HIT: Re: New Library Media Center

[Sally Varsa <varsasal@SIU.EDU>]

Dear LM_Netters,
Many, many thanks to all of you who responded to my questions regarding
furnishings and reference materials for our new LMC.  I was astounded by
the response!  Many asked me to share, so here it is finally...
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Sally, if there is ANY way for you to contact Brodart they could help you
immensely!  I was faced with somewhat the same problem you have, and I wish
I had contacted Brodart's rep before I did ANY thing else!  They are the
professionals!
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Just remodeled a K-5 lib and designed and moved into a new 6-12 library.
        Suggestions:
        We used Bretford oak shelving in the elementary.  I just love it,
and wished I had put it in the high school library too.  We purchased lots
of speciality shelving for videos, hanging units for our book/cassette bags,
multiple supports per shelf for our picture books, foront-faced shelving for
paperbacks, etc.  I ordered metal shelving for the HS.  It is noisy, the
book supports are too loose, and the books are always sagging.  I would
definitely get all wood shelving, if I had it to do over agina.
        Bretford also made a special circ. desk for the elem.  It is only
24 inches wide, and works well with our small library aide.  Half is for
standing and half is for seated work.
        Do not choose solid color laminate table tops for the elem.  They are
donstatntly finger marked.  The speckled laminate is much better.
        Plan for a sink and a restroom if possible.
        Add as many electrical outlets as money will allow.  We placed
electrical outlets on the floor in the HS and I wish I had more of them
for our growing computer needs.
         I am planning some standing stations for the HS.
        Plan for storage cabinets and lots of drawers, if possible.  Keep
security in mind.  There is no storage in the HS for supplies, that can be
locked.  This is a real problem.  We had anticipated a lock on the workroom
door.  Do not assume anything.  Be sure to go over every detail with the
architect.
        Best of luck!  It is a big job, but it is terrific moving into a
well designed facility. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best piece(s) of furniture in our library are our "book houses,"
which house the picture books. A cabinetmaker parent used the picture in
the catalog (Gaylord, I think) as a model. The roofs make terrific
display areas--I can "sell" almost any book by putting it on the roof.
The students also use the roofs to open books for browsing. The other
feature that makes them so great is the narrow compartments for the
books, which eliminate the need for bookends. I can have four classes
come through to check out books and the picture book section still looks
neat, while the other shelves are a disaster.
Good luck with your opening. It must be exciting, in spite of all the work.
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Since I spend so much time moving furniture big furniture is really a
pain.  I love those little funny shaped (are they trapezoids) tables
because they can be combined into so many shapes.  You can't go wrong
with at least a little wood for "warmth".  I don't think I would buy any
of those tiny kindy chairs though.  Little kids can sit in bigger chairs
for the short time they are in the library and since so many staff
meetings and events are in the library big chairs are desirable.  I would
love some bin type picture book storage so kids can see the fronts of
books.  Just a few of MY opinions.  Good luck.
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Just a few short notes on new library designs as I was involved
in designing my facility about six years ago. With all the new
technology make sure there are lots of power outlets. Have them
put in more than you would ever think you would use because you
will use them. My shelves are wood and they are wonderful--last
for years.
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Sally:  the only thing I would recommend for sure is a walk-up desk for
the on-line catalog.  I have grades 1-4, and if someone sits down, she
does not want to get up.  I put little Rubbermaid one-step step stools at
each station, so even the smallest can see the keys.  It has worked
beautifully, and I know a sit-down station would have been a disaster.
We have a 3-station, trapeziod work-station from Paragon.  It is gray,
and I am gradually changing the whole library to gray Fromica to match.
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In regard to new furniture. . . My board of ed purchased some wonderful
heavy duty library tables and chairs for my library 3 years ago.  I love
the sturdy wooden furniture, however, they decided the white formica table
tops would lighten up the room rather than haaving the wooden look.  These
white table tops are so difficult to keep clean when little children have
used them.  I would not recommend a light formica at all.
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I've just moved into a recently renovated library so I didn't get my .02
worth in but will pass on what I've discovered this year:  1.  *Be sure*
to get picture book shelving for your picture books.  It has dividers
every few inches (can be adjusted) which allows picture books to stand up
straight without bookends.  I've had two kinds in two different
libraries--First was metal with slots cut every 1/2 inch in which you
placed placed metal upright pieces however far apart you wanted them to
be.  GREAT!  New library has wooden shelves with shallow grooves in which
you place masonite uprights.Grooves are every 3 inches and are not very
deep.  Uprights sometimes slip over on the side but are still better than
no uprights at all.  I prefer the ones in my old library--metal.
        2.  Be sure that shelves have a total of 60 inches of *usable*
shelf space so that you will get a minimum of 5 shelves with 12 inches in
between.  If library space is limited the only way to expand is to have
that extra shelf. That means total shelf height has to be more than 60".
        3.  I've never found a really successful bookend so itdoesn't
matter if you get regular shelves with conventional bookends or metal
shelves with the wire bookends that attach to the shelf above.
        4.  My old library had a neutral colored metal shelf with colorful
formica on top and sides--very nice.  New library has wooden "outsides"
with metal shelves.  Not as colorful unless you have lots of new books!
        5.  If you get a book return cart with a spring in it, you may
have to get someone at a machine shop to cut some rungs off the spring so
that it will depress properly for children's books.  Two moms figured this
one out for me....the books were sliding off the cart because they weren't
heavy enough.  Now it works great!
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We recently remodeled our library.  Due to our large enrollment we had
some of our library converted to hallway and classroom space.  As a
result we purchased new shelving.  Our old shelving was pressed wood
covered with plastic laminate.  We had problems with the laminated
pulling away from the wood and chipping.  Some of the tall long case
came apart after 3 years.  The carpenter from the manufacturor came to
repair them and commented to me that the weight of the books was part of
the problem.  This company was aware that the cases were to be used in a
high school library.

Our new shelving is metal with plastic laminate end panels.  The shelving
has just been installed so I can't discuss the way it will hold up but
other elementary and middle school libraries in my district have had no
complaints regarding this shelving.  I am very pleased with the color and
finish of the metal shelving and the laminate end panels.
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
     My best advice is to get the slant top reading table.  I did this year
in my redesign and not only the little ones love it, but my big 5th graders
rush for it as a spot to take notes for research!  It's a hit with them all!

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----Metal furniture may not be always good as book ends slip..  It depends
on the type.  Cd-Rams:  The Grolier's Electronic Ency. is good.  Mammals,
The Animals, 3D Atlas  and Time Magazine are all good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I moved into a new library three years ago.  The shelves are wooden
and adjustable.  I like them.  The circulation desk has a section which
is desk high instead of bar stool high.  I have the ciruclation computer
at that part and really like it.  I have a bad back and need to sit with
my feet on the floor for typing.  I would do that again in a second.
Ours was specially designed but I have noticed that Brodart sells
"sections" of ciruclatin desks that screw together.  It looks great
to me.
Our computers are lined up along one wall.  I can easily supervise all
the computers with a glance.  A hexigonal arrangement means that
you can't see all the screens at once....Also
Another item that I don't like is the actual arrangement of the shelves.
They needed to be slanted so that students can't hide at the ends arway
from view.  Also the reference area can't be seen on the far side.  So
the students can write in books or rip out pages and I can't see it.
I've had various librarians tell me that they hate study carrels becuase
they can't see whatthe students are doing.
Please excuse the typing mistakes...correcting is extremely difficult
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You may not have the same problems that we have at high school, but I
would prefer some kind of arrangement so that all screens are visible at
one time.  We have students who love to get beyond security and into
files that they don't belong.  When the screens are visible you can tell
at a glance if they are where they ought to be!

I suppose that would mean that the computers would be placed in a single
line, all facing the same direction -- or you could place 2 or 3 together
around the room with all screens facing center (or the circulation
desk).  That's not an aesthetic choice, I know.  The setup you describe
would look *much* nicer and require less network cable.  Anyway, that's a
thought.
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   My husband is an architect which means that all my married life I have
been encouraged to pay particular attention to aesthetics.  I definitely
vote for wooden furniture correctly sized for each group.  In a SLJ
article several years ago students said they thought it was important to
have special areas for little ones and for older students so it looks
like you are on the right track.
   My most used cd-rom is Infofinder which is made by World Book.  I
don't have the fancy version since I have it on network, but for
straight, easy-to-find and print information it can't be beat imho.
   It will probably be the only time you will ever get new furniture so
get the best you can.  Hope this helps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How lucky you are to be able to choose the furnishings for your new
library! Here are my thoughts, based on my experience in an elementary
school, and the elementary school where my children attend:

--Metal shelves are best for the books (no bugs, etc.). They can be dressed
up with laminated end pieces and tops. (My library is being extended this
summer so I am looking into new shelving units, too.)

--I like wood furniture -- and wood library furniture. The cheap stuff like
classroom tables and plastic chairs don't hold up well and just don't have
that "library look." Do you know what I mean? The tables sag, the plastic
seats split (and pinch bottoms), and the legs lose their ends and thus
wobble.

--Hex tables look nice, but leg room is rather crowded. I prefer round and
square tables that only seat 4 is you have the space. Only seating 4 at a
table provides for interaction, but not chaos.

--Circ desk necessities: For elementary kids I like the low circ desks. The
place for the computer can be can be lower so all the wires don't show.
Pull-out computer keyboard, knee space. Book drop unit with spring loaded
shelf, on wheels so it can be rolled to the computer for check-in. Open
shelves for storage and a drawer unit with different depth drawers -- at
least one deep enough for hanging file folders, more shallow for writing
supplies.

--I love the slanted reading table. The little guys love it, too. Somehow
makes reading more "special." Also gets the glare off the pages. Another
thing I would insist on is a free standing unit much like a double-sided
easel with shelves. Great for displaying new books, theme-related books,
state award books, etc.

--A 3-sided puppet show unit is nice, but I wouldn't get the kind that has
a chalkboard. (What a mess!) A basket of puppets stored behind it provides
opporitunity for all kinds of creative play, including book reinactments.

--Finally, a good sturdy rocking chair is an absolute necessity! A couple
of child-size rockers would be nice also.

Gee, I didn't mean to write a book. Hope some of this helps, anyway. Have
fun!
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   We remodeled our IMC eight years ago. We got lovely wooden tables and
chairs. The chairs have upholstery backs and the furniture still looks
like new. I prefer the square tables over round, because we often pull
together two tables for larger groups.
   For reference CDs we especially like Microsoft Dinosaurs and Mammals:
a Multimedia Encyclopedia by National Geographic. We prefer World Book
Information Finder over Grolier's because it's easier and easier to print.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since I'm in a high school library I can't help you with most of your
requests, but I have a great circulation desk. The desk that I use
for ciruclation (I have Follett Unison Circ Plus Cat Plus) has a glass
plate on the top and the monitor sets under the desk (and so does the CPU).
This is great. It
gives the students some privacy--they can't see what I am doing and can't
see who has what checked out when I'm looking at that information--and
the computer, monitor is no longer in danger from books being dropped on
the desk. And additional plus for those of us with bifocals is that it's
so much easier to read the screen
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Some suggestions for furniture:

tables of different heights, shapes to accomodate various ages/sizes of students
chairs with "sled" bases instead of legs - they are easier to push in
computer (opac) tables with a backboard to protect the cables and backs of
computers
sofas, end tables, casual chairs, big pillows for a leisure reading area
circulation desk with a large area that is low enough for primary students
to stand at/be seen
primary shelving with no backboards - it gives a much more open feeling -
look for wooden uprights that slide into slots instead of
bookends

As far as reference CDs here are some ideas:

several electronic encyclopedias, including Golden Book's First Connections
(for primary)
SIRS Discoverer
EBSCO Primary and Middle Search
EXEGY (ABC-CLIO)
Microsoft Ancient Lands
Microsoft Explorapedia
National Geographic - Mammals, Presidents, Picture World Atlas

I could go on and on - I would suggest checking School Library Journal for
the last year.  There are lots of ideas in the computer review section,
including most of the above.

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I know one thing I can suggest.  DARK COLORED TABLES!!!  In our 7-8th gr. Jr.
high, I started out with dark brown tables.  2 yrs ago a agreed to take the
old, round, WHITE cafeteria tables.  They were much bigger, they had to be
better, right?  I quickly learned, along with my students, that when you carved
words into the table they showed up VERY well.  You can surely imagine what
kind of words now glow from my table tops.  When the tables were dark the words
didn't show up, the "writers" lost interest.  This may sound silly to some, but
after 4yrs. of Jr.High I know what is important.
Good Luck!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Whatever furniture you purchase make surethat it is from a school or
library catalog.  One school I worked in (back in the 70's) built new
libraries in their junior high schools.  Rather than buy furniture that was
built for school use the architects went with furniture from a local
department store.  Not only was the top white, a nightmare to keep clean,
but if one person was writing it shook the entire table.  I have had both
wooden shelving and metal, as long as it is good quality it would be a
personal choice.
It is exciting planning a new library.
----------------------------------------------------------------
        Just remodeled a K-5 lib and designed and moved into a new 6-12
library.
        Suggestions:
        We used Bretford oak shelving in the elementary.  I just love it,
and wished I had put it in the high school library too.  We purchased lots
of speciality shelving for videos, hanging units for our book/cassette bags,
multiple supports per shelf for our picture books, foront-faced shelving for
paperbacks, etc.  I ordered metal shelving for the HS.  It is noisy, the
book supports are too loose, and the books are always sagging.  I would
definitely get all wood shelving, if I had it to do over agina.
        Bretford also made a special circ. desk for the elem.  It is only
24 inches wide, and works well with our small library aide.  Half is for
standing and half is for seated work.
        Do not choose solid color laminate table tops for the elem.  They are
donstatntly finger marked.  The speckled laminate is much better.
        Plan for a sink and a restroom if possible.
        Add as many electrical outlets as money will allow.  We placed
electrical outlets on the floor in the HS and I wish I had more of them
for our growing computer needs.
         I am planning some standing stations for the HS.
        Plan for storage cabinets and lots of drawers, if possible.  Keep
security in mind.  There is no storage in the HS for supplies, that can be
locked.  This is a real problem.  We had anticipated a lock on the workroom
door.  Do not assume anything.  Be sure to go over every detail with the
architect.
        Best of luck!  It is a big job, but it is terrific moving into a
well designed facility. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------