Do Students Come To The Library For Computer Use?

Yes and no.

This morning was like any typical morning in the library. During Period 1, when a number of students on campus do not have a scheduled course, the library was filled at any given time with about 60 students. About one-third of these students were working at computer workstations, but the majority were seated at the regular tables, side-by-side with their peers.

So, do the students come to the library for computer use? Yes, they do make use of this technology resource. But, perhaps the biggest draw is having a place to work socially in community with others. At times, the social may trump the work, but I do find students quizzing each other with practice AP exam questions, serving as de facto peer tutors working through challenging chemistry models, helping one another memorize monologues, and more.

Within a reasonable sound-level range, I do not discourage the social. To me, the library is more than a quiet place to read; it is a place that welcomes every single member of the learning community to "be" together. After all, while the tools of teaching and learning may become increasingly digital and virtual, we are still human, and empowering our students to connect and communicate in-person is critical to their development and success.

Reflecting further on the social aspects, I find that the library serves at least two different types of needs. While there are students who gather socially in the library with peers, there are also students who seek out space for social solitude. Whether students come to the library on a pass from class in order to work in a quieter environment, or to secure a safe spot away from the lunch crowds, the library is here for them, too. I have attempted to create a few areas for students to work and be with more privacy (see pictures), and these are popularly sought out for retreat. While I am sensitive to how noise levels may affect these students, particularly during the highest activity times like lunch, I have found that technology usually provides the solution with students simply plugging into their ever-ready earbuds.


Some related thoughts: First, while in the role of Teacher Librarian, I am the main caretaker of the library, but the library space belongs to the entire school community and should continue to evolve to best meet the needs of all current and future users. Second, beyond nurturing this shared school space, I am a co-educator who complements, but is separate from the library as a place. I am here as an instructional resource for students and as a ready collaborator for teachers, and this is a constant that remains amidst changes that occur to the library space.