The why: We are preparing 21st century learners for college, career and community and this is a 21st century shift.
The what: It is flexible, inviting, open, dynamic space and with lots of different resources. (Sounds just like the Grove Library huh?) Click here for a cool infographic.
The how: The times they are achangin'...... and always have been! Your Hillgrove Library has always assessed program offerings against user needs and adjusted accordingly. Past changes include reorganizing the computer work stations, the addition of way more soft seating (students love those couches!), additional technology resources (including mobile desktops, a slew of video cameras and the ever popular phone chargers), new tall tables, a weeded collection that allows quicker and easier access to the books you really want and some changes in policy like the inclusion of food and drink.
All this changing takes both time and manpower (or superhero library workers!) ~ something we now have tons of due to an additional administrative this year (means less extra duties for us....so long textbooks, it was fun!) and our library staff is now back to completely full time. Three cheers to Mr. Suttle, thank you for your vision in knowing that a full time library paraprofessional is necessary for us to be deliberately successful!
The future: Think more. More technology such as a media scape - heard of this before? Its a really cool work station with easily accessible outlets to plug in any device and all participants can see it on the big screen. More flexible furniture, less large heavy tables. More collaborative spaces. More 21st century resources.