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Oftentimes, decisions are made by Administration, Boards, and Architects
who fail to recognize the library as a learning place that requires special
considerations.

1.  Carpets -  those cheap string carpets simply do not work!  Even laid
correctly, the threads pull and no amount of clipping the threads and
applying Elmer's Glue can fix it.  Applying carpet directly over the
concrete floor also doesn't work - though not so immediate a problem -
since the concrete will cut into the backing.  Frankly, given the choice, I
would prefer to have tiles, with large area mats over them.

2.  "Pemanent-izing" I'm sure that many view their schools as permanent
monuments to the community (it not themselves :0) ).  For this reason,
concrete walls, built-in furniture, windows are not adaptable.  Try for
those module office walls, large areas without windows, moveable furniture.

3.  Bookshelves.  Single-sided 4-foot wood shelving is wonderful and can be
moved around when necessary to optimize how you re-arrange the library in
the future.

4.  Lights.  Fluorescent lights are indeed great, but adding a single
incandescent fixture between them will reduce the "off-on off-on" that
incandescents work by.  This is especially important for children (and
adults) who get migraines.

5.  Electrical Plugs - NOT on the floor when walls are nearby!!!!  These
limit where you can place your furniture, computers, etc.  Cover strips of
plastic/rubber work effectively when a cord has to be placed across a floor
space.

6.  Furnishings - make sure that they are adaptable.  Circulation Desks
look great in a catalog, but you will have to work with it for a number of
years.  Plastic chairs are for garden parties, nothing else!  If you have
the luxury of lounge furniture, be very certain that it will stand up to
the daily wear and tear AND that it can be easily mended (Forget the
leather or the imitation stuff and go for the cloth).  File cabinets????
Be sure to get HEAVY DUTY cabinets with moveable blocks (sorry, hanging
files don't work in general settings)

7.  Traffic Patterns.  Take extra time to determine what you want the
patterns to be.  Fire doors with no alarm mean trouble if you have a single
entry/exit planned, as, by the way, to unscreened windows if you have a
security system.

8.  Color.  Yup, it's great to have mucus white for the first ten days.
But be very conscious of what colors and supporting colors you have the
library done in.  One library had to accept a glorious red wall and nearly
went nuts as the children reacted to it every day

9.  "Extras" -  it is much easier to get those extra things now, if the
budget permits it.  Trying for electronic security devices, computers,
photocopiers, etc. can sometimes be fitted in because the Board (etc.)
wants the NEW library to look nice for the parents.

10.  Washrooms/Sinks, etc.  Yup, I know, it's next door.  However, the
addition of these facilities will ensure that children are not roaming the
halls, with you responsible for passes, etc.  (And, of course, the benefit
of a water supply for your coffee machine does help)

11.  Electrical and network centering.  A one-flick switch to turn on all
your electrical items and your network saves tremendous amounts of time.

And now for some other advice :

Accept the fact that the Board wants to get the best for the cheapest, that
the architect and the supplies will do the same.  The result is that you
never get exactly (sometimes, even close) to what you want.

Choose some basics - things that are REQUIRED and stick to that with all
your might.  If you, as I do, change the library around sometimes, give up
some of the temporary things that you can purchase in subsequent years
(say, floor mats), leaving the REQUIRED as the tiled floor.

Never, ever challenge the "educational authority" of those making the
decisions - you will find that your architect has already designed 40,000
schools, your administrators will be looking at costs, etc.

Go for the "long term" argument :  we can save money and add non-required
items in later years, by investing  (Note the term!!!!) in such and such now.


Earl P Sande
Elementary School Librarian
Director of Library Services
Carol Morgan School
Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic
e-mail :  sandes@codetel.net.do

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