Readings Journal 1/24

The Quiet Plug Crisis by Michael Kelley

This article discusses the growing need for electrical outlets and electricity in libraries.

I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to a library and not found plug for my computer.  As such, this article really hit home with me.  As the article states, this may be a larger problem in academic libraries, especially since most college students now need computers to do their homework.  During my undergrad, there were countless times when I went to the library and all the plugs were taken.  However, I also remember a time when I went to a public library and had to unplug a lamp in order to plug in my computer.  I have also been in libraries where there are plugs open, but they are nowhere near sitting areas.  However, even with all of my experiences not finding plugs in libraries, I never thought of this as a library issue.  This article really opened my eyes to how many little things you need to think about when managing a library.

A Whole Systems Approach by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich

This article discusses the benefits of using Integrated Building Design (IBD) when building a new library.

As I read this article, I could not help muttering “duh” under my breath multiple times.  The IBD plan seems self-explanatory.  Of course you should work together with builders, contractors, and architects when you are planning a building.  It makes perfect sense that you should meet with everyone involved from the beginning to make sure your plan will work.  It also seems self-explanatory to plan funding ahead of time.  Recently, I listened to the manager of the Children’s Department at MCPL talk about their recent renovation.  He discussed how they collaborated throughout the entire process with the architects and how before they even started they got grants and knew where the money was coming from. Like MCPL, I believe that most librarians are smart enough to do research, plan ahead, and collaborate with others when planning a building.  This article makes it seem like librarians are just diving in with no idea what they are doing.

Shifting Spaces by Raya Kuzyk & Francine Fialkoff

This article covers a seminar on library building and design where green libraries, the integrated building design, more people spaces, and technology were discussed.  The article also includes different library’s approaches to building or remodeling.

I read this article last, and I’m glad I did because it tied in nicely with the other two articles.  This article mentioned IBD, just as the Aldrich article did.  However, in this article IBD was mentioned in a positive way instead of making it seem like librarians had never heard of collaborating before.  This article also discussed aspects included in the Kelley article such as the need for charging stations and the need for the building to accommodate upcoming changes.  I thought this article did a great job of summarizing the major points of the other two articles.  I also really liked the idea of a Skyping room, this seems like it would be a huge benefit to many people, especially those who do not have internet at home.