Library “Pods” Instead of a Centralized Library For New Abilene, Texas Elementary School

UPDATE June 9 Abilene ISD board hears debate on Johnston Elementary library plan

Despite not appearing on the agenda of Monday’s Abilene Independent School District board of trustees meeting, Johnston Elementary’s pilot library program was a hot topic for discussion.
Expected to be an experiment in the 2016-17 school year when the new campus opens, the library function will be split into six pods, essentially eliminating the centralized hub.

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From KTAB-TV:

Many are concerned with the new plans for Johnston Elementary which consists of 6 library pods, rather than 1 centralized library.
A library pod is a community space with communal study areas and mobile bookshelves.
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Dr. Audra Ude, acting Abilene ISD Superintendent says there will still be librarians to help with the pods who will also be working with computer personnel. “I kind of see the role between computer lab personnel crossing over with some of our library personnel maybe being able to cross train so that they can serve in each of those 6 pods,” said Dr. Ude.

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Video Version of Library Pod Story

Filed under: Libraries, School Libraries