When viewing the topic of “library as classroom”, I decided to first explore the idea of designing a library information environment in the style of a school. In the article Curating Learning Experiences: A Future Role For Librarians, by Brian Mathews (2013), it is said that by creating classroom-style areas the library can open itself up to educational opportunities. The reasoning behind this is that it enables a certain style of interaction, one where the participants feel more like students. This arrangement also allows the instructors to have the full attention of the group. 

A second branch of this topic was the idea of supporting local low funded schools, through the library. Modern youth have an increased amount of digital skills that they need to learn to succeed, and often schools lack these technologies or the means to teach them (Park, 2016). Utilizing local libraries is a cost-effective way to supplement these information needs, as often libraries will have available computers, printers, and sometimes STEM labs dedicated to newer technology. My own city matches this figure of low funded schools but higher funded libraries, so we often collaborate with the school to offer programming and outreach. This helps fill the educational gaps somewhat, and it has built trust with our community. 

References

Mathews, B. (2013, September 5). Curating learning experiences: A future role for librarians? The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/blognetwork/theubiquitouslibrarian/2013/09/05/curating-learning-experiences-a-future-role-for-librarians/ 

Park, Y. (2016, June 14). 8 digital skills we must teach our children. World Economic Forum. https://medium.com/world-economic-forum/8-digital-skills-we-must-teach-our-children-f37853d7221e#.789qtaw64

For my Innovation Strategy & Roadmap paper I explore the idea of implementing an Augmented Reality (AR) map feature into the library, in order to increase accessibility. The map would guide patrons in-person or online to help with familiarization of unknown places, and to assist with item location.

This idea was based of the UC San Diego First Year Experience, which is an AR scavenger hunt that guides new students through the library. Students seemed to feel less worried about having to wander through a new place after their virtual tour, and it even added an element of fun to the process.

Link Here: TLazzareschi_INFO287_InnovationStrategyRoadmap

The topic that interested me the most during this module was the human libraires. A human library involves patrons checking out a human book, the same way they would a library book, and instead of reading they have an in-depth conversation (Wentz, 2013). Storytelling is something that has existed for centuries, and it was the way that most people shared information when being able to write was uncommon. The idea behind human libraries and human books feels similar to historic storytelling, in the way that it is sharing information through communication. 

The benefits of human books is in creating new conversations between people who would not otherwise meet. People who are chosen for human libraries often have a diverse background or they have experienced something that gives them a unique perspective. Opening up a dialogue with these individuals gives the patrons a chance to reflect on their biases, because they are put into a conversation that pushes them to understand a person beyond their own assumptions (Arne-Skidmore, 2021). The differences between a “human book” and someone giving a “talk at the library” is the longevity. Having something at the library long term makes the experience open to a wider audience, and it creates opportunities for the program to expand as it gains interest. 

References

Arne-Skidmore, E. (2021, August 4). New study on the impact of the human library. Human Library. https://humanlibrary.org/new-study-on-the-impact-of-the-human-library/ 

Wentz, E. (2013, April 26). The human library: Sharing the community with itself. Public Libraries Online. https://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/human_librar/ 

Libraries are constantly evolving and rotating collections to suit the needs of their communities. Introducing technology into library services is inevitable in this sense, since the younger generations thrive in digital and hybrid environments. This integration of technology can look like many things; Discord servers, VR rooms, 3D printers, and much more. There is no defined “correct” way for libraries to meet modern technology needs, as we are at a crucial turning point in what information can look like. I think it’s important for libraries to explore options and think creatively, or, at the very least, create opportunities for patrons to “determine their own experiences” (Marc, 2017).

My personal experiences on this topic are through my own library. Our digital resources are most commonly used by younger generations, and digital interactions make up around half of our total interactions. One of our most popular in-house services is our 3D printer, which is something that has brought attention to our science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) room. A second, and more upcoming, technology incorporation is a Discord server which will house online and asynchronous book clubs. This is something still being designed, but it has wrought a lot of interest because it removes corners of scheduling and time commitments. Technology also has great benefits for accessibility of information; those who cannot travel easily still have ways of interacting with local communities through these library resources.

References

Marc. (2017, December 6). 3 essential elements to consider when creating a voice for the library: storytelling, experience, and play – Interview with Matt Finch. Princh. Retrieved May 5, 2025, from https://princh.com/blog-elements-to-consider-when-creating-a-voice-for-the-library-matt-finch/#.XHWm6qB7mUm. 

The science and technology correspondents of the economist. (2021, November 8). What Next 22 Emerging Technologies to Watch in 2022.