No more offices

The legendary perk of career climbers is the "corner office": a symbol of importance, of power, of exclusivity. It's a "reward" I've never really understood.

In fact, as a school librarian, the first thing I usually did in my library was move my desk out onto the floor of the library and turn what was supposed to be my office into a conference room. When that was not possible, I made sure I had a space at the circulation desk* where I could work. In designing new school libraries, I would recommend a workroom and I would recommend conference rooms. And I would recommend putting the librarian's desk in the main library space.

The barrier that office walls create is not easily overcome by too many people - students, teachers, parents, and even administrators. "Oh, she's in her office so she must be busy and I shouldn't bother her" is the polite line of thinking. The reality is that in a service occupation like librarianship (and this applies to tech integrationists as well), it is our JOB to be bothered. I've know too many library positions that were eliminated because the librarian spent more time in his office than with kids and teachers. The desk and office do exert an almost magnetic attraction. Why design failure into our work environments?

What is the traditional role of the office space anyway?

1. To provide privacy? On the rare occasion I need speak privately to someone, I can use a conference room.
2. To provide security? Put a lock on the desk drawer and a password on the screen saver. 
3. To provide a quiet work space? Our "work" is with people.
4. To provide a space for small group work? See #1
5. To provide a symbol of status or authority? In education? Really?

I'd argue that very few positions in education need offices. As tech director, I don't need one. (I don't close the door on my office but once a month if that.) In an age where collaboration, communication, and joint problem-solving are key components to success, offices just don't make sense.

Readers, give me a solid reason to create libraries or new tech work areas that include any offices at all.

*Modern circulation desks should be the same height as a regular desk.

Comments

[Dexcowork Space]

I completely agree that the traditional office model is evolving, and more flexible, collaborative environments seem to be the way forward. It’s exciting to see how companies are embracing this change.

[manyhatsnc]

Your article, "No More Offices," offers a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving nature of workspaces. The discussion on balancing collaborative environments with the need for private spaces is particularly insightful. Thank you for sharing these valuable observations.