I like this article from The Chronicle:
Rebooted Computer Labs Offer Savings for Campuses and Ambiance for Students
New gathering places for laptop users help colleges save on upkeep
I worry that those rows and rows of public access PC’s are:
1. Dehumanizing
2. Needed
3. Treating patrons like boks and shelving them in carrell type slots
4. Preparing learners for life in a cubicle
Anyway, this article discusses other options and environments. It also addresses what things should look like when people bring their own laptops and smartphones.
Theres no right answer but libraries should be welcoming and pleasant places. Too many of our PC Lab installations are boring and pedestrian and, frankly, Soviet.
Time to rethink as things transform.
Stephen
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I wholeheartedly agree! In 5-10 years, our school children are going to be adults. They are very much used to collaborating in every arena, especially computing. So, they are going to hate the standard public library computer classroom. And adults only do it because that’s the only choice we give them. Let’s break out of the box here public librarians!