What is it about?
This study is about understanding the lived experiences of parents and librarians in a modern children's library that aims to create a bond between them through multiliteracy events and activities. The study used a phenomenological case study approach with semi-structured interviews to collect data from parents (n=5) and library staff (n=5). The study explored the different yet compatible experiences of parents, librarians, and children in the library environment, and how technology and local heritage can be creatively blended to promote literacy and socialization. The study also identified the importance of constant program evaluation and upgrades, unexpected fun activities, and attentive staff to keep children engaged and motivated to stay and learn more. Overall, the study provides insights into how a modern children's library can be designed and programmed to promote literacy and socialization, particularly in non-western contexts like the United Arab Emirates.
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Why is it important?
This study is important for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes to the growing body of literature on the importance of libraries in promoting literacy and creating affinity spaces for communities. Secondly, it highlights the importance of incorporating technology in library spaces to inspire children's innovations and creativity. Thirdly, it emphasizes the need to involve parents and other community members in the design and implementation of literacy programs in libraries. Fourthly, it provides insights into how a modern children's library can be designed to promote literacy and socialization in non-western contexts, such as the United Arab Emirates. Finally, the study has practical implications for librarians, architects, school leaders, policymakers, and educators who are involved in designing and implementing literacy programs in libraries, both public and academic.
Perspectives
The perspective of this article is that modern children's libraries that prioritize multiliteracy events and activities and incorporate technology can create transformative and heterotypic spaces for parents, librarians, and their children. The study suggests that a "living library" philosophy with an enthusiastic and attentive staff that caters to patrons' interests can draw parents and children to visit, and unexpected fun activities can keep them engaged and motivated to stay and learn more. The findings of this study have practical implications for librarians, architects, school leaders, policymakers, and educators who are involved in designing and implementing literacy programs in libraries, both public and academic, and can help them to envision new ways of creating affinity spaces for the literate community, particularly in non-western contexts like the United Arab Emirates. This research highlights the importance of promoting literacy and socialization in libraries and provides insights into how this can be achieved through creative and innovative design and programming.
Bernadette Guirguis
United Arab Emirates University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Bio-networking among librarians, parents, and children in a modern children’s library: a phenomenological study, Information and Learning Sciences, March 2023, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/ils-09-2022-0107.
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