In the new building, the library will be a Library Learning Commons, librarian Donna Johns said.
According to Johns, a Library Learning Commons mixes print media with other forms of information, with an emphasis on interaction.
“We hate to use buzzwords, but that’s the newest thing in libraries,” Johns said. “It’s using digital books, print books and movies together, so when you’re in the library, it’s a multimedia information center.
“For example, you could do a project on the human body. Instead of just doing a poster, you could first do some research. Then, you might choose some graphics that you found in an online book, or you might draw something yourself and scan it in.
“You can then create a website, making a brand new way of looking at a topic. It’s really about being innovative about creation zones within the library.”
Johns said the focus of the library as a Learning Commons came as a result of a worldwide trend in teaching and learning.
“The library’s role is changing,” she said. “Now, you can come in here to create content. In a class, you might create a wiki that the whole world can see, which can become a resource for other people.
“This is what you would do in the real world, and it’s learning real world skills for the 21st century. The world has changed.
“The way people get information has changed. People nowadays want to learn by doing. To prepare for a global economy, you need to know how to communicate, channel information and solve problems.”
The space in the new building will be approximately two-thirds of the size of the current library, or about the size of four classrooms, Johns said.
“Instead of the 14 side rooms we have here, we will have two classrooms and three conference rooms,” she said.
“They would be for students who want to work on a small group project or work in a quiet study area,” she said.
“We won’t be able to accommodate as many kids. Hopefully that will be enough space, and kids who just want to hang out will use the cafeteria, which will be a beautiful space.”
There will be about 80 new computers in the library, Johns said. To adapt to a smaller space, the current plan is to have rolling shelves.
“We haven’t ordered the furniture yet, and we aren’t sure what kind of furniture we’ll be able to order,” she said.
“Our dream library will be on wheels. There would be bookcases along the walls, and separate shelves that would have wheels,” she said.
“If you came with your science class, we could move the books into place. All the magazines and reference books you need could be right there with you when you’re with your class.
“We’re hoping for an opening day collection of 1,200 to 1,500 of the best-of-the-best new books.”
Anyone interested in donating to the library’s new collection of books can do so through the Educational Excellence Campaign, she said.

This post is tagged Marena Cole