(h) Library Environment

While I have had not had any opportunities to re-design a library learning space, I do have an understanding of the importance of spaces for the learning process. This has been developed through the undertaking of CLN603: Designing Spaces for Learning. This provided theoretical knowledge of how spatial, psychological, physiological, behavioural realms can be affected by the learning space. Theoretical knowledge was put to practical use through the completion of a design project based on a real-life learning space. (I chose to do an outside space to make possible a range of interactive learning experiences. It got a 7.) In addition to this, while I was a classroom teacher I was notorious for moving furniture around in order to facilitate particular learning experiences. I know that the layout of the classroom can effect how students respond to, participate in and benefit from offered learning opportunities.

While working in the library I have contributed to the atmosphere of the library by preparing displays. This has included selecting books to be featured in the display as well as choosing and creating visual features to make the display eye-catching and appealing. Some of the displays I have created have been:

• Children’s Book Week display that made use of student artwork
• Social Justice display
• New books
• Seen the movie? Read the book!
• Jane Austen

This is often done with meagre resources and literally, with what I can find stashed in various nooks and crannies in library storage. This is an aspect of the job that I find both fun and
challenging; it improves the atmosphere in the library itself, increases interest in the resources that the library has to offer and often shows that the library is ‘in tune’ with the whole school community as the displays often mirror or respond to particular class or school activities.

I have also maintained the free-standing book display racks. There are about five of these. Two are for new and popular fiction books, one is for fantasy novels, one is for crime and particularly aimed at the older students and one is for biographical texts. These are often the first port of call for borrowing so it is important to keep them stocked, neat and tidy and appealing.

I also routinely keep the library presentable, making sure that chairs are left pushed in under desks, the floor and tables are rubbish free and the shelves are neatly packed. This just creates a welcoming, inviting atmosphere. There is nothing worse than a messy library!