A Modern Library Space

A 21st century library has evolved into something beyond just a library space. A modern library has become not only a space of study and knowledge but of collaboration and innovation, creating a new ecosystem of learners. Libraries are starting to move into a community driven space, so what should that look like?

I believe the library is a learning space, but learning can come in many different forms. A library space should not only promote the study of academic subjects but also promote the improvement of life skills such as collaboration and critical thinking. A “LLC [(Library Learning Commons)] strives to empower students to be inquiring citizens and lifelong learners” (3 From School Library To Library Learning Commons). The LLC should provide a space for all kinds of learning, instead of focusing on one. An LLC can promote these learning formats through events, presentations and volunteering, where students have the opportunity to learn about themselves and others together. Events hosted by the library can open doors to new opportunities for students, whether it be a field of interest, an educational opportunity or a way to reach out to their community; such as fundraisers and volunteering in the community. Volunteering in the library and becoming a part of the Library Advisory Team is a great opportunity for students to learn important skills such as organization, teamwork, customer service and problem-solving skills. These may not be tied to any academic field or be part of their school curriculum but these are the skills that stay with students for the rest of their lives. A library is a provider of knowledge through its collection and through opportunities such as events being a space for collaboration. While teamwork is a very important skill, it should not overshadow the building of intrapersonal skills. A library is also a space for individuals, an educational space for one to focus on themselves and build self-sufficiency. An LLC should be open to those who come to study, learn, and work on themselves, which often requires a quiet individual space which is accessible with its collection and technology that the library offers. This is where the LLC needs to be flexible, it needs to provide a space for both collaboration and for individual learning. One cannot overshadow the other as both are a priority for the LLC. This would most likely be separated by rooms or floors, creating sections for each type of activity where they do not disturb anyone outside of it. If the library space does not allow for large individual spaces the LLC may need to prioritize activities depending on student needs. Another way of going about it is reserving the library for certain activities to provide the certain activity such as study time, presentations and events which often times cannot co-exist with more collaborative activities and spaces. To sustain these activities the space needs to provide its community with access to certain needs which include “physical, intellectual, real, virtual, socio-economic, and cultural access” (8 From School To Library Learning Commons). This accessibility reflects in the libraries collection which should be able to provide “Lively and current fiction and non-fiction collections” (9 From School To Library Learning Commons), which include both pass-time reading material and educational texts. Access should also reflect in technology access, mostly in computer and internet access but also should include projectors, tablets, accessories such as headphones, microphones, mouses, and other technology that could enhance the community learning and wellbeing. Now that learning has become very digital in the classroom libraries should be able to provide students with access to that digital learning through software, and technology collection which is to be updated as new resources may come into use. For example Word, if students have access to Word during class, they should be able to use it outside of the classroom as well to further their learning and work on class assignments and study class material on their own; but also have access to that collaborative community within the LLC that could together engage in the learning through the shared use of Word.

Ultimately, libraries are moving towards a more collaborative and accessible culture and need to be able to build a space where the community feels heard, understood and provided to. Collaboration can take form of activities such as clubs, events and classes, but libraries must not forget about the communities need to study and learn alone in a quiet space, which could take form of quiet study time or a reserved space. Both activities need to have access to both a varied collection and modern technology which is to be equipped with updated software that is also used in the classroom. A library must build its space for the community’s needs, and prioritize what the community wants through communication and understanding of different needs. The LLC is a constant ongoing project which is expected to undergo change and innovation which is driven by the community and the staff.