Monday, I went with Mrs. Vickie to look at a couple of libraries. My job was to take some photos and observe the way the other libraries were put together. These two libraries were very different in their set up and focus. Both were very pretty, and functional but I ended up preferring one over the other. After comparing and contrasting these two libraries, I realized that one important question to ask when planning to build your own library is what you want it to be. According to Thomas Augst in his introduction to Libraries as Agencies of Culture, "What a library is depends on what it does." Granted the two libraries we looked at, were two different types, the first was North Sarasota Public Library and the second was the library at Eckerd College. Obviously set up for different types of patrons, but it made me realize that personally I think a library should function as a student hub, accesible for both private study and group gatherings. A friendly relaxed atmosphere for learning. Those on the left are from North Sarasota Public Library and those on the right are from Eckerd College. I liked the friendly open atmosphere of the Public Library, and I liked the varying study areas that Eckerd had to offer. If I had my choice I would combine the two and make it more of a gathering place like the public library, but offer the quiter areas for study. Maybe throw in a coffee place to make it perfect. :)
