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Creating Libraries for All in an Evolving World
The modern library is no longer defined by
the number of books it has on its shelves, but rather it is now about being a
living space for the users.
Today, people are more focused on learning
activities and they want social interaction together with the possibility to
share their knowledge with others. Therefore, the ‘relational library’ is a new
development where libraries become a meeting and interaction
place for people. The library’s physical spaces and the needs of the
different target groups of the library must be highly considered when defining
the library’s structure.
By creating flexible, multipurpose spaces equipped with technology and
knowledgeable 21st Century Librarians, libraries can go beyond their
traditional book-based services, and once again become the hubs of community by
supporting the local economy, fostering innovation and aiding education.
Ahead of the Next Generation Libraries Summit 2019 we take a look at how three State Libraries from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland are transforming and evolving their service offerings in an effort to become 21st Century community hubs.
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In the Spotlight with Griffith University’s Director of Library and Learning Services: How Griffith University is Creating Library Services that Meet Modern Student Expectations
With the expansion of
digital media, the rise of e-books and massive budget cuts, the end of
libraries has been predicted many times over. And while it is true that
library budgets have been slashed, libraries are not exactly dying. In
fact, libraries are evolving.
The Queensland based Griffith University
for example has been working for the past eight years to provide its 45,000
strong student cohort, spread across 6 campuses – five physical and one digital
which offers a range of online courses – with library products and services
that meet modern student needs and expectations.
As such they’ve worked to create lean
library services that offer on demand content by spending 99 per cent of
library resource budgets on digital resources, and reducing the physical footprint of
collections across all campuses by 50 per cent by 2020.
Exploring this transformation is Maureen
Sullivan, Director of Library and Learning Services at Griffith University.
Ahead of the Next Generation Libraries Summit 2019 Maureen chats to us about
the challenges prompting a rejuvenation of long-standing library services, and
explores in more detail how Griffith worked to embrace disruption, not shy away
from it.
Libraries Aren’t Dying; They’re Evolving: Insights into Library Service Transformation for the Digital-Age Student
With the expansion of
digital media, the rise of e-books and massive budget cuts, the end of
libraries has been predicted many times over. And while it is true that
library budgets have been slashed, causing cuts in operating hours
and branch closures, libraries are not exactly dying. In fact, libraries are
evolving.
In many respects, today’s campus library
bears little resemblance to the quiet, book-filled building of years past. But
that doesn’t mean libraries — and their custodians of knowledge — are on the
margins when it comes to educating students. Many institutions are finding new
tools and new strategies to help libraries stay relevant in the digital
landscape.
While I’m sure we can
all agree that we won’t be seeing students wading through the Dewey Decimal
System in search of a hard cover book any longer, or being shushed by a
cardigan clad librarian, the library - as it has for centuries - remains a
central hub for any school from K-12 or indeed, any university.
Today’s libraries differ however in that they’re rich with technology and programs that create excitement about learning. They are offering programs in technology, career and college readiness and also in innovation and entrepreneurship – all 21st-century skills, essential for success in today’s economy.
Ahead of the Next
Generation Libraries Summit 2019 we feature insights from Bunbury Cathedral
Grammar and the University of South Australia to explore how primary and
secondary educators, as well as tertiary educators are redefining their
traditional library spaces, and evolving service offerings to become stewards
of digital literacy, innovation and academic success.
Engaging Students, Staff and the Community to Develop a Fit-for-Purpose Next Generation Library
In 2015, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School
noticed that borrowing rates were decreasing in the School Library, and that it
was no longer a destination of choice within the campus.
To respond to this troubling trend a
strategic review was conducted examining how stakeholders – students, staff and
the greater community – leveraged the space and what facilities they expected
from a modern school library.
Ahead of the Next Generation Libraries
Summit 2018 we chat to Matthew O’Brien, Deputy Head of School and Jan Pocock,
Teacher Librarian at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. In this article Matthew
and Jan explore how they engaged students, staff and the broader community in
the development of their next generation library, and further delve into how
the new Library has created a culture that educates, encourages and
enlightens.