Here is a compilation of the responses I have received. Thanks to all
who responded to my question.
Original question:
I am a student in the library media specialist program at Virginia
Commonwealth University. One assignment for my Library Organization
and Administration class is to redesign an existing library facility.
I am redesigning a library for a middle school with approximately 600
students. The existing library has approximately 12,000 items in the
collection and has 10 computer workstations. This school was built in
the early 1950s.
I request input, lessons learned, or suggestions that you may have
from the renovation or reconfiguration of your own library. I would
appreciate suggestions for furniture types and arrangements, shelving
layout, storage space, computer workstation configurations, lighting,
etc.
*****
You will find some help at
http://www.shambles.net/librarian/
click on the relevant sections
e.g.
"Library Design + Furniture"
You might also find some of the pictures useful at:
http://www.shambles.net/ict/design/index.htm
also the advice at
http://www.shambles.net/pages/staff/buildings/
*****
I have a brand new library. Although it is MUCH too small :-( there
are
2 features that I think are unusual, and I like very much. One is the
configuration of the stacks. Not all the stacks are like this - but
most of them are. When we have 3 bookcases coming out perpendicular
from the wall, the bookcases are graduated in height like steps. The
other feature I love is the design of the computer tables. They were
custom made according to the architect's design and they are in a sort
of zig-zag configuration so that the students are not
shoulder-to-shoulder and all the screens are visible from the
library's
main desk. You will be able to see both these features if you look
through the library pictures linked to my library home page. Just go
to
the url beneath my signature, scroll down and click "library
pictures".
The library furniture was made by Palmieri. It is nice - but nothing
unusual. but - I really do like the graduated stacks. It gives me
better visibility into the stacks. and the computer tables allowed
us
to fit in 15 computers in a very small space.
*****
My middle school also has approximately 600 students. Our library is
about 22 X 54 foot in size, roughly 2 classrooms. We have 15
computers arranged in 3 rows of 4, 1 row of 2, and 1 single machine
with the network printer next to it. The computer screens all face my
circulation desk and I think visibility of the monitors is something
that is very important when planning a layout.
I have 7 rectangular tables that are all together near the middle of
the room. We have no spare floor space due to the size of the
library. Our classes range up to 30 students, so it was important to
me that I have as many tables as feasible so that students aren't
cramped when they sit.
Near the entrance, I have a small double-sided bookcase that is
intentionally kept empty. The students put their textbooks and
binders on this bookcase when they enter the library. This keeps
their table space free of unnecessary clutter.
Some of our wooden chairs have shelf racks underneath, and I would
definitly buy that style again if we were to renovate.
Carpeting is important for acoustics and noise levels.
*****
If you are just redesigning the space, measure everything and make a
floor plan. Then move things around on the floor plan.
Try to set the computers so that they are seen from the service desk.
One of my former supervisors tried to get me to move my "office" back
into the office area of the library -- I refused. My area is out in
the
library with lots of locking cabinets. I want to be accessible to the
students.
*****
We're getting ready to expand/renovate our high school library of
11,000 items for 670 students. A few years ago (before I got here), 24
computers on 3 hexagonal stations were plunked down right in the
middle
of the library... yuck!
Here are a few things that we will be doing about computers and
seating, specifically:
The computer lab will be adjacent to the main library, with walls of
shelving (lower third) and glass (top 2/3s) between the 2 rooms (no
actual door, but a double-width doorway between, since there's an
emergency exit in the back). I will be able to see most of the
computers
from the circ. desk since they will be arranged in 2 L-shapes, with a
printer in each corner. There are also some tables and chairs in the
lab
area.
In the main library "room," there are a number of round tables with 4
chairs each, plus 4 soft armchairs that only seat one person each!
Very
important for middle school and high school...
We'll also have 2 OPAC terminals at the ends of 2 of the main tall
shelving units, so that students can actually check for books right
next
to the books!!
I'm so glad to get the computers out of the center of the library and
get more space for books - we are soooo crowded!
*****
We are a middle school library servicing 750 students in grades 7-9
and
are in the process of designing a new library. Our current building
is
rather beautiful to look at, but has very high cathedral ceilings and
a
second floor loft. Requests to our architects based upon our
experiences
working in our current building:
--Sight lines! We want to be able to see as much of the library floor
as possible from one place. We've got wonderful students, but the
reality is that they're middle schoolers and the do need supervision.
Keep shelves low as possible and avoid shelving configured into
alcoves.
--Noise abatement. We have a fairly high level of noise in our
library.
Students do group study etc. which is great, but the high ceiling
makes
for poor noise abatement--be sure to take that into consideration.
--Incandescent lighting. We toured some school libraries that had
been
recently renovated and lighting makes a huge difference for eye strain
(IMHO).
--Enclosed classroom space. We have anywhere from 20-100 students
(studying/working/sometimes other) in our library at any period during
the day (we have a non-traditional schedule). We also have a very
active library instruction program. Having an enclosed classroom
space
where students receiving instruction from teachers/librarians would be
hugely helpful.
--Patron stations. For supervision purposes, it would be nice to be
able to see all of our patron station computers from the circ desk.
In
our current two story library, we do not have any patron stations on
the
second floor which can be frustrating when students are searching for
materials. Make patron stations available where they'll be used
(keeping supervision in mind as well).
--Electrical needs. Do your students use laptops? If not, might it
be
a possibility in the future? Don't forget to consider electrical
outlet
availability, placement, and capacity.
*****
Get the shelving on wheels if possible--it is not easy
to move but can be done. Do NOT get heavy tables. You have to move
furniture frequently.
Ceiling mounted screens, and a ceiling mounted
projector(scan converter) if there is any way
possible.
*****
Thank you again for your assistance!
Brenda Love
Library Media Specialist Student
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
lovebl@mail1.vcu.edu
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