As BSM continues to move into a more technology-based generation, the Moore Library will see various changes in the coming years––as discussed at the library visioning session held on February 1. Though both physical and academic changes were noted during the meeting, the well being of the students remained the highest priority.

Though nothing has been finalized, these potential changes include role of the librarian, layout, resource centers, and ebooks. “We are living in a changing society. I don’t see that we are going to go back to pencil and paper,” said librarian Ms. Lynn Bottge.

The BSM community may start to see some of these changes during the 2011-2012 school year, and with the new eight-period day, students will have more time to spend in the library. “One of the goals is to give students the freedom to start making their own decisions when it comes to managing their time, to help them prepare for college,” said Mr. Steve Pohlen, director of technology and learning.

With six people in attendance, the visioning session helped to form a preliminary plan for the future of the library. “I would like there to be more collaboration between the teacher and the librarian,” said Ms. Bottge. “I want to be more involved with the research, since the library has so much expertise to offer.”

Study carrels and sectioned off areas are just two of the ways Ms. Bottge plans to make the library more available for both silent study and group work. “We want to make the library as usable as possible for all types of learning and study,” said Mr. Pohlen.

With the eight period schedule change, teachers will have more time available to assist students with homework as a part of a potential resource center program––similar to the writing lab currently in place. “The hope is that the library will become a place for teachers to collaborate with students and provide research guidance,” said Mr. Pohlen.

By moving the paper books into the hands of the various departments, Ms. Bottge said the possible change to ebooks has many advantages––a less expensive upkeep than the books lining the shelves, and a more vast selection of reading. “Once you have an ebook, it’s there and it’s for anybody,” said Ms. Bottge. “They can be accessed by more than one student at a time.”

Ms. Bottge hopes the library will become a more interactive environment for students and teachers, and give students the chance to develop skills for the future. “We need the change, libraries have always been the same,” said Mrs. Bottge. “Its time to bring the BSM library into the 21st century.”