A 21stCentury MS/HS Library?
ISB’s Main Library (MS/HS shared) was “State-0f-the-art” - when we built it. (in 1989…) We had a dozen computers, a separate Media Floor (with it’s own “Media Lab” and “Head End” Video Distribution Center), an attached Conference room, and acres of floorspace housing a Comprehensive, Current and Curriculum-Relevant collection in a HighBay main stacks area that was the envy of every librarian visitor. Life was good…
Then along came the Internet, and our dozen computers seemed woefully inadequate. Our Media Lab languished because the computers weren’t “online” and our Campus Area Network was cantankerous and slow. We added computers, installed a modern network, added computers, then moved to laptops, and finally to wired laptops. We moved from tower-based CDs to online databases, and then to web-based subscriptions to databases, media services and utilities. At the same time we sidelined and then selectively retired our pulldown wall map collections, Overhead projectors, VHS video collection and our flatfile collections.
All the while, we worked around our existing Print collections and traditional seating arrangements; kids at tables for four, or at individual study carrels too small to fit a computer AND a couple of books. We welcomed upwards of 1200 visitors a day, but suffered through the attendant noise we felt was inevitable when 100+ students and teachers were working in up to six different teaching/learning spaces. We weeded our collections and trimmed our Print acquisitions, but continued to find the area wanting in terms of meeting the needs of 21st Century Learners.
It’s TIME NOW to really think about what ISB’s Main Library should look like for the NEXT generation of users.
It’s TIME NOW to involve YOU - the intrepid wanderers of the new digital landscape - whether you’re an information professional or a trivia junkie. How do YOU perceive libraries today. In particular, what’s your vision of what a school library for Middle and High School-aged students should be? And how might we get from where we’re at to where we should be?
