3.2 Access to Information
A sample Search Station poster: reminders for catalog browsers.
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During my Organization and Access course, I created several documents that demonstrate my mastery of Standard 3.2. First, I created a Facilities Plan to improve my current Media space. This artifact highlights the first portion of the standard that relates to physical, social and intellectual barriers, and how I can solve them for my library users. I also created Search Station resources, to assist media students and visitors in accessing information about our collection easily and efficiently.
These documents are already benefiting my media center. I used my initial evaluations of my space to guide my Program Evaluation in my Practicum course, to redesign our computer lab to better meet student needs. I also printed and laminated my search station cards to support Destiny instruction with grades 2-5. They loved having this easy reminder for their little questions! These cards have proven to be a wonderful support for new students and staff members, specifically. Rather than playing catch up, they are able to independently review how our system works, and begin finding what they need. Creating these artifacts was one of the most unexpected learning experiences of my coursework. I have always appreciated beautiful libraries, but before Organization and Access, I never considered how carefully these spaces are curated. Libraries that are comfortable and functional encourage users to frequently visit, and everyone seems to effortlessly find what they need. I now know the hard work that goes into this successful end result! Thanks to the experiences of creating these artifacts, I can begin to identify issues to access in my own library space and develop solutions that ensure equitable access for all users. |