The Power of a Good Question AISL Post

 The Power of a Good Question is my monthly AISL post. It ponders a more qualitative approach to library statistics, i.e. what we can learn about the library based on the variety of questions we're asked.

The Library, The Play

How quickly intrigue turned to horror upon closer examination of this upcoming play "inspired by future events."

After Caitlin Gabriel survives a deadly shooting at her high school, she struggles to tell her story to her parents, the authorities and anyone who will listen. But there are other narratives that gain purchase in the media and paint her in a different light. Steven Soderbergh returns to the stage with this bold and chilling world premiere that asks us to examine our relationship to the truth and the lies that claim to heal us.
Academy Award-winning director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Erin Brockovich, Ocean's Eleven), returns to the stage to direct THE LIBRARY, an arresting new play by acclaimed writer Scott Z. Burns (Side Effects, Contagion, The Bourne Ultimatum), and featuring Chloë Grace Moretz (Hugo, Carrie, "30 Rock").

Students Want Silent Libraries?

This is from a recent Chicago Tribune reporter. I'm guessing that my students would agree. I know that they would prefer to be able to eat in the library. I'm relatively sure that they would like to have silent study spaces separate from the main library area. 

By Karen Ann Cullotta, Tribune reporter

February 4, 2014

Comfy chairs to curl up with a book or tablet, silent study spaces and a place to munch on a quick snack are high on a student-generated wish list being considered by officials at New Trier Township High School 203 as they plan for the future of the district's two libraries.
The feedback was garnered through a recent survey that asked 275 students to share their needs and suggest future changes that would enhance their current library experience at both the Winnetka and Northfield campuses, said Judy Macnab, library department chair at New Trier.
"We've learned from our students that they think their high school's library is a safe and respectful environment for learning," Macnab said. "There is more information available to students today and more of a need for librarians who can help them navigate through the morass out there."
Macnab said that the library's reliance on digital resources and technology has soared since 2008, when officials spent the majority of their budget on printed materials.
Last year, officials allocated 65 percent of the library's budget to purchase digital materials and just 29 percent for printed items.
Macnab said despite the burgeoning use of technology by students visiting the library to do research during class and independently — and the fact that by next year, every student at New Trier will be assigned an iPad — many of the comments students recently shared with librarians suggest that the venue is also cherished as a safe haven where they can relax with friends or work quietly on their own.
"It was impressive to see the extent to which students feel that the library is a comfortable and productive place to learn," Macnab said. "Knowing the stress and pressures often associated with high school, it was encouraging to see that students describe the library as relaxing, peaceful and fun in addition to being a resourceful study location."
For example, student comments on the recent survey included "I like that we are trusted to sit in the stacks, especially during the busy lunch periods," and "I mainly like it because it is a quiet 'sanctuary' place where I know I can be by myself."
While Macnab said it might come as a surprise that teens are clamoring for quiet, one student said, "I like the silent study room, but sometimes, there isn't enough space."
"Our quiet study room is filled to the brim almost every period of the day," Macnab said. "Some students prefer to sit on the floor, but for the most part, the students sit in chairs at tables because they like the closeness and camaraderie of being around other students."
New Trier Township High School District 203 board member Malcolm "Mac" Harris said he was impressed with the warm rapport between students and librarians — a far cry from the days of the stern librarian whispering "hush!"
"One of the things that makes me proudest is the collaboration between the librarians, the teachers and their students," Harris said. "I'm particularly impressed with the fact that so many students view the library as a comfortable, safe place to go, whether it is with a class, for a research project or just to hang out."
Macnab said she frequently hears from students lamenting that they are prohibited from eating in the library, which currently has a no food or drink policy.
"There's nothing students would like more than having their iced tea and snack while they're in the library studying, but unfortunately, they're not so good at picking up their own trash," said Macnab. "If we could find a way for them to pick up, I'm sure they'd love to have a latte in a library cafe, but until then, they're still limited to water bottles with lids."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/winnetka_northfield_glencoe/ct-new-trier-library-tl-0206-20140204,0,7289423.story

Anthropologie

This past summer in Anthropologie, I noticed a sign over a wooden trunk asking for book donations. There was no further information, which I found odd. If you are donating books to charity, wouldn't you want to know a bit about the target population? Children's books? Reference books? Popular fiction? Also, why are you collecting books in a wooden chest with a small typed request sign, Anthropologie? This fall, in a different Anthropologie 3000 miles away, I noticed this display. Beautiful. Not a donation to charity but to art. 

If you are interested in store design and visual merchandising, Anthropologie is a neat research subject. First off, it's always nice when a subject has a unique name. If they were Anthropology, you'd be sifting through a lot of unrelated materials. More importantly, they are leaders in tailoring stores to individual locations, creating unique window theming units, and marketing virally with social media. I would say that the brand's particular strength is in seeming like an independent store when, in fact, they're owned by the Urban Outfitters brand. Thoughts?