Hit: floorplans

[macm <macm@MONT.MINDSPRING.COM>]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request for help regarding library
floorplans/layouts.  Basically,I discovered there aren't any good
websites with graphical information on this topic, but I got some good
suggestions of things to include and things to watch out for.

Following are excerpts from your responses:

I noticed that School Library Journal had many articles on your topic.

I re-arranged my library two years ago and search for a long time for
ideas about the best arranged for shelves etc.  I found some obscure
sitings in mosted academic library books.  The one thing they did say was
that long stretched of shelves is better that short and choppy.  Also.
wall shelving in the most efficient.

Having worked in two LMCs, one was certainly a much better arrangement
than the other. My favorite, and where I currently am located, is set up
so there are several distinct areas, allowing for numerous groups to use
the LMC at once. Teachers and students love having it available. Walking
in, we have
the check-out counter to the right with the office right behind it. Past
that area is the search stations and four Macs for email, simple CDs,
etc. in a reference area. This is boxed off with two lower book shelves.
Opposite that, straight ahead as you walk in, are two couches and a
periodical area. Behind the magazines is the fiction area with the
picture books behind them, separated by one section of shelves that come
out. The right hand side of the LMC is the number section. In the back is
a computer lab. So, a group can be in the lab, another in the picture
book area, a small group (one table) in the fiction area, a large group
in the main area, and a small group in the reference area. Plus there's
room for a few to read magazines, and we can see it all from the front
counter. The shelves give natural separation, people can utilize areas
depending upon their material needs and group size, and we can accomodate
up to three groups quite easily. So, I'm suggesting your floor pan allow
for such flexibility.

Make certain that you control the light (possible to have dim light for
projecting computer screen images) and have enough (more than you ever
thought) electrical outlets.  Electricians here recently added drop down
wiring from cafeteria ceiling in one building when they needed an instant
lab of 25 machines (for each machine there's a CPU, monitor, printer,
modem, and maybe TV or Averkey outlet needed!

Also have adjustable shelving!  Ergonomic desktops 24 to 28" from the
floor!

Be certain you have clear view of all areas when seated where you do most
work. White board would be nice, maybe a portable one.  Also  phone
outlet near TV cable outlet and if not networked, several phone dedicated
lines for Internet access. Will you have a CD tower, file server for
library circ. and catalog?

Visit nearby new libraries and get best practices ideas from them all.
Will there be room for a teacher workroom? If so, you need outlets for
computers, laminators, copiers, and large work counter with poster
storage underneath would be great!

Have you tried this site?
http://www.libertynet.org/~lion/facilities.html

I'm afraid that you'll have to do this research the old fashioned way via
print resources.  SLJ has an annual volume on planning Library Media
Centers.  Are you working with an architect on this plan?  If they're
doing
demolition, you'd better hurrry!

Contact Buckstaff Library Furniture 1-800-755-5890 for your area's rep.
If they are half as good as the Patty in Texas they'll help you design
it. Just give them a chance to bid on the furniture. We've done 3 of our
libraries through them. They make excellent furniture.

Thanks again to a great group. I'll let you know how things work out.  B

Barbara Campbell, Media Specialist
MacMillan International Academy
Montgomery, AL