Reading and Activity #3

In Jennifer Howard’s article, “Maybe Even Some Books” (published in the Chronicle of Higher Education in 2011), traditional roles of librarians and physical library spaces are being pushed into the spotlight as budget cuts rise. She references the libraries at Drexel University and John Hopkins University- two universities that are evolving their library systems. She examines Drexel’s Library Learning Terrace and Hopkins’s informationist program. Drexel University’s library is booming, so much that there is not enough space to house all the students. Like many other schools, students have redefined what libraries are for. Gone are the days that students used this resource to find books. Rather, libraries are used as a “space and [a place for] company”.  Drexel’s answer to the space crunch is the Library Learning Terrance or a “bookless learning center”. In John Hopkins’s case, “informationist” are used in attempt to replace the traditional librarian. The informationist concept is simple. Instead of “embedding” a librarian to one place, the librarian works out of classrooms, labs, and wherever there is need.  They are assigned to jobs and are able to educate many students about information literacy based on their vast reach of students.

            However, there is nothing like being able to step foot into a building with full knowledge that someone with a Masters will be at your service in helping your research. Maria Steward’s advice column on Inside Higher Ed’s website, praises librarian and library personnel on their patience, knowledge, organization, and intellectual curiosity. Her emphasis was on urging readers to spend more time in the library because it is one of the “kindest” places on campus.

            If I were to transform Randall Library into the ideal academic library, I would first start on the physical space. I would extend floorspace and add bright colors along with large windows so it wouldn’t feel as claustrophobic. Randall should mimic Drexel’s “more space” philosophy because students can’t focus if everyone is sandwiched together (don’t get me started on the squeaky chairs). As Howard’s article had stated, most students now use the library as a space more than a resource. I would then add a better coffee bar. The lines at Java City is ridiculous considering how limited the menu is. Randall should consider the financial gain of offering a better, more efficient coffee station that sells more than just cold sandwiches and chips. As for changing personnel, I can’t help but agree with Steward’s column. Although having traveling “informationists” is beneficial, a library is not complete without its personnel. Librarians are not given enough respect for the knowledge they obtain and the work they do for the community/university. A library, the complete package with librarians and books, is a timeless symbol of education, hope, and the commitment to achieving better. Besides improving the library’s aesthetic qualities and expanding, I don’t think we need to change a thing.