What Do Students Want in a 21st Century School Library?

Another Pew Research Center study from 2012 asked over 2,000 middle and high school teachers how teens do research in the digital world. When asked which online activities [teachers] have students engage in, 95 percent of teachers surveyed reported having students “do research or search for information online,” making it the most common online task.

Convey How Important Student Input Is

Once you’ve done your research, let your questions reflect it. Speak in their language. Reassure them that you value and will consider their suggestions (within reason). For example, does their heavy technology use mean your library has to be techno central? Well, yes, according to Margaret Sullivan, a designer of school libraries.

She wrote a great article titled “How to Create the 21st Century School Library of Your Dreams” in the April 2011 issue of School Library Journal. She says, “Limited [electrical] outlets will also control how a space is used in the future. Laptops and handheld devices, visual and audio tools, printers, interactive whiteboards, and multimedia equipment are evolving at an incredibly quick pace—and sooner or later, most of them will need to be recharged. So give your students and staff a break and buy some eight-outlet power sources that can sit, within arm’s reach, in the center of a configuration of tables or amongst lounge chairs.

But Sullivan also advocates for traditional print materials, a fundamental library resource, especially in schools that don’t have a computer for every student. “Take a tip from Barnes & Noble. Make your books and magazines more attractive (and more visible!) to students by taking advantage of displays, mobile fixtures, signage, and lighting. ” 3 That means fewer bookshelves that tower from floor to ceiling and more student-friendly, mobile storage options. Consider easy access book trucks, browser bins and magazine displays on casters. These work for all ages and heights.

Be Familiar with Current Trends in Library Design

Have a good sense of where school library design is headed and what works specifically for the K-12 environment. All research points to creating K-12 libraries that are energetic, inviting space filled with students who are busy gathering information and exchanging ideas. Physically speaking, that means doing away with dim lighting, low ceilings, subdued ambiance, institutional furniture, closed-off spaces and obstructed views. But don’t confuse a school library with a public or collegiate one. Going so far as installing a café may muddy your library’s role in learning.

A quick online search can offer many trend insights. “12 Major Trends in Library Design,” an article by Thomas Sens published in a 2009 issue of Building Design and Construction is still relevant today. He says, “While the internet can provide 24/7 access to information, it can also isolate learners. The new … library model provides a forum for students to collaborate, enjoy fellowship, engage in healthy debate, create and challenge ideas, and experience learning and discovery in a multitude of meaningful ways.”

Finally, Ask Students!

There are many ways to get student input on library designs. Be sure to include all ages and types of learners, not just the extroverts eager to shout their ideas. Consider town hall-style meetings, student focus groups and student representation on advisory councils. Ask student government and other student groups who use the library before or after school. Send out a survey or ask for written responses by a certain deadline. Invite them to look at Pinterest boards and share visual ideas. Offer incentives for replies.

What You Might Hear

The Council of Educational Facilities Planners International (CEFPI) recently hosted a webinar on library design for 21st century learners. Here are some quotes from kids who answered the question, “What would an ideal library look like?”