The first three spaces all deal with groups of different sizes. Being able to work with a group is important for projects, whether you’re working on a class assignment, a new marketing strategy, or other discussions. Rendina suggests having several different ways of sharing information, like dry erase boards and technology sharing options.[2] Working in a library, I’ve seen the use of these tools prove to be highly useful for collaboration. The importance of flexible furnishing is also stressed. Larger spaces also make it possible to hold functions and special events for big groups. Even if you don’t have a large meeting room, if you have easily movable furnishings, you can make this kind of event possible in another area of your library.[3]

Technology isn’t really optional anymore. Too many parts of life depend on Internet access for libraries not to be providing technology to patrons in one way or another. In a 2013 Pew Internet study, 77 percent of survey respondents reported technology access as an important library service.[4] As Rendina points out, many tech options can be offered from desktops, laptops, and tablets to specialty software that allows for creation and learning. As more technology is readily available, libraries need to continue to evolve and provide access to things patrons may not be able to access as easily, like specialty software and hardware.[5]

The fifth area that Rendina cites is a quiet place.[6] Often when I’m working on the public service desk, I’ll be asked where a quiet place can be found. Many people need a more silent environment to focus on their work, and when you have several places that focus on group meetings, you need to also try to provide for the person working on his/her own. The Pew Internet Study found that quiet spaces were important to respondents even while some libraries have become a bit more boisterous over time.[7]

Finally, makerspaces are recommended as an important active learning space.[8] I work in a department that has two rooms specifically for making. They provide fantastic opportunities for using fabrication machinery and attending hands-on learning activities; however, makerspaces don’t have to be a permanent structure. Any meeting room or open area can become a makerspace for a few hours. Activities can be just about anything—coding to coloring to sewing to 3D printing. Makerspaces can provide something for any interest.

The beauty of the library is that it can be many things to many people. Providing a variety of spaces to your patrons will help you meet their needs and have many happy returns.

References:

[1] “Active Learning,” Center for Research on Learning and Teaching.

[2] Diana Rendina, “6 Active Learning Spaces Your Library Should Have,” Knowledge Quest Blog, January 27, 2016.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Kathryn Zickuhr, Lee Rainie and Kristen Purcell, “Library Services in the Digital Age,” Pew Internet and American Life Project, January 22, 2013.

[5] Diana Rendina, “6 Active Learning Spaces Your Library Should Have,” Knowledge Quest Blog, January 27, 2016.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Kathryn Zickuhr, “Should libraries shush? ” Pew Internet and American Life Project, February 6, 2013.

[8] Diana Rendina, “6 Active Learning Spaces Your Library Should Have,” Knowledge Quest Blog, January 27, 2016.

The post Provide a Variety of Library Spaces first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

“Whisper Fight, ” a library-related commercial that aired during the Super Bowl, made a lot of us think of things like that desert, at least to the extent of considering just how quiet a library should or shouldn’t be. If you haven’t seen it yet, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kMWLYYcAYw] check it out now. It’s not only safe for work, you won’t even need to turn down your volume. Call it “research.” A Fall 2012 Pew Internet survey (3) noted that around 95% of all Americans viewed “quiet study spaces” as either very or somewhat important (76% choosing “very important”) for libraries to offer. And of course people immediately jumped on both sides of that issue with good points to make. Pointing out that  xpectations for quiet, contemplative spaces need to be met (4). but also that  providing spaces for conversations promote the idea of the library as a community-centered social space.. In the end, we try to find a good balance with the space we have.

I like that we don’t shy away from having some noise in the library. Whenever the shusher in me rises up, I consider how sad it would be if there weren’t people in the library to make that noise, and weigh that against anyone else in that space who might be trying to study. It’s amazing how much good individual PR you get when you’re consistent but reasonable.

Just protect some quiet spaces. That goes for my desert too.

________________________

1) Oreo.com. “Whisper Fight.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kMWLYYcAYw

2) Rooney, Jennifer. Forbes (Feb 4, 2013). http://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferrooney/2013/02/04/behind-the-scenes-of-oreos-real-time-super-bowl-slam-dunk/

3) Zikhuhr, Kathryn, et al. “Library Services in the Digital Age,” released Jan 22, 2013 (Pew Internet & American Life Project).

http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/01/22/library-services/

4) Miller, Laura. Salon. http://www.salon.com/2013/01/31/bring_back_shushing_librarians/

The post Quiet Spaces first appeared on Public Libraries Online.