I have been ordered to write about the changes I would make to my school's library, but I have a problem - I like my library. Sure, I've never borrowed a book from it, all I've ever done their is get distracted by issues of T3 while trying to do homework and read magazines about video games and cars, but I like it. I like it even though the librarians enforce the silence policy too strictly, there aren't enough computers, and there are too many books. Come to think of it, maybe it could use some changes, so here are the three changes I'd make to the library (which could be extended to any library, I suppose):
Get rid of the silence rule. Sure, silence still has a place in libraries and it is sensible to have a room or part of a room dedicated to quiet study, but reading can also be a social experience. Why do you think they but cafés in bookshops now? Okay, maybe that's to sell coffee, but my point still stands.
Have fewer books on display. Do we really need all those shelves in the actual reading section of the library? No, of course not. Why don't we keep the books in some kind of book room (admittedly, we already have one of those but its purpose is slightly different), where they could be stored more efficiently, and take up less study/reading space? If someone wanted it book, admittedly, it would take longer to get, but on the other hand there could be more books on offer, while computers could be used to find and reserve books.
Have more DVDs on offer. This really speaks for itself, I think they should have the classics of cinema to rent, or even view in the library (using headphones, of course), as well as documentaries on multiple subjects.
This changes are hardly sweeping, but they would make libraries much more enjoyable to be in, for me, at least. I have avoided anything involving eBooks, because I prefer real books myself.
