Administration | Library Refurbishment
that the new vibe and energy of libraries has made reading more appealing to students.
“What we have done is really work on the shelf design. So basically with one shelf you can create a display shelf, a CD and DVD shelf, a flat shelf and a picture book shelf – all by simply spinning the shelf or adding clear acrylic inserts.
“Open spaces with use of natural light, low shelving, comfortable seating and modern colours bring students together, encourage discussion and collaboration and provide a positive space that motivates students to become more involved in their learning,” says Kellie.
“Schools also want more open space, more multi-functional spaces. We design furniture that works well together. Ottomans can integrate with library units and tables nest together to form interesting and functional spaces, yet also pull apart to support individual work.”
“The upgrading of school libraries creates a positive setting that not only encourages reading but also inspires digital information search, research and collaboration with peers that provides a more complete approach to learning than previous library environments that simply encouraged the referencing of books.”
Michael says libraries have undergone a gradual evolution in the last 10 years but there has been a significant transformation in the past five years which has boosted their popularity. He says modern libraries are having a positive effect on the uptake of reading and part of the reason may be the improved methods of displaying books to make them more appealing. “With our shelving you can place a lot more face-out books and everything is presented better,” he says.
Face-out books Fry Library and School Supplies director Darrin Batty says one of the best trends in library displays is shelving that enables books to sit face out so students are drawn to the covers.
“The shelves are a good height, visually it’s more appealing and the result is we find that book loan rates are much higher which is great.
Not only does that style of shelving make books look more appealing and easy to navigate for students, it also protects books from being jammed into tight spaces, he describes.
“That’s the whole purpose of the library is for kids is to read, so staff love it.”
“In my experience everyone wants to see the face of the book, not the spine,” says Darrin.
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schoolnews
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“Kids are not going to stand there looking at spines and choosing which book to read.” He says schools can improve the reading rates of students by making a few key investments in their libraries. “Kids are not going to go into a library because the shelving is pretty. The big winner that kids want to see is the cover of the books and the illustrations,” he says.
Creating community VE Furniture’s marketing spokesperson Kellie Griffith agrees
Kellie says libraries are also more than just a ‘hub’ of learning and socialising but a way to ‘showcase’ the school. “A refurbished library changes the school culture by providing a sense of community and connection,” she says. “Physical space affects our psychological well-being and a positive environment, that is both enjoyable and inspiring, creates a sense of pride that leads to greater engagement which results in improved learning outcomes.” By Kat Donaghey, Editor