Welcome to TCEA Responds #11. Submit your own question(s) online. Today’s topic is redesigning your library.
Dear TCEA Responds:
Help. What does a 21st century library computer lab look like? I may have an opportunity to have input for my space and I want to know what is out there that works.
Thanks, Jane
Dear Jane:
After receiving your question earlier today, I took a moment to consult with a group of librarians who are part of a Facebook group, Future Ready Librarians. If you’re not familiar with the Future Ready Librarians’ approach:
Future Ready Librarians will provide resources, strategies, connections for district leaders and librarians. This makes it easier for them to work together to promote and implement innovative learning opportunities for students. Learn more. School librarians are indeed, as the Future Ready Librarians website states, “well-positioned to be at the leading edge of the digital transformation of learning.”
Redesigning Your Library Spaces
Here are a few of the responses I received:
I’m hearing of many labs that are going away entirely. Your students may need a couple of desktops for video editing or other processor-intensive work. The vast majority of needs can be met with Chromebooks in the classroom.
No lab. You can use the space for video production or other things. I turned my lab into a makerspace since we’re 1:1. We call it the Fab Lab.
I have a cart of 30 chrome books. I like that they are portable and we can use them in the library classroom and in the library. The main area I use has a whiteboard wall with whiteboard tables.
We have one school where the lab went away because they are 1:1. In others, we have Chromebook carts and are moving to flexible furniture. Most libraries do have makerspaces.
The message from these future ready librarians? Computer labs are gone or soon will be. Instead, the space they occupied is now more flexible, ready for making.
Ready for Making
Creating a makerspace in your library reflects a growing trend. Listen to this podcast as two librarians share their insights about creating these innovative learning spaces. They have turned their libraries into a base of operations for mobile makerspaces that teachers can check out.
Here are some tips on setting up a makerspace:
Ample access to Chromebooks and iPad kiosks for ebooks describe technology in libraries. Some libraries are also doing away with uncomfortable wooden chairs, opting for more comfortable learning spaces and reading nooks.
Re-envisioning Future Ready Libraries
Are you going to be re-envisioning your library this summer? Get connected with other librarians by attending a TCEA Makers event.
More to See
Here are some other resources you may want to investigate:
Image Sources
- Gwynn Moore’s library photos via Future Ready Librarians group
- Displays2Go for iPad kiosk possibilities
