This document discusses considerations for creating a welcoming library environment for students. It emphasizes the importance of the physical space in making students feel comfortable and encouraging them to return. Specifically, it recommends including areas for collaboration, comfortable seating, adequate lighting and outlets, and visually appealing displays that are updated regularly and clustered by student interests. Promoting a positive atmosphere through modern technology, social media engagement, and student activities can also help students see the library as a place that fits their needs and lifestyle.

1. A Welcoming School
Library Environment
BY SANDRA CRUZ
Photo retrieved from
www.lociarchitechture.com

2. Considerations
Your patrons
 Age
 Interests
 Needs
Space
Budget
Technology

3. The Physical Space
The main goal is to have students feel welcome as
they enter the library.
Librarians should aim to keep students coming
back…but how?
The physical aspects of a library that should be
considered are the following (Mardis 2011)
 A space for collaboration
 Comfort
 Clutter-free
 User-Friendly
 Visually appealing
Photo retrieved from www.librarylearners.com

4. Collaboration
Libraries are now a place for social interaction and
collaboration with peers.
In what ways should a library’s physical space
promote collaboration?
 Comfortable seating areas that mirror living room designs.
 Several electrical outlets at seating areas.
 Game tables and lounging space.
 Places to eat/drink with peers.
(Cesare 2014)
Photo retrieved from www.cis.edu.dk

5. Comfort
In what ways can a library be comfortable?
 Seating
 Lighting
 Non-intimidating
 Shelves are accessible
 All resources are readily
available
(Mardis 2011)

6. Visually Appealing
What ways can a library be visually appealing for
your students?
First and foremost – Library Displays
 Keep them updated
 Keep in mind who your audience is.
 Keep displays clutter-free
 Promote several types of genres
 Allow for student input
 Be creative if you are limited in space – use shelves, desks,
tables, counters, window ledges, and bulletin boards (Gall0)
 Even the floor and ceiling are excellent spots for displays.

7. Displays
The following displays are geared towards middle and high school
students during Halloween season.
Photo Retrieved from
www.librarydisplays.org
Photo Retrieved from
www.ashslibraryhome.weebly.com

8. Library Displays
These displays would be more appropriate at the elementary level.

9. The Collection
Signage
Consider Bookstore Shelving (Cesari 2009)
 Grouping your collection by interests (Horror, Sports, Classics,
Poetry, Graphic Novels, Cookbooks)
 More Book Jacket displays rather than spines
Taylorlibrary.blogspot.com

10. A Welcoming Environment
Other ways to provide a welcoming environment
 Atmosphere and mood
 WIFI!
 Promotions
 Hours
 Available resources
www.thedigitalshift.com

11. Mood and Atmosphere
How can a positive mood and atmosphere be
created?
 Mardis (2011) states that students internalize three ideas when
deciding whether a library is suitable for them:
1. Is this my kind of place?
2. Can I be successful here?
3. Does this place fit with the rest of my life?
Ways to target these needs are through modern, quick, and updated
technology, databases and library catalog are easily accessible, and
by linking the library to social media.

12. WIFI
One of the most important needs for students is
WIFI access (Breeding 2014)
WIFI must be easily accessible and fast.
There must be a generous availability of outlets.
www.longviewlibrary.ca

13. Cell Phones
Do not ban cell phones…most students use them for
web surfing, social media access,
and texting.
Post reminders to keep cell phone use
quiet and silence ringers.
Compliancedesigns.com Sarahglassmeyer.com

14. Promotions
Keep students motivated to come to library, even when
they are not checking out books or using the resources.
Promotions such as contests, book clubs, and activities
will get students excited about their library.
 Book Jacket design contests
 Dress-up as your favorite character
 Reading clubs such as library web designers,
book talks, and book trailer creations.
 Lunchtime reading
 Video promotions
 ALA.org has several promotional events on
their site
Ala.org

15. Availability
Your library should be available for all users on an on-demand
basis.
Hours
 Before School and After School
 During Lunch
 Drop ins welcome
Library Web Page
 Easy to access from home
 Library catalog online
 Databases and passwords are
available
 Social media connection
watson.wsd3.schoolfusion.us

16. Other Considerations
Know your students’ needs before you implement change.
Ask students, faculty, and parents for input by providing a
needs assessment (Lowe 2009).
Allow students to use their creativity to benefit the
library…which in essence, benefits themselves.
Keep up-to-date on technology, resources, and ideas that
will impact your 21st century
media center for the greater.
Have fun yourself…
it’s contagious.
Blog.tutor.com

17. Works Cited
Breeding, M. (2011). Using Technology to Enhance a Library as Place. Computers In
Libraries, 31(3), 29-31.
Celebration Weeks & Promotional Events 2014-2015 (2014). American Library
Association. Retrieved October 19, 2014, from
http://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks.
Cesari, L. (2014). Arranging a Library to Support Adoloescent
Development. Knowledge Quest, 42(4), 44-48.
Lowe, L. L., & Cummings, R. (2009). Small Spaces, Small Budget, Big Results: Creating
a User-centered Learning Space on a Budget. Georgia Library Quarterly, 46(1), 18-
21.
Mardis, M. A. (2011). Reflections on School Library as Space, School Library as Place.
School Libraries Worldwide, 17(1), I-III.