Space Renovation
Summer
saw a great many positive changes to the library as the school sought to
support a change of tone in the lower library that would accommodate student
use of the space as a social environment and changing priorities in education
toward collaboration and independent learning. Isolated single-seating desk
space was all but eliminated in the downstairs space, and outdated stationary
desktop computers were replaced with a set of new laptops available for student
check-out in the library space. Upstairs, new desktop computers replace the old
and offer robust computing in the quiet study areas for students that prefer
isolation. Comfortable seating in the reading area by the magazine stands was
added and a small table with mobile seating was also added for impromptu
meetings. The biggest investment was an acoustic renovation to render the huge
stone, wall, and high-ceiling area welcoming to many small groups all talking
at once. Panels with high-end sound dampening material were installed on two
walls and all along the ceiling, making an incredible difference when the
library is full of conversation. We’re already seeing a difference with the
amount of school-oriented study work and comfortable conversation in the
different spaces created in the lower library by areas of furniture and
equipment.
Database Accessibility
All of
the school’s subscribed database links have been moved to
virtualclass.sagehillschool.org, where students go to access their class and
course information. The hope is this will make it even easier for students to
utilize library resources, recommended links, and help information.
Collection Management
The
annual inventory was completed in the middle of the summer slightly ahead of
schedule, and the library is already processing replacements for the books lost
and damaged over the course of the year. To reflect the available technology in
the school, the library is removing outdated media formats (audio tapes, VHS
tapes) and sorting the remaining media (CDs, DVDs) for easier browsing. Further
collection expansion will be temporarily halted for a month or two while we
wait for additional shelving to arrive.
Plans for the Future
The
library has received a generous donation to reupholster all the existing
armchairs from last year, and those will arrive within the week to offer more
comfortable reading seating upstairs and downstairs. In addition, small side
tables will be added and there are discussions to acquire a handful of mobile
reading and browsing devices (such as iPads or potentially other ereading
devices) for check-out and student use before the year is out. These plans are
still in the works.
After the survey on the use of
eBooks at school last year, the library has been watching the leading available
ebook and audiobook providers in the hopes that their pricing plans will change
to reflect the times and a small independent school environment. A plan is in
place to launch the most flexible and viable of the available services when the
school is this year.
