at a time. As a result, multiple user groups can not be in the library working on a range of activities. This has caused teachers to have to sign up for library privileges weeks in advance. The teachers who are unable to book time in the library never get a chance to explore all that the library has to offer them and their students.
Changing the Library: A Physical or Mental Thing?
I think that if your library is not up to standard then changing need to occur. While I am not a big proponent of change, when I realize something could be done better I am all for making the change.
Our library needs to make several changes which I have previously explained. Firstly, the configuration of the space could be changed so that there are distinct learning/work areas. This would allow more than one class to be in the library and working on different tasks at the same time. This change is possible and could potentially be inexpensive with the purchase of dividers, the reconfiguration of shelves or the purchase of different furniture. While cost could be a deterrent to making these changes, inexpensive solutions could be developed if the teacher-librarian worked in conjunction with administrators and members of the district offices.
While change can be costly and difficult, if there is a way to make it happen so that students will benefit, then I feel that the changes have to be encouraged and made.
It’s a Sign
After completing the readings for lesson thirteen I decided to conduct an inventory of the different signs in our school library. In total I found seven different types of signs located throughout the library. I feel that many of these signs are beneficial for both the teacher-librarian as well as the users.
The first sign I saw when entering the library was with regards to hours. The hours were clearly stated on the front door in large readable font. This sign is definitely needed so that students understand when they can access the library.
The next sign I saw was just inside the door. This sign listed the rules and expectations of students. I believe that the placement of this sign is important as if students do not see that there are clearly identifiable rules they may take advantage of their time in the library.
After entering the library I approached the circulation desk. Above the desk was a large sign stating, “Reference Desk.” On the desk was another sign stating, “Please check out books here.” Both of these signs are clearly visible and ensure students know where to sign out resources.
Above the book shelves are signs which state what subject/category of books would be found on those shelves. The signs are in bold writing and hang clearly above each shelf. On the front of each shelving unit is a sign with the Dewey Decimal reference numbers for the books on each shelf. This aids users in finding where their desired book would be.
While all of the above signs make the library more user friendly, there is one sign which I dislike. On every computer monitor there is a list of acceptable uses for computers. However, rather than focus on what students could use it for, the sign states all of the things students can not do. I can appreciate that being explicitly clear on what is not acceptable is important, they seem to take away from the joy and excitement of using technology. By placing these negative signs on every computer I feel like the teacher-librarian is limiting students experience with digital resources as they are fearful of going to the “wrong sites.”
Signage plays a key role in the library. I think our library makes use of signs which make the space more users friendly. However, I do feel that there are ways of focusing on the positives rather than negatives.
Maybe what our library needs is a sign that says, “Smile!”
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