The teacher librarian must develop a safe, functional, and attractive facilities that promotes easy access to information.
From responsibilities related to the Americans with Disabilities Act to an understanding of traffic patterns, facilities management involves more than buying chairs and playing with floor plans.
Regardless of whether you're building a new facility, renovating an old space, or just buying new furniture, you need to be well informed.
This section on school library facilities will mainly focus on renovation and new building projects. However facility planning is needed for other projects; i.e., closing a library, moving a collection or portion of a collection, disaster recovery, etc.
This section of the course contains the following related topics you'll want to investigate: Planning, Elements of Facilities, Open Library, Close Library, Renew Library.
Read Chapter
7 - Facilities by B.J. Morris in Administering
the School Library Media Center.
Where do you begin with facilities planning?
Rather than starting with specifications and bids, it's important to begin with an vision. What's the function of your library media center? What kind of the learning environment do you want to create? What will the atmosphere be like? What happens in your center?
Let's start on a fun note. Read about Doug Johnson's experiences with facilities.
Read Building
Digital Libraries for Analog People: 10 Common Design Pitfalls
and How to Avoid Them by D. Johnson in Knowledge
Quest, Mar/April 2000.
Experienced practitioner provides recommendations for planning a new library or refurbishing an old one.
How do you design an effective, efficient, and appealing school library media center?
There are many things to consider in developing a plan for new or renovated school library media center.
Read School
Libraries: A Design Recipe for the Future by H.
Myerberg in Knowledge Quest, 31(1), Sept./Oct. 2002.
Read Way
Beyond Fuddy-Duddy: Good Things Happen When the Library is the Place
Kids Want to Be by E. Schibsted at Edutopia.
Also read Classrooms,
Library Media Centers, and New Technology and Design
Considerations for School Library Media Centers from
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Skim the Maine School Library Facilities Handbook from Maine Association of School Libraries (MASL), 1999. Designed to assist school library media specialists and architects in planning new or renovated facilities to meet the continually changing needs of both school children and school communities.
What do you do if your center is being renovated?
While some centers remain closed during renovation, some library media specialists find ways for their program to stay vital.
Read Promoting
Library Advocacy and Information Literacy from an “Invisible
Library’ by K. Lehman in Teacher Librarian,
29(4), April 2002. When her school library collection was boxed
up during a year of construction, teacher-librarian Kathy Lehman
launched the “Invisible Library,” an information campaign
to keep students and staff aware of library resources and services.
How do you develop bid specifications?
The technical aspects of facilities design can be overwhelming. It's a good idea to get help from people who have experienced the process.
In addition to working closely with the architect(s) and building contractors who are designing and building the facility, added consultation will likely be required for computer networks, television distribution, media retrieval system, and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
Read Developing
Bid Specifications for Facilities Projects by S. Baule
in Knowledge Quest, (31)1, p14-17, Sept-Oct 2002. Discusses developing
bid specifications for facilities projects. Highlights include:
the four basic sections of bid specifications (general conditions,
specific conditions, table of values, and information about the
bidder's company); setting standards for products; determining
whether the bidder is qualified to do the work; a sample timeline;
and reviewing the bids.
Frequently one must guestimate the number of computers to include in a school library when designing or remodeling a facility. How does one determine how many computers are enough, or what is too many?
Read Simpson’s Law Calculator: How Many Computers for a School Library
Skim WorkPlace Resources. Information on contract furniture, ergonomics, design, and
more.
Go to Collection Development Tools: Furniture for lots of suppliers and information.
What if you don't have much money?
There's lots of small projects that can make a big difference in your center. Sometimes simply painting the walls, buying new posters, and adding some color will make a world of difference.
Read Renovating on a Shoestring by K. Hickes Spira in School Library Journal, July 2002; 48(7), 35. (Access requires login) How a private school revamped its library at one-third the cost.
Check Your Understanding
Information
Power - Information Access and Delivery: Principle 2.
The library media
program provides physical access to information and resources for learning.
(p. 83, 86)
Make It Real
What are the basic functions of your library media center?
Design a library media center that reflects the ideas presented in Information Power.
Explain how the physical environment of the center reflects the needs of your learning community.
Read More About It
Bruijnzeels, R. (Aug. 2002). Creating Library
Spaces: Libraries 2040. IFLA Council and General Conference
(PDF document)
http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla68/papers/037-094e.pdf
This paper suggests that by 2040 the traditional public libraries will have ceased to exist and new, attractive future libraries will have taken their place. The Libraries 2040 project of the Netherlands is initiating seven different libraries of the future.
Baule, S. (2003). Planning for Library
Facilities. Presentation at Ohio Educational Library Media
Association (OELMA)
http://zbths.org/principal/faciltiesOELMA_files/frame.htm
Building Libraries and Library Additions: A Selected Annotated Bibliography. ALA Library Fact Sheet Number 11.
http://www.ala.org/...
Building new libraries, additions, and even remodeling can be a daunting task, and one that most librarians do not undertake frequently.
Chappell, S. Planning Shifts of Library Collections. University of Oregon Libraries.
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/acs_svc/shift/index.html
Communication Collaboratory: A Design for Learning
http://www.comm.arizona.edu/collab.html
Webpage and photos of workstation design.
Computer Ergonomics for Elementary School
http://www.orosha.org/cergos/index.html
Some simple and affordable ways to make sure that your body is safe and comfortable while using a computer.
DesignShare
http://www.designshare.com/
International forum for innovative schools.
Dolan, T.G. Library or Media Center from
School Planning & Management
http://www.peterli.com/archive/spm/655.shtm
Deciding on the appropriate furniture and furnishings for these areas depends mainly on how this space is going to be used.
Dotten, R. Library Alive! (PDF document)
http://cla.ca/slip/library-alive.pdf
5 page document on what to look for when designing or redesigning a school library.
Facilities. American Association of School Librarians. (PDF document)
http://www.ala.org/aasl...
Facilities Guidelines from the South Carolina Department of Education (MS Word doc)
http://www.myscschools.com/...doc
Related Documents from SC Dept. of Ed:
Tips for Designing Your New Library Media Center (MS Word doc)
http://www.myscschools.com/...doc
Facilities Information: Exemplary School Library Facilities by Carol Simpson, University of North Texas
http://www.school-library.org/csimpson_html/facilities.htm
These notable libraries combine functionality with visual design to produce a facility that is as much a joy to work in as to behold.
Facilities Standard from Massachusetts School Library Media Association
http://www.mslma.org/MediaForum/Apr2003/Facilities.html
Fenton, S. Architectural Follies from
School Library Journal, Feb 1999; 45(2), 26. (Access
requires login)
http://search.epnet.com.proxy.ulib.iupui.edu/login.aspx?
. . .
An architect-turned-librarian shares a strategy for working with architects to create a great library/media center. Discusses how to be involved in the architectural process step-by-step, from the planning stage, design development, construction document stage, through the final phase of creating a punch list.
Hornbach, S. Moving a Library: The Planning Stages or You Can’t Always Get What You Want. (PowerPoint presentation)
http://www.mame.gen.mi.us/profdev/mame26/handouts/moving.ppt
PowerPoint presentation
Jarmusch, A. Mental Gymnastics. Architecture, 92(9), p 60-64, Sept. 1, 2003.
http://www.architecturemag.com/...
Describes the addition of a library and gymnasium addition to the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles. Significant savings were realized by using a customized Butler building for the gymnasium. Detailing reminiscent of Armenian culture was used throughout.
Johnson, D. Some Design Considerations When Building or Remodeling a Media Center, 1998.
http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/buildingquestions.html
Lenk, M.A. FAQs about Facilities: Practical
Tips for Planning Renovations and New School Library Media Centers.
Knowledge Quest, (31)1, p 27-31, Sept.-Oct. 2002.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/...
Answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to planning for renovating or building school library media centers (SLMCs). Topics include the role of the school library media specialist, advance planning, importance of a written long-range plan, library consultants, courses on planning, design compromises, planning resources, professional movers, lessons learned, and the future of SLMCs.
Library and Media Center Design--K-12 from National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities
http://www.edfacilities.org/rl/libraries.cfm
NCEF's resource list of links, books, and journal articles on the design and planning of K-12 school libraries, including sample city and state guidelines, and resources on technology requirements.
Related Websection:
School Facilities Design—Overview
http://www.edfacilities.org/rl/design.cfm
Library Facilities (Guidelines) from Washington Library Media Association
http://www.wlma.org/Professional/libraryfacilities.htm
Brief overview of space specifications, function, planning and guidelines for school libraries.
Miller, S. Chocolate Changes. Michigan Association for Media in Education.
http://www.mame.gen.mi.us/profdev/mame26/handouts/chocolate.pdf
This is a PDF file of a presentation on moving and/or renovating a library.
Minkel, W. Kids, Computers, and Comfort.
School Library Journal, March 2001; 47(3), 33. (Access
requires login)
http://search.epnet.com.proxy.ulib.iupui.edu/login.aspx?dir
. . .
Few people think much about ergonomics in K-12 schools.
Moving Library Collections: Planning Shifts of Library Collections
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/acs_svc/shift/shiftplan.html
Planning Assistance from California State Library’s Office of Library Construction
http://www.olc.library.ca.gov/planningassistance.asp
Planning and Building Libraries from University of British Columbia. School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.
http://www.slais.ubc.ca/resources/architecture/index.htm
This site has been created for librarians, architects, design consultants, and students interested in all aspects of planning and building libraries. The site provides an outline of key resources that are available online.
School Library from Whole Building Design Guide, National Institute of Building Sciences
http://www.wbdg.org/design/index.php?cn=1.6.3&cx=0
Information on a wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole buildings' perspective.
Lau, D. The Shape of Tomorrow. School
Library Journal, Mar. 2002; 48(3), 57. (Access requires
login)
http://search.epnet.com.proxy.ulib.iupui.edu/login.aspx
. . .
A cadre of talented architects is redesigning school libraries to boost student learning
Related SLJ article:
Lau, D. Gotham’s Grand Vision, Mar. 2002; 48(3), 52. (Access
requires login)
http://search.epnet.com.proxy.ulib.iupui.edu/login
. . .
Schlipf, F. & Moorman, J. Seven Deadly
Sins of Public Library Architecture, 1998.
Outline of a program presented by Fred Schlipf and John Moorman at the Public Library Association national conference in Kansas City on March 12, 1998.
http://urbanafreelibrary.org/fredarch.htm
Related Presentation:
27 Snappy Rules for Good and Evil in Library Architecture
http://urbanafreelibrary.org//fredunde.htm
Joint Use Libraries
Bundy, A. For the Public Good: Joint Use Libraries in Australia and New Zealand, Dec. 1999.
http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/about/papers/public.htm
Since the early 1970s there has been a steady increase in Australian and New Zealand joint use libraries.
Bundy, A (2003). Joint-use Libraries - The Ultimate Form of Cooperation, 2003
http://www.library.unisa.edu.au/about/papers/jointuse.htm
Key planning success factors.
Combined School & Public Libraries: Guidelines for Decision Makers (2nd Ed.), May 1998. Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlcl/pld/comblibs.html
Crawford, W. The Philosophy of Joint-Use Libraries. American Libraries, Dec. 2003 .
http://www.ala.org/ala/...
Establishing Joint-Use Libraries, Jan. 1996.
http://www.ccla.lib.fl.us/docs/reports/joint_use.pdf
The purpose of this report is to provide background concerning the issues which must be addressed and to share the experience of joint-use veterans.
Fitzgibbons, S.A. School and Public Library
Relationships: Essential Ingredients in Implementing Educational Reforms
and Improving Student Learning. School Library Media Research,
3, 2000.
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/...
Findings from key studies, estimated numbers of combined libraries, pros and cons, and success factors.
Guidelines for the Development of Joint-use School-Community Libraries. Department of Education, Queensland, Australia, 1996.
http://education.qld.gov.au/information/service/libraries/pdfs/joint-use.pdf
Developing a formal agreement, a facilities development agreement, and a site-specific operational agreement.
Guidelines for Joint-Use Libraries from State Library of New South Wales.
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/pls/policies/jointuse.cfm
Lists objectives and factors to be considered when planning a joint facility.
Joint Use Library - Feasibility Task Force Report. John F. Kennedy University - City of Concord - Contra Costa County Library (PDF document)
http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/...
Checklists and crucial factors for success.
Kratz, C. Joint-Use Libraries: Thinking Out of the Box. College and Research Libraries News, 61(2), Mar. 2000.
http://www.ala.org/ala/...
Challenges and opportunities should be emphasized, as joint-use libraries become more common in the twenty-first century.
Lobner, J.& Kalson, L.. School/Public
Library Combinations. Nebraska Library Association Quarterly,
31(2), 17-21, Summer 2000.
http://www.state.ne.us/home/NLA/nlaquarterly/2000-2-LobnerKaslon.html
Role of the library staff, public and school, in a merger, plus topics that need addressed.
Morden, S. (Jan. 2003). Cooperation between Public
Libraries and Schools in Canada: Research Report. (PDF document)
http://www.library.on.ca/Profinfo/CELPLO.pdf
Critical success factors.
Public Libraries and School Libraries: Perfect Together? from New Jersey Library Association, Nov 2002.
http://www.njla.org/statements/jointpubschool.html
Cites challenges of joint school/public facilities and suggests cooperation, coordination and collaboration to provide the best possible service.
Recommendations on School/Public Library Cooperation from Saskatchewan Library Trustees' Association, Apr. 1995
http://www.lib.sk.ca/slta/documents/school-public2.htm
Includes recommendations for whenever an independent public library isn't possible.
Reist, A. & Highlander, L. Joint-Use
Libraries.
http://www.unt.edu/slis/students/projects/5320/reist.htm
How to approach the establishment of a combined or joint-use library, what issues to consider when establishing such a site, and what possible advantages or disadvantages can be expected with a shared facility.
Schwanz, K. Thinking about a Joint-use Library?: A Memorandum of Agreement and Timetable can ensure Success. College & Research Libraries News, 61(6), June 2000.
http://www.ala.org/ala/...
Tippecanoe County Public Library - Ivy Tech State College Joint-Use Library Project Proposal
http://www.tcpl.lib.in.us/branch/proposal.htm
Discusses the need for additional space in TCPL and Ivy Tech, the compatibility of the two libraries, the precedent for a combined library, and the advantages of a shared facility.
Related Webpage:
http://www.tcpl.lib.in.us/branch/index.htm