Library Groove (Libraries as Bookstores?)

[Kim Butler]

So I recently posted about this, and then all of the drama involving the Dewey Decimal system popped up earlier this week. So I figured I would get some other thoughts. Now I'm not talking about the Dewey debate really, I'm mostly wondering what you think a library should feel like. I personally like the idea of appealing to the patrons in order to entice them to check out books that intrigue them, and when it comes to kids and reading I feel almost passionate about it. I want to create an environment that gets the kids excited about reading, reading anything. I think bookstores have an edge on this and I think its worthwhile to capture a little of that. What do you all think?

[David Shaver]

There is a library here in Colorado Springs as part of PPLD called East Library that I think is so cool. Not only do they have a coffee shop in the lobby that sells coffee and pastries, but they also have a "Teen Center" with laptops for kids to check out, video games, all of the teen literature, movies going on, etc.. It's a bit chaotic to me, but it's exactly the kind of place that would appeal to teens.

I think a library that looked a little more like a Barnes and Noble would be perfect for teens (at least the coffee, comfy couches, maybe coffee store looking decoration (modern art/photography?)) and then maybe have a room where kids could come chill out, listen to their music, and maybe have a movie being shown or video games for playing.

I just think kids would see the library as maybe the last place they would think of as "hip" or "fun" at school. East Library, though, has changed that idea where kids really want to go hang out at the library. Yes, they may spend most of their time playing video games or watching a movie, but they just might see a book they want to read or have a librarian suggest a book to them based on what they're watching/playing.

[Robyn Miller]

I think you are right that bookstores have more appeal as far as the public. I think I would have a more difficult time adjusting that the students! This may be a huge challenge we face in the future. But then again, it may help us get the feeling that a student gets when they are faced with trying to find something by Dewey!

[Sarah Bernstein]

I think you are right that bookstores have an edge over school libraries, but I don't think it necessarily has to do with cataloging. Color! Lighting! Ambiance! These things are welcoming; they make you feel as though you've left the institutional brick walls and flourescent lighting to a comfortable, welcoming space. Our new librarian recently painted over the mind-numbing beige with a warm cinammon, and it makes all the difference. Now, I sneak down there on my planning period to work in a pleasant place.

[Nancy Milliken]

Because I have worked in a bookstore so long, I do incorporate many bookstore merchandising ideas into the library. I have had people comment that the library looks like a bookstore! That's good! I do alot of cute signage and face out books anywhere that there is an open spot on the shelf. I cover the tops of the shelves with faced out books also.....students do enjoy looking at them! It is a really visual place!

[Kim Butler]

I love some of these ideas! I think I just need to start thinking about color and signage. I'm really excited about applying these things to my library soon!

[Rachel Finch]

I just wrote a paper on this issue in the Storage, Information and Utilization class. I see your point about wanting students to feel comfortable in the library, but I also see how a library needs to be practical in finding information. I just don't see the "bookstore" categorizing style being the best approach to organizing books. I went on the Rangeview Library District website and the Maricopa Library District website and searched Three Cups of Tea and found the Perl Mack listed it as PLACES ASIA and the Perry Library listed it as SOC SCI. How confusing is this for patrons that don't always go to the same library? I believe there needs to be consistency and continuity within all libraries public and private!!