Remodel or New Library

["Mrs. Morrow" <dmorrow@HARRIS-LP.K12.IA.US>]

>
>These are the suggestions that I received in regards to what works in
>'practice'for a remodel or new library project. I will post another HIT as
>more come in. Many thanks to those that care.
>
> Having just gone through this process, I would
>warn you. Be as specific as you can be. it seems that the architects have
>their own vision in mind and if you do not express exactly what you want..
>and I mean exactly, it will leave a lot of the things up to the archirtect.
>For example, I knew I would have to have columns to hide the wiring.. but
>those columns ended up being virtual walls. they are 4 feet wide by 6"
>thick. I have tried to get the media center opened up and now I have these
>four barriers to vision.. mine.. where kids can hide from my view. I
>realize that I don't stand behind the circ desk very much, but it is
>annoying that  these 4 big  walls are cutting up the space. Well, that is
>my pet peeve at the moment.  And I will not have a book return because that
>slot he planned is 2 feet from the floor. I will not have my help bending
>over to pick up books out of a bin. We are going through a lot of smells
>and dust also.. that comes with it.. some of it very nasty.  Good lick,
>just be prepared to fight for what you want.
>
>This is my third year as the K-12 LMS. Our elementary was new my first year
>and unfortunately, I didn't get to be in on any of the planning. :( I would
>say the biggest thing I wish I had were more storage space. I need a closet
>for the sole purpose of storing AV equipment and one that is accessible to
>all staff. I think storage is always an issue as there never seems to be
>enough!
>
>Where possible consider arranging computer screen where they can be easily
>monitored.
>
>Adequate storage, esp. for AV equip and materials being processed.
>
>As much natural light as possible.
>
>Lots of conduit buried in the walls/floor for future networking.
>>
>
>Make sure that the architects know that you need some shelving that works
>for E books.  When our new library was built, they built shelving all along
>one wall and under two windows--two shelves high--the problem is that the
>shelves work for standard sized books but not for elementary picture books.
>       Also, on the check out counter they put in a card well that is
>about 18"
>deep and six sections wide--bigger than the one we had at Wayne State
>College in the 70's!  Of course, I've never used it--but have a "hole" in
>the top of the counter--and with an automated library who needs a card
>well???
>       My experience was that the architects come in with ideas suitable
>for huge
>school libraries and don't really listen to small school "real" world needs.
>Be firm with them and I hope you don't get surprises like the too short
>shelves and card wells that I got.
>
>
>Leave room for plenty of expansion and be sure that shelves sit on top of
>carpeting. Some contractors will try to tell you that you should cut the
>carpet to fit around shelf bases. Tell them that they are wrong! We have
>been in our "new" facitility not quite 7 years. We have already moved
>shelves several times to accomodate additional computer stations and
>changing uses for the space.
>
>
>In our district we remodeled 16 schools in the last 3 years and
>are about to embark on another 3 yr project to remodel/build 11 schools.  I
>can tell you what worked out best and what didn't.  We used a number of
>architects --some did great, others did okay.
>
>1.  Zoned lighting
>2. Ample storage and flexible shelving
>3. Floor plugs for electrical and data in  all areas--more than is needed
>now and more than will be needed in five years.
>4. Small group class areas. (with powerpoint and projection
>devices--lessons for self teaching can be done hourly)
>5. Restroom for librarian/staff
>6. Waterfountain
>7.  Flexible shelving (We used Buckstaff in Oshkosh WI and it is
>wonderful--combination of wood and steel shelving that can be moved--one
>librarian was changing her mind during installation and it was do-able--she
>was right, too)(Our vendor is Frank Yench 1-800-755-5949 x255)  It took
>some persuading to get the architects to give up millwork but in the long
>run the were pleased too.
>8.  Great furniture--no chrome and plastic in "mod" colors.  Again we used
>Buckstaff --wood tables with wood and fabric chairs--their computer stools
>are great!.
>9.  Stick to classic colors--not what is trendy or what is chosen by the
>World Color Board.  They change their choices every ten years anyway---in
>ten years your library will be out of date by color choice alone.
>10.  Large circ desk where checkins and checkouts can be done at the same
>time--again we used Buckstaff. They also did the office and lounge are
>furniture.
>
>One thing I learned is that some architects are very linear thinkers (makes
>sense).  If you say you have 2000 800's, then they want shelves for just
>that many.  They really don't understand that a library is not a constant
>and is in a constant state of change.  And that because you have the 800's
>in one area today that you may decide in three years they work better
>somewhere else that  you want the flexibility to make that change (another
>argument for Buckstaff).  So be prepared for that.  You may have to be very
>persuasive.
>
>
>
>Don't get your hopes up too high even though you seem to have been brought
>in at the very beginning...which should be a good sign.
>
>I made of list of 35 "must haves" for our new library and got 3 1/2 of
>them.
>
>There will always be cuts and the library seems to be a ripe target for
>building committees.  My advice to you is to get the space and forgo the
>shelving, tables, etc. at the start.  Those things can always be added
>when funds become available and added piecemeal.  It is always difficult
>to enlarge the space.
>
>Have a small, moveable charge out desk, not one of these that cost as much
>as the rest of the library.  Cost and nuisance because your program will
>grow and need to modify layout etc.  For that reason have as much as
>possible moveable.  Not nailed into place, on castors, flexible in every
>way, and carpeting over all not cut out around stgructures.
>
>Also, have oversize conduits installed through which wires are run.  You
>will add electrical needs and it is much easier and less expensive when
>planned for from the beginning.
>
>Remember that your architect gets a cut of the furnishings cost so he
>won't be amenible to the ideas expressed here.  You have to know what and
>why and take a very firm stand.   Your point is that programs grow and
>that calls for flexibility;  beauty and interior design do not create
>great curricular usage.  Space, facilities, and adaptability all do.
>
>Check tables and chairs in school supply catalogs vs. same in library
>supply catalogs.  Great difference in costs.  Don't short change on
>shelving.
>
>
>I've had the opportunity to have two new libraries within the last 6 years.
>One for 5-8 and another for K-4.  I see you are from Iowa, so I looked in
>the atlas to see how large of a facility you might be planning, Lake Park
>has less then a thousand people in it but I assume you are a consolidated
>district so your school population might be similar to ours.  I'm from
>Central City, NEbraska and my K-4 building has about 350 students and the
>5-8 around 280.  The MS building is a totally new facility and our K-4 has
>been remodeled/enlarged in the past year.
>My libraries are not necessarily "state of the art" but in both buidings,
>we made sure the computer lab was next door with windows and a door between
>so I can somewhat monitor or offer help if a class is in there.  I was
>afraid at the MS that this may be a big headache, but it really is not used
>for individual students very often (booked much of the time with
>keyboarding classes or an individual teacher will bring the entire class in
>for typing papers, etc) and if a student does want to use it, they have to
>have a pass from a teacher for a specific project.  We do not allow them to
>use the internet unsupervised in this building.  I have five computers in
>the media center they are free to use.
>
>I have an office with an AV room off of it in each building.  In the MS,
>the AV has a door to the main hall so I can push equipment out to
>classrooms without having to come back through my office.  In my elem., an
>old classroom was enlarged to create the media center so that was not
>possible.
>Both times I requested that in my office, they provide a LONG drawer above
>a set of shelves for storage of large book covers, posters, etc.  And BOTH
>TIMES it looked like I was getting it on the blue prints, but low and
>behold--regular standard drawers when the work was complete.  I really wish
>I had a long one, I waste a whole shelf otherwise storing that stuff.
>Be sure they put a sink in your backroom somewhere.
>
>If you're coming through Nebr. for any reason--stop in!  That's the best
>way to get ideas.
>
>Oh, At the MS we ordered all wood furniture and shelving through Hoover
>Bros.  They gave us a really good bid.  At the elem. the shelving and
>furniture was part of the contractor's bid and he opted for Library Bureau
>(I think--I have that info. in the other building)  We have metal shelving
>and wood furniture--and I could advise you to go with Wood if you can (with
>backs!)  The metal shelving was suppose to come with a short back to keep
>the books from sliding on through but we are still waiting on those after
>they arrived without!
>
>Debra Ann Morrow
>Library Media Specialist
>Harris-Lake Park School
>105 Ave. A West
>P.O. Box 8
>Lake Park,IA  51347
>MWF 712-832-3616
>TTH 712-349-2340
>FAX 712-832-3640
>dmorrow@harris-lp.k12.ia.us
>

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