Passive Programming in the Library

Joy Gray Presents

Passive Programming in the library

What is passive programming?

DEFINITION

"Passive programming encompasses a variety of types of programs that allow patrons to participate with minimal to no staff direction. It’s typically an activity that runs itself and patrons can participate in spontaneously. Passive programming can help promote the collection, and related programs and services. Although there is little staff direction involved, it does involve staff planning and monitoring."

(Libguides: Adult Programming 101: Passive programs, 2024)

Why Passive Programming?

"Passive programming is a secret weapon for promoting literacy among our learners." (Fitzpatrick, 2023)

1. Simple & Inexpensive2. Student Engagement 3. Supports a Culture of Reading

1. Less Staffing Time2. Appeals to Introverts

1. Strengthens reading skills2. Nurtures imagination & empathy

(Hincks, 2023)

(Fitzpatrick, 2023)

(Slay, 2022)

MY FAVORITE IDEAS FOR PASSIVE PROGRAMMING

(from the readings)

• Cover Redesign Contests
• Mystery Book Wraps
• Book Reviews and Recommendations
• Reading Challenges
• Bookplate Stamping
• Book Spine Poetry

Book Kits Featuring:

• Blackout Poetry
• Book Page Ornament
• Book Page Papier-mache
• Book Page Pinwheel Banner
• Book-Inspired Origami

PISD LibraryImplementation

GOAL: DYNAMIC SHELVING

Entice readers to explore new books by making books look more eye-catching.

OBSTACLES

1. Space limitations2. Locating books 3. Without time and upkeep, dynamic shelving can quickly turn into a messy disaster.

PROJECT: BOOK DIORAMA

As part of a responsive classroom, teachers are expected to display student work to encourage learning and create a sense of community. Students feel intelligent and important when they make book recommendations to their friends. The book diorama project will give students an opportunity to express themselves and share their favorite books. Dioramas will be placed on shelves beside the book with a summary of the book generated by ChatGPT. Hopefully, seeing scenes from books will inspire students to expand their horizons and read different books.

RESULTS

Gives students a sense of pride and accomplishment

Promotes the library collection and creates dynamic shelving

Encourages students to branch out and try new books

Statistics

"Nearly nine in 10 (88%) say they are more likely to finish a book they have picked out themselves and eight in 10 (82%) say they feel a sense of accomplishment when they finish reading a book."

88%

(Scholastic, n.d.)

RESOURCES

Fitzpatrick, j. (2023, August 15). Literacy themed passive programming. Knowledge Quest Blog. https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/literacy-themed-passive-programming/ Fitzpatrick, J. (2023, October 3). The impact of passive programming on high school learners -. Knowledge Quest Blog. https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/the-impact-of-passive-programming-on-high-school-learners/ Hincks, K. (2023, March 2). 3 reasons to love passive programming. Knowledge Quest Blog. https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/3-reasons-to-love-passive-programming/ Kids & Family Reading Report: Finding their story. Finding Their Story: Access Matters. (n.d.). https://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/access-matters.html#:~:text=Further%2C%20nearly%20nine%20in%2010,they%20finish%20reading%20a%20book. Libguides: Adult Programming 101: Passive programs. Passive Programs - Adult Programming 101 - LibGuides at Pikes Peak Library District. (2024, July 17). https://research.ppld.org/c.php?g=883790&p=6744858#:~:text=Passive%20programming%20encompasses%20a%20variety,involve%20staff%20planning%20and%20monitoring. Slay, J. (2022). Even the teens are clamoring for a screen time break: Passive programming is just what tech weary high school students need. Young Adult Library Services, 20(2), 8–10. Photos licensed through Adobe Stock Photos or created by AI. Book covers are the exception.