Starting in K-12 schools, school library usage can provide students with the foundation for success. Developing their sense of belonging in the library is integral to their success. In elementary school libraries, library staff can help students navigate the many shelves with various classification systems, encourage their budding interest in reading, and teaching age-appropriate skills such as online searching of the e-library and databases. As you move into middle and high school libraries, continue many of the same functions as elementary library but develop more of the collaborative and technology-based learning experiences for students. For those students that are college bound, this will be a small steppingstone towards their future academic library experiences. Some colleges and universities have added library research skills courses to their class offerings. A basic skills class would be a great way for students to familiarize themselves with all the resources and tools of their institution. Helping students develop library skills will allow them to become confident library patrons.
Libraries are not only responsible for cataloging new materials, circulating books, aiding in reference questions, etc., they are tasked with capturing and engaging patrons’ interest. Providing the latest and greatest reads, offering a robust digital library, and providing computer access are all important to their general patrons, but there is more to the overall library experience. Envisioning the library of the future requires treating patrons/students as consumers.
How do libraries support student success? Both public and academic libraries have begun to reimagine the physical space of libraries to best serve their student patrons. Open floor plans with windows strategically placed bring in natural light which is appealing to all. Comfortable seating and varying work surface arrangements from side tables, two to four-person tables and counter height surfaces offer patrons choices to find their desired study environment. Libraries should offer both quiet spaces for students requiring silence and more community-based areas for casual conversation of students taking a break from their studies.
Depending on whether you wish to work independently or collaboratively, libraries should provide spaces to meet all patron’s needs on any given visit. Many students are also looking for semi-private spaces for collaboration of small groups and large groups. Those spaces should also
include technology for those students to easily work together such as a large monitor for group viewing. Libraries can utilize some of these private spaces for homework or tutoring sessions. Makerspace areas and floors are also popping up in public and academic libraries. These areas offer students an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences.
Some public and academic libraries have integrated coffee carts and café libraries to give their students a much-needed break from study sessions. Not only is it important to provide all the library services that are essential to meet student’s needs but to provide a positive environment that is inviting for all students. Libraries can hold a valuable place in their communities and schools, K-12 or academic, by adapting to the needs of today’s students.
WORKS CITED:
Spencer, Mary Ellen, and Sarah Barbara Watstein. “Academic Library Spaces: Advancing Student Success and Helping Students Thrive.” Portal (Baltimore, Md.), vol. 17, no. 2, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2017, pp. 389–402, https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2017.0024.
Thorpe, Angie, et al. “The Impact of the Academic Library on Student Success: Connecting the Dots.” Portal (Baltimore, Md.), vol. 16, no. 2, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016, pp. 373–92, https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2016.0027.
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