The library has always been a space for books, but now, connection with others through the library is as important as ever. The space of physical libraries is expanding beyond bookshelves for good reason. Program rooms and the entire library are transitioning into places of gathering and learning. How libraries create value to the general public is evolving now. The library as a classroom is becoming key to inviting the public to learn and gather in this increasingly modern digital age. By investing in tools and services that provide the library patrons with access and free usage, they participate in one’s learning journey. In “Curating Learning Experiences: A Future Role For Librarians, the author asks the central question of the process by “what if we encouraged and empowered them (and their students) to imagine new types of scholarly expressions or engagement?”. The library can provide the tools and the space for gathering and learning whether online or in person.
In my own experience as someone who does not visit the library often, I always check my library’s online learning resources for access to free programs, like with Mango Languages to learn spanish. In person, I come to the library to meet others and learn something new with the variety of hosted events. As part of my local library’s event celebrating the oncoming lunar new year, they hosted an event to learn Chinese traditional calligraphy from an artist themselves. This event sparked my interest in brush lettering and Chinese calligraphy in general. The purpose and future of the library lies in the learning and tools it can provide outside books.
References:
Matthews, B. Curating learning experiences: A future role for librarians?. (2013, September 5). The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/blognetwork/theubiquitouslibrarian/2013/09/05/curating-learning-experiences-a-future-role-for-librarians/