My question concerned where to place computers in my library, all together
to make a "library lab" or in clusters around the room. This is the second
part of the hit
I don't have the possibility of changing the arrangement - but it is
interesting to think about what i would do if I could. Mine are all
together in a pod of 15. I like the tables they are on. They were custom
made and are in a zig-zag configuration. I can see all the
screens, and the students are not crowded shoulder-t0-shoulder. You can see
the pix at:http://www.gananda.org/library/mshslibrary/libpix.htm
However - If I could - I think I would sperate them into 4 seperate
rows of computers with their screens still facing our circulation desk as
they are now - but with 2 or 3 tables seperating each row of computers.
That way some kids in a class could be working at tables with books and
papers while others were working on computers. I think it would improve the
work flow for the kids. I think that it might keep one class close enough
together to keep the teachers happy - and yet would tone down the "this is
one big social party" atmosphere that can happen when you have 16 or more
kids all packed into a computer area at the same time with
partners pulling up extra chairs to work with them etc. etc.
I have it both ways. I have 12 computers together at one end. There are five
and will be ten by the time school starts on the other end. In between, I
have single stations used primarily as OPAC's Approx. 6 computers are tied
to each printer. This works well for us as it allows two classes in at one
time to do research. Most teachers require both book and online (Internet
and proprietary databases).
I have an elementary library with 13 computers. I have them in a squared-off
U shape. I like this because I can stand in one place and see all of their
screens at once. Helps me make sure they're all where they should be. I can
also see their screens from the circ desk.
I am in a grade 9 campus and presently, the computers are grouped in three
rows with the rows ending against a wall. This is very exhausting when you
have to teach a class... due to constant backtracking to get to the next
row. Next year, I hope to re-configure the computers in a semi-rectangle
with a cluster in the middle.
I am alone in my library serving 800 students. I don't have the energy to
run around to different nooks and corners to help students or supervise
them.
When teachers bring classes into the library, they like to be able to work
with them in one group too for the same reason as mine.
Also, I have not had a problem having more than one group working on the
computers. I reserve blocks for a teacher if he/she notifis me in advance.
I suppose the small, separated groupings would work if you had assistance
and space. Even then, I see some problems. If some computers go down in the
small group or the group is larger or smaller than the set-up, it's harder
to reconfigure. You are locked in. Think of the comparison of many small,
separate classrooms as opposed to one large space that you can change as you
please.
I presently have 14 along the windows and 8 in the center section, clustered
around the pillars. These 2 groups of computers are divided by a line of
study carrels.
Pluses:
I can accommodate more students this way I think---2 classes if they aren't
big classes. Spreads out the students. I can watch the screens of all those
in the line from my desk. I can see a few of those in the center--but I can
see all the students---so I can tell if they are acting "funny".
Minuses:
It's not very easy to instruct while students are at the computers---a lot
of walking around. And making my voice carry isn't my strongest ability.
There are usually 2 of us so we can split up the areas. The heat vents are
along the windows where the computer line is---& the sun also shines in
there so I have the shades pulled a lot of the time.
A really positive thing this year was we got an overhead data projector for
our classroom...makes instruction a whole lot easier. We can go over
something (like how to use the catalog, databases, etc.) with the students
visually, then move out to the computers for them to do some hands-on
practice.
Deborah Stafford
Gen. H.H. Arnold High School
Wiesbaden, Germany
deborah.stafford@t-online.de
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