Transforming Libraries: A Toolkit for Innovators, Makers, and Seekers

by Ron Starker

“Why do we need libraries when we have Google?” Today’s libraries are in jeopardy. And yes, perhaps if libraries were only book warehouses, we wouldn’t need them. But libraries can be so much more than a place to check out books. In the Digital Age, it’s more important than ever for libraries to evolve into gathering points for collaboration, spaces for innovation, and places where authentic learning occurs. Transforming Libraries proposes a new role for librarians and for libraries—one that offers patrons places to think, to explore, to create, and problem-solve together. Rather than the quiet dusty hall of decades past, Ron Starker reveals ways to make libraries makerspaces, innovation centers, community commons, and learning design studios that engage multiple forms of intelligence. Packed with almost 500 tools and resources, Transforming Libraries offers real-life examples of how to turn libraries into intelligently designed centers that are essential for today’s schools. “Transforming Libraries offers a revolutionary approach for libraries of the future. This is a crucial and timely book.”—Ying Compestine, author of Revolution is Not a Dinner Party “I have had the good fortune of watching Ron Starker in action at the Singapore American School, and his library is electric! His book is a must-read."—Chris Crutcher, author of The Crazy Horse Electric Game “As the role of the library is starting to be questioned in an ever-evolving world, Ron Starker’s Transforming Libraries provides an effective blueprint for the library space revolution that is coming our way. A must-read!”—Sean Thomas, anchor/correspondent for International News Channel RT

Genres: Read For School, Nonfiction, Adult, Education

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2017

Reviews

[Coenraad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Starker provides an exciting and provocative view of what libraries, expecially school libraries, could be. His ideas are truly inspirational and will help to combat the tired old wuestion: “Do we really still need libraries?”

Ron Starker verskaf opwindende en uitdagende voorstelle om bestaande biblioteke te omskep om nuwe tendense te akkommodeer en relevant en nuttig te bly.

[Patrick Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starker makes the claim that libraries must transform in order to stay relevant. He argues that libraries must increase their scope beyond information storage facilities to become hubs of collaboration, research, experimentation and innovation. Starker’s positive, forward-thinking and encouraging take offers up a vision where librarians are learning leaders on the forefront of educational change. This book is full of suggestions and possibilities for the changing roles of librarians and the amazing potential of libraries as a flexible and agile space that supports all types of learning. If you are looking to “reimagine, redesign and retool” your library to better serve the community of learners, this book is an excellent starting point.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're in the situation where you want to transform your school's library or a school librarian's practice, read or give them this book. It's respectful treatment of the reluctant librarian (that was me) and its historical summary of the history of libraries will convince even the most cynical that change is good and positive and benefits its constituent as well as its society at large. Easy, quick read and a great book study for school district's librarians. Believe me, if you're trying to change minds about what libraries can and should be, you'll do far better with this book than with PPTs and dire warnings.

[Jill Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I wasn't blown away. There were several really interesting ideas about innovative library programs and services, but I'm always disappointed when these authors rail against traditional training as the antithesis to modern librarianship. Most of the driving goals for transforming these library spaces came directly from more "traditional" ideas about the aims of information services and librarianship. You're simply executing old goals in new ways. The black and white thinking does a disservice to what could/should have been a showcase and toolkit for innovative programming and design.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent resource from my Malaysian employers. This book is a must-read for any librarians aspiring to shake up/renovate/design libraries. It is full of ideas and resources to help librarians start implementing learning and activities that address all kinds of intelligences - not just reading, but exercising, using mathematics, creating art. Libraries are changing and we have to change with them and this is a great launching point to channel new ideas into actions.

[Dick Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does not lay out a specific, fixed plan for remaking school libraries but rather provides insights into what has worked for him as well as providing a lengthy list of resources to use in rethinking what a library is and does. A good resource with good insights.

[Bunny Boop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips and some amazing information for librarians. The book contains helpful toolkit which is a great way to separate information

[Tiffany Carroll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this was geared more towards secondary libraries but wasn't ready advertised as such. I did like how they organized their library based off of Farmer's multiple intelligences.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a self-help book for work purposes ... also as part of my TKES goal for the year. It was great and informative.