More and more people are bringing their own personal laptop to the library. They are using the wireless Internet and appreciating the ability to use the space to work, study, and play. Mickey shared this recent post from the Ubiquitous Librarian’s blog with me; the article includes one librarian’s observations about how the need to find a place to plug in a laptop actually brings people together.
In many ways, technology is making it less necessary to visit the library. BUT we’re realizing that we have new roles for our space that are just as important as the old. Many libraries (small and large) are thinking about the best ways to facilitate the connection and communication users want. Here are some resources that might help you think in innovative ways about making the most of the space you have:
- WebJunction’s Focus on Space Planning
- South Jersey’s Trading Spaces
- Chris Rippel’s article What Libraries can Learn from Bookstores
I think we’re familiar with library space challenges, especially regarding technology and public access computing. I would love to hear your thoughts about what works well. Have you been in a library that really does a great job of creating a space that is accomodating and tech friendly (I know policies are important and staff attitudes, etc, but I’m specifically interested in examples of layout and space planning which work well)?
Brenda Hough is the Continuing Education Consultant at NEKLS. You can reach her by email (bhough (at) nekls.org), phone, or on several instant messaging platforms (look Brenda up by her email address). Visit the 
