Columbus, Ohio, middle school librarian Karen Yingling encouraged her own children to think, act, and read outside gender norms: Her daughters mowed the lawn and played with dirt, and her son even had a doll named Bob. She found it more difficult, however, to gain the reading attentions of her male students with suggestions like Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls when asked for spy books.^[2] One brilliant idea turned the tide.

Faced with a rejection of “girly” books by the boys, Yingling gathered the popular eighth grade football players and filled them in on her secret plan. The boys agreed but could not resist some snickering at the idea of reading girls’ books. Once the football players were seen reading those materials, Boys Read Pink was born. Yingling notes that while some boys took to it with “gusto,” others were a bit shy and asked for the books to be covered.^[3]

In sparking this movement, Yingling is subverting decades of cultural norms. Journalist Adrienne LaFrance discusses this turn toward going outside gender boundaries. She speaks with a number of parents who found themselves wanting broader boundaries of expression for their children, feeling uncomfortable denying their sons the right to wear pink and sparkles or their daughters to have “Darth Vader Vs. Elsa” parties. Boys, however, face those same constraints but “tend to get less attention,” she writes.^[4]

Scottish book blogger Lindsay Quayle also discussed the trending changes in gender norms, particular in reading materials and habits. She, too, sees the turning tide, addressing a reader’s concern for her son’s current “girly” tastes. She ultimately believes it is not a matter of books suitable for separate genders, but a matter of whether individual books are suited for individual children. Allowing children to read whatever they want fosters a love of reading. With parental guidance, children should have that element of choice. “No,” she asserts, “there shouldn’t be such a thing as a girl’s book or a boy’s book. And yes, absolutely, your child should read what he likes best, however pink it is.”^[5] She ends the post by highlighting the work of Marjorie Blackman and other British authors who are taking a stand against the gendering of books.

In the end, Yingling’s Boys Read Pink movement is not about making waves, but about giving youth the freedom to read as they choose. For boys, in particular, this means taking away the shame of being seen reading a “girl” book. “It’s one thing to claim that there is no difference in what middle school boys and girls should read, but that doesn’t get readers to change their habits or challenge their preconceived notions about gender,” she stresses.^[6] Yingling hopes people can learn to extend this idea beyond books and learn to see people the same way.

Further Reading

• Allison Flood, “Campaign to end gender-specific children’s books gathers support.”

References

[1] Adrienne LaFrance, “The Princess Revolution,” Atlantic, May 11, 2016.

[2] Karen Yingling, “Challenging Gender Norms with “Boys Read Pink” Celebration,” School Library Journal, May 18, 2016.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Adrienne LaFrance, “The Princess Revolution.”

[5] Lindsay Quayle, “Bookbug Detective: Should Boys Read Pink Books?,” Scottish Book Trust [blog], September 3, 2015.

[6] Karen Yingling, “Challenging Gender Norms with “Boys Read Pink” Celebration.”

The post Boys Read Pink: Challenging Gender Norms first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

A significant portion of the over seven billion dollars’ worth of damage was suffered by Nepal’s public libraries. Libraries and archives there saw quite a bit of damage after the quakes and aftershocks, one of which measured 7.3. In particular, many of the Rural Education and Development (READ) centers, partners of ALA, suffered damage, along with the surrounding communities. The Nepal Library Relief Fund was set up to rebuild archives and libraries in Nepal damaged by the earthquakes.

Three major libraries in particular were dealt a severe blow by the quake. The Nepal National Library, Kaiser Library, and the central library at Tribhuvan University (TU) all saw extensive damage: buildings were devastated, shelving and racks destroyed, and books ruined by the subsequent rains and water damage. The National Library is still not able to allow anyone inside, and more than a hundred thousand books are trapped inside to face decay, insect activity, and more. Kaiser has had a bit more luck, able to let patrons inside to select the books still accessible; however, they must be read outside, as the building is not stable. The TU library sustained significant damage to the first floor materials, but quick-thinking librarians shifted books to more stable parts of the building and a number of areas important to the university library’s function have returned to life.^[2]

Resource

There are a number of ways to help:

• You can donate directly to the Nepal Library Relief Fund through ALA or this donation form.
• The NLRF page also has information on the affected libraries. Libraries can partner with Nepal to become sister libraries or adopt a library; e-mail ALA’s Michael Dowling for more information.
• Visit the READ webpage for further ways to help Nepal’s information seekers and professionals get back on their feet.

Even after more than a year, there is still a long way to go.

References

[1] Nikhil Kumar, “Why Nepal Is Still in Rubble a Year After a Devastating Quake,” Time, April 24, 2016.

[2] Sabitri Dhakal, “Libraries struggling to survive,” Himalayan Times, April 24, 2016.

The post Nepal’s Public Libraries Still in Distress After 2015 Earthquake first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Back in February, as part of the Eugene McDermott Award in the Arts honor, MIT convened a panel of various experts to discuss the changing needs of libraries, particularly areas fostering collections, research, public engagement, and technology. The purpose of the panel was to honor the award winner and utilize the expertise of architects, librarians, archivists, and other relevant professionals to help all libraries move into the future as integral parts of the public sphere. While essentially a discussion of experts, a meeting of minds, this panel served to foster a conversation which should ultimately lead to solution, as one panellist shared about his architectural library success in London and Washington, D.C.

This panellist was this year’s award winner, David Adjaye. The panel helped kick off his three-month residency at MIT. Adjaye is an architecture with an understanding of the transformative nature of libraries and other information spaces. He designed the Whitechapel Idea Store in London as well as two branches of the Washington, D.C., public library system. The McDermott Award is given each year to outstanding artists in any field who demonstrate MIT’s commitment to, in part, problem solving and advancement of creative minds. Adjaye certainly fits the bill with his unique architectural library designs, as well as his belief that libraries should be a social place where one can gain knowledge.

The panel’s moderator was Ana Miljacki, an MIT associate professor in the Department of Architecture. The other panellists included Jeffrey T. Schnapp, a Harvard professor and director of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society; Nader Tehrani, dean of the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at the Cooper Union; Ginnie Cooper, the retired former director of the D.C. Public Library; and Chris Bourg, the MIT libraries director and the chair of MIT’s task force on the Future of Libraries. Each professional had the chance to present independently, after which they all came together for the discussion featuring Adjaye.

Perhaps the biggest result of this panel discussion was the renewed focus on how to keep library momentum as the twenty-first century advances. Adjaye’s ideas have worked well at the Whitechapel Idea Store, for instance, and his view of the library’s importance as a social knowledge space were supported by the other panellists. For instance, Bourg reflected the recurring theme of Adjaye’s work when he noted during the panel that he wants “libraries to be the spaces that students and the community feel like they are important.” He added, “Libraries are spaces where [anyone] belongs in the scholarly conversation.”[1] Each panellist spoke of the future and libraries, leaving many fitting remarks; Cooper’s, however, resounds strongly: “Imagine a future where people don’t read [or need to read]. What would a library be then?”[2] Adjaye finished the discussion with his encompassing and welcoming view: “We have an opportunity to create a forum where technology doesn’t have to have [an] elitist image,” he stressed. “It becomes the new public square. It’s a more sustainable future.”[3]

It is these words library professionals must remember as the new century progresses. Where once libraries served primarily to retain knowledge in the form of scrolls, then bound volumes, today it has evolved to serve all manner of users in a variety of ways, from printed books to computer class, from STEM-oriented makerspaces to children’s storytime. Instead of being a repository for a select group of people, libraries are, as Adjaye reminds, a social gathering hub, a learning center for all. Collaboration with architects, professors, and a variety of professionals will result in smarter library design, greater outreach, and higher digital and traditional literacy. Adjaye’s pioneering work ensures the future of libraries, from the practical mind of an architect. This panel discussion also reminds library professionals that information literacy comes in a variety of forms, beyond only books. To remain relevant and helpful, libraries must evolve to the needs of the people and remain true to the pursuit of information access for all. If library and information professionals can harness this spirit of collaboration and devotion to the user, the future of libraries will always be secure.

Further Reading

• al-Qarawiyyin Library Set to Reopen Once Dust Settles from Renovations

References

[1] Chris Bourg, “MIT’s Future of the Library: Encouraging Social Knowledge-Building” by Jennifer Koerber, Library Journal, March 3, 2016.

[2] Ginnie Cooper, ibid.

[3] David Adjaye, ibid.

The post A History of the Future Library first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

University libraries in any part of the world can often be thought of as stuffy, boring, or simply a fairly quiet place to study. But Seikei University is changing that image. [1] For its centennial celebration in 2006, the university, located in the Kichijoji-Kitamachi neighborhood of Tokyo, built a brand-new library.[2] This five-story building has a striking glass façade and an abundance of open space and natural light. There are plenty of research materials, tables to study and work on, and computer workstations. According the library’s website, it is designed for students to use both functionally and easily, according to their needs. They also have access to a media room with CDs and DVDs, as well as 266 “crystal carrels,” or personal reading rooms.[3]

What catch the eye are the five student meeting rooms. Each called “Planet,” they hover high above the users’ heads on thick white pillars, covered in glass domes. Students can reach these study rooms via a series of walkways. When viewing the pictures, the reader can see the variety of shapes of these “planets.” The name “Planet” is no accident, either, as it signifies both the outer space bodies and the concept of meetings and organization in the breakdown of planet: “plan” and “net (work).”[4] Each “Planet” has meeting tables, chairs, white boards for brainstorming, and monitors for display. One picture shows an unimpressive wooden study carrel in view of one of these futuristic meeting rooms, as if to highlight the sharp contrast in new learning experiences. Seeking to create a library where speaking and collaborating are allowed, Seikei University sought a space for students who learn through discussion and sharing of opinions and ideas.[5] The library was designed by the team of Shigeru Ban and construction company Mitsubishi Jisho Sekkei.[6]

Perhaps these celestial study and meeting rooms can inspire universities in other countries, like the United States, in design or redesign of academic libraries. Japan continues to advance in many areas, and their university libraries are, evidently, no exception.

References:

[1] Casey Baseel, “University library in Tokyo may be world’s coolest with its ‘floating’ meeting rooms,” Rocket News 24 (Tokyo), February 23, 2016.

[2] Ibid.

[3] “University Library,” Seikei University, accessed April 26, 2016.

[4] Casey Baseel, “University library in Tokyo may be world’s coolest with its ‘floating’ meeting rooms,” Rocket News 24 (Tokyo), February 23, 2016.

[5] Yukari Mitsuhashi, “The future of libraries? In Japan, elevated study pods encourage conversation,” Bridge (Tokyo), March 3, 2013.

[6] Ibid.

The post Meeting Rooms of the Future first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

President and First Lady Obama are well aware of her qualifications, having known her since her days at the Chicago Public Library. The President, in a White House statement, applauded Hayden’s passion for digital literacy, noting that, “Dr. Hayden has devoted her career to modernizing libraries so that everyone can participate in today’s digital culture.”[1] Furthermore, the potential fourteenth Librarian of Congress has demonstrated a strong history of social justice. In a White House video, she remembers keeping the Enoch Pratt Free Library open during the social unrest in Baltimore, knowing the community would need a safe place to go. “People were so relieved to have a safe place to be,” she recalls.[2]

Hayden’s list of impressive qualifications include Library Associate and Children’s Librarian at the Chicago Public Library in 1973, to teaching at the University of Pittsburgh from 1987 to 1991, to being the President of the American Library Association from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, she was nominated for a position on the National Museum and Library Services Board by President Obama in 2010 and confirmed by the Senate six months later.

Hayden would replace the current Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, aged eighty-six, who officially stepped down on January 1, 2016, after twenty-eight years of service.[3] While Billington had ushered the Library of Congress into the digital age, many felt he had perhaps stayed on the job too long, according to a Washington Post article.[4]  She knows her potential new job will have a great deal of influence, and has observed that her position would affect  “how people view the future of libraries and what a national library can be. It’s inclusive. It can be part of everyone’s story” [5]

References:

[1] Office of the Press Secretary, “President Obama Announces His Intent to Nominate Carla D. Hayden as Librarian of Congress,” press release on the White House [website], February 24, 2016.

[2] “Meet President Obama’s Nominee for Librarian of Congress,” YouTube video, 3:46, on the White House website, posted by “The White House,” February 24, 2016.

[3] “After Nearly 30 Years, Librarian Of Congress Is Calling It Quits,” by Bill Naylor, National Public Radio, last updated June 11, 2015.

[4] Peggy McGlone, “America’s ‘national library’ is lacking in leadership, yet another report finds,” Washington Post, March 31, 2015.

[5] Elizabeth Blair, “Obama Nominates Carla Hayden To Lead Library Of Congress,” National Public Radio, February 24, 2016.

Resources:

Enoch Pratt Free Library

Chicago Public Library

“The Next Librarian of Congress?” Inside Higher Ed.

The post Dr. Carla Hayden Nominated for Librarian of Congress first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

Janice Johnson Dias, Marley’s mother, challenged her daughter to do something about the issue. “I know there’s a lot of black girl books out there, I just haven’t read them,” the fifth grader laments. Marley launched her campaign in November 2015 with the goal to amass a thousand books featuring black girls as the main characters, instead of their typical placement as sidekicks, best friends, and other secondary characters. The drive ended on February 1; on March 11, she plans to deliver the books to a local school in her mother’s hometown in St. Mary, Jamaica,  as part of her work with her mother’s social justice organization, grassROOTS.[2]

Not only has the fifth grader exceeded her goal, she is also behind a trending hashtag, #1000blackgirlbooks. Even bookselling giant Barnes & Noble donated books to the drive, explaining that “some books introduce us to characters who are different from us, allowing us to see the world from a new perspective. But for children in the process of figuring out who they are, and who they want to be, it is just as important to also read stories about characters they can relate to, and see themselves in.”[3] Dias also appeared on the Ellen show, where she was given a laptop and a check from picture site Shutterfly.

Having surpassed her thousand-book goal for the Jamaican school, she hopes to continue taking in books to help other schools and other students of color experiencing the same frustrations.

As for Dias’ own favorite books? She mentions, among others, Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, and Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (author of the award-winning book Speak).

References:

[1] Marley Dias. “Girl’s drive to find 1,000 ‘black girl books’ hits target with outpouring of donations” by Alison Flood, Guardian, February 9, 2016.

[2] Taryn Finley, “This 11-Year-Old Wants To Help Kids Discover Books They Can Relate To,” Huffington Post Black Voices, January 25, 2016.

[3] Barnes & Noble. “Girl’s drive to find 1,000 ‘black girl books’ hits target with outpouring of donations” by Alison Flood, Guardian, February 9, 2016.

The post A Thousand Books Strong first appeared on Public Libraries Online.

In August 2011, the city of Tulsa stepped toward a renewed Central location by inviting architects to present ideas. The winning firm was selected that October and the planning phase began. Two years from the start of the plan, the original Central library building closed its doors in preparation for the building phase; in order to continue providing services, the Librarium  opened nearby, an innovative solution to the public’s continued need for services in spite of the newly-begun construction.

As 2016 begins, the remodel is on track and doors will open this summer. What’s new? There are many exciting changes. An outdoor children’s garden area will host a variety of outdoor activities, possibly including storytime, hula hoop contests, and paper airplane races. A large number of study rooms for large groups and individuals will debut, along with a parking area that features energy-saving LED lighting and security call posts. Other green efforts include the Active Chilled Beams system instead of the traditional HVAC heating and cooling. You can see how TCCL will gain LEED points here.

TCCL is also joining the nationwide STEM emphasis by adding the Schusterman Learning and Creativity Center, a collaboration and makerspace where children and teens can generate ideas and create. The renewed Central location will cater to the needs of the twenty-first-century user with increased access to a variety of technology, more spaces to collaborate and create, and resources to foster youth, working adults, educators and more.

TCCL has made many improvements over the years, bettering the opportunities for the citizens of Tulsa County. Touchscreen self-checkouts, e-books and audiobooks, special teen areas with 3D printers, and iPads are just some of twenty-first-century improvement in the last few years. Yet this Central branch renewal is perhaps the greatest indication of this library system’s dedication to the needs of its users. The people of Tulsa look to their library to provide the resources they need and the information professionals, city government, and hard-working architects and builders are providing just that.

The people spoke and the Tulsa City-County Library listened. Today’s world is learner-driven, technology-based, and it belongs to the makers and creators. And those who still find solace in holding a book, turning pages, and tucking into a study carrel will find their refuge enhanced with comfortable seating, improved shelves and lighting, and more.

This is what the Central Library renewal brings. One thing that will not change, however, is the user-centric focus and the excellent customer service those who live in Tulsa County expect from their library.

Resources:

Central Library Renewed

Tulsa City-County Library

Librarium

The post Tulsa City-County Library Renewal first appeared on Public Libraries Online.