Library spaces: inspiration
So, I’m learning that the “Press This” plugin doesn’t work very well with Firefox right now. I write posts, WordPress deletes them, except for the link I pressed. Bummer.
Once again, long story short. I’m working on developing a new learning space in the library. I’m thinking less traditional classroom, more flexible multi-use student-oriented technology lounge (with the capacity to teach classes as needed.) I have a windowless basement room with a low ceiling, and I’m determined to make it a comfortable, welcoming place. A couple of sources of inspiration:
Google and e-reader software
Oh, WordPress. I just wrote a post, and it got erased. No time to rewrite, so here’s the summary:
Google settled. I have no deep insights, but it seems to me that e-reader devices and software just jumped up the to-do list. If you haven’t spent time using an e-reader, I recommend perusing Stanza’s site, linked below. It’s a free e-reader that works on Kindle, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac, & PC. Check out the demos and screenshots, the polls, and conversation in the forums. Fascinating.
If I were a public library, I’d be looking closely at e-reader devices about now. Maybe even an academic library, for some disciplines. Overall, reading is changing, no doubt about it.
Really, I do read things other than the New York Times
But they keep popping library stories to the front page–what can I do?
Norman Foster is redesigning the 42nd and 5th (Central) branch of the NYPL. Ironically, I just got my first Norman Foster reference question yesterday. Not about NYPL, about London City Hall. Still, I thought the serendipity was interesting.
British Architect Norman Foster to Design Public Library’s Renovation – NYTimes.com
ECAR 2008 study, and return to posting
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted, mostly due to the flood tide of our first-ever fall quarter at the UO Portland Library & Learning Commons. It’s been busy, to say the least. A lot of my time and energy have been taken up with operational stuff: hiring and training students, getting furniture installed and moved around, setting up initial subscription orders, figuring out budget lines, and moving our entire collection (I think I already posted about that.)
I’m starting to come up for air, though, and am hoping to get back to regular posting, with an emphasis on library instruction, user research, learning spaces, and my current favorite topic, the 21st-century learning commons.
With that in mind, a quick link to the 2008 ECAR study on students and technology. A topic that never gets old.
