it’s iNavis… the teacher technologist

Jeff Utecht put up an url about a library in Delft Holland on Twitter. Being of Dutch background, I couldn’t resist having a look.

The mission statement of Holland’s ‘Library Concept Center’ says they want “to become and remain the most advanced library in the world. Using creativity, technical innovation, and advancing scientific understanding, DOK endeavors to be an indispensable source of inspiration for its members, visitors, and partners in the city of Delft, in the Netherlands, and in the world.”

So what does all these words mean and look like? How about a library filled with music, film, literature, art, publication and games in the library. Bookcases in the youth department mounted on casters so they can be portable. What a great way to make use of limited space. Roll ‘em where you need ‘em. Don’t forget to include a ‘Coffee Corner’ where one can buy a good lunch and coffee and tea?

What kind of programs are offered? “There are lectures, readings, and musical performances almost every week, and people like to spend a few hours in the library. Wi-Fi also makes DOK appealing to students to come and study. The art department holds regular exhibitions.”

The librarians of today are the media guides of tomorrow writes Erik Boekesteijn. His view … They will help people navigate through the

abundance of information and tell them about the new technology that is coming on the market and how to use it. It is obvious that the job of the librarian is one that involves lifelong learning. To keep a clear view, DOK deploys a number of account managers … project managers, content managers, and in-store marketing managers. iPod chairs, with speakers all around and a seat that moves on its base, provide an entirely new music experience while it is also possible to watch a movie on the big screens. Staff members can update the Macs whenever they want, so there are always new music and films to discover.

As I was reading the blog, I began to wonder what our school libraries would look like if they were to become more interactive.

• Would we see kids with mp3 players (mobile phones?) downloading stories from a central or multiple location(s)?
• Would the local library become a publisher for their constituency?
• Are story-tellers in the mix for the local community and world community?
• How will the interaction of the internet change libraries? Do we allow gaming?
• Will the library be a center for exchanging ideas or a quiet place to read and reflect? Or could it be both?
• How will the future physical design change?
• How will the library connect to the local community? What will they do to involve the community and will they (should they) heighten the awareness of the community to the world?

In the words of Erik Boekesteijn,

“When the people, the most important collection of the library, are happy, the library has a future.”

~ by dcnavis on June 5, 2008. Tagged: DCNavis, Erik Boekesteijn, Jeff Utecht, library, Twitter