Recently, someone on LM_NET asked for input. The architects for an upcoming building project were recommending smaller libraries because “research is all on the net now” and so libraries do not need so much space for books. Here is my response to that:

Our architect had the same idea and now we have a facility that is too small for our needs. Even if all books were to disappear overnight – labs and classrooms would NOT be all kids need!

A library is a learning laboratory. Learning is a social event. Kids and teachers need a place outside the classroom to learn together in a different environment.

• They need elbow room.
• They need tables for cooperative projects.
• They need printers and copiers and art supplies, video and sound equipment.
• They need a library NOT a classroom or a closet!

Even those who think that books and libraries are going away (foolish as that thought is) would have to admit that a school needs a library to provide space for electronic learning. And guess what? The librarian is the expert at that kind of learning – just as he/she is the expert at finding information in books.

Now for the myth that books are going away….. Yes – maybe some research is going to the web. Maybe some books (especially non-fiction) are going on the web in ebook format.

BUT kids still LOVE stories. AND they love to read those stories in books – not on computers.

I see fiction reading going up. And with a little promotion – the non-fiction books are used also. I just don’t see the end of the book. Furthermore, even if the book were to go away – I STILL don’t see that we need smaller libraries.

A library is the perfect place in the school for research to take place and for research products to be created. Will that change, just because research is easier to access than ever before? I get frustrated with people who are so stuck in the past that they can’t see how libraries are STILL a perfect fit in this new world of information sharing.