Positive library experiences as children produce lifelong library users. We remember that little chair that we could fit in as a five-year-old and that area of the library dedicated just to us where we could find the perfect book. Personally, I remember my mom taking me to library hour every week when I was about four years old. It was my favorite time of the week. I adored the library and I loved listening to the read alouds. My mom tells me today that it was all I would talk about until we went back.
The point is that it is important to create an environment where patrons feel welcome. Take Barnes & Noble for instance. They have created a space where customers can make themselves at home with a book in a comfortable chair, and grab a coffee at the store's cafe. People feel relaxed in this type of environment. It keeps them coming back time and time again.
We librarians get so caught up in what we are doing that we "forget to pay attention to what our users are experiencing. We forget about the library as a place" (Kenney, 2008, p. 11). It is not all about the collection. The small things matter. We need to stay focused on the user.
What will keep the library user coming back? Are coffee and recliners the answer? What makes you keep coming back to the library?
Kenney, B. (2008, January). The power of place: Can't offer coffee? How about an easy chair? School Library Journal, 54(1), 11.
Photo Courtesy of:
Library Journal. (2008, February). 133(2), 18.
4 comments:
Well personally my paycheck keeps me coming to the library. But if it wasn't that then it would the fact that i can get books for free! I was one of those kids that always had a book in my bag, just in case i got bored. But lately libraries in my area seem actually anti-comfort and more about having the latest materials available. Maybe I'm bias since my local library happens to be my workplace.
same here, I love the library cause I can borrow books for free. Mine doesn't have coffee or comfort, but they do have a variety of subjects. If you use Orange County library system just south of Seminole County, then there is a cafe, a stage for events, and even a store to purchase items in!
Arielle
I would like my library to become more comfortable. I love to browse for books at the local bookstore. It is more of an inviting atmosphere. I can enjoy my coffee and read about new authors etc... I would like the library to be more inviting. I still go, but not as much. Often, I will spend hours at the bookstore looking for books that interest me and then reserve them online to pick-up at the library. I just drop off and pick up there.
I would also like my library to emulate the Barnes and Noble model of comfy chairs and a cafe to boot. I know I would be more likely to hang around. I think it's great that the USF library has a Starbucks inside, I wish the UCF library had that when I was there, I would have definitely spent more time there.
Post a Comment