Reading & Activity #3

            The first renovation I would do to Randall Library is build three stories. The first level would have a Starbucks, Juice Shop, and Cinnabon. There would also be classrooms located on this level as well as some collection of books and movies. There would be conference rooms located on this level as well as balconies (on all levels). The second floor would consist of the main book collection, computer labs, a TV area where students can only view movies from the library, and group study rooms. These study rooms would all be enclosed as well. The third floor would be the quiet study area. There would be many desks, couches, comfy chairs, etc. This library would be open 24/7 with librarians on duty as they are now. There will be gardens and outside seating on the first level. My library would be quite modern. After 10:00 each night, there will be free coffee located on each level for students to drink, funded by the school of course.       

            As the scholarly communication crisis is increasing, libraries are starting to drop some journals from their databases due to their extensive price. When you think about it, how many students actually come to the library to look for a book? I know I have been at UNCW three years now and have yet to come check out a book. Drexel University has a great idea in building a Library Learning Center out of an old breezeway. This is prime location because it is in the center of student activity. Even though it is bookless, it is a great place to gather for studying and students still have access to digital resources. Although there will not always be a librarian on duty, professors will be able to meet with groups of students here!

            Librarians love being where the students are, even if that means places like the Library Commons because they enjoy helping students learn. Not only do they help students, they are constantly learning themselves from questions about research topics, where to find certain information, or even more efficient ways in how to maneuver through computers. I could never be a librarian because I have little to no patience. Personally I do not enjoy searching through databases and having to explain the process repeatedly to students. That is why we should honor our librarians who have been through a large amount of schooling. I am sure without librarians, some of us would not know how to search in a database or maybe even use the resources available to you in your library.