Designing A School Library Media Center For The Future

List of Figures     viiForeword   Ross J. Todd     ixPreface     xiAcknowledgments     xiiiSeeing the Big Picture: What to Expect and When to Expect It     1The Process     1Working Successfully with Key Players: The Art of Communication     6The Librarian's Role     6Developing Working Relationships     7Communication Tips     8Planning Your Program: It's Never Too Soon!     10Planning for Technology: The Essential Ingredients     13The Challenge of Technology     14A Connectivity Primer     15Electrical Requirements     18Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)     18Telephone and Fax     18Theft Prevention     18Library Media Center Classroom     19Small-Group Study Rooms     19Videoconferencing and Distance Learning Classroom     19LCD Projectors and Interactive Whiteboards     20Mixed-Platform Challenges     21Data-Driven Decision Making (D3M) and Data Warehousing     21Planning and Uncertainty     21Planning Space Allocation: An IntegratedApproach     22Initial Considerations     22Location of the Library     23Library Entrances     23Functional Areas     23The Print Collection     24Seating Capacity     25Technology Requirements     25Descriptive Specifications     26Spatial Relationships Diagram     26Creating a Functional Interior: Zone and Furniture Plans     29Zone Plans     29Furniture Plans     30A High School Library Furniture Plan     39Serving Multigrade Populations     40The Result of Exemplary Planning     41Creating an Inviting Interior: Furnishings     45Furniture Selection     45Sources for Furniture     46Key Features     48Use of Color     59A Final Word about Furniture Selection and Evaluation     60Creating a Comfortable Interior: Lighting, Acoustics, Mechanical Design, and Ergonomics     61Lighting     61Acoustics     66Mechanical Design     67Ergonomics     68Creating a Green Interior: Sustainability     70Making the Library Accessible: An Inclusive Approach     72Americans with Disabilities Act     72Signage     74Learning Styles     76Safety Issues     77Buying What You Want: Specifications and Bid Documents     79Specifications     80General Conditions     81The Final Phases: Construction, Delivery, Installation, and Moving In     82Construction     82Delivery and Installation of Furniture and Equipment     83Moving In     84Celebrate     84Combining Facilities: Joint School-Public Libraries     85Difficulties     86Advantages     86Case Study: Conceptual Design for a Joint-Use Library     87Challenges     89Conclusion: Building on the Experience of Others     90Appendixes     93Common Architectural Symbols     93Suggested Space Allocations and Adjacencies     94Sample Area Data Form     97General Information on Shelving     99Recommended Chair and Table Heights     100Sample Furniture Specification     101Sources of Furniture and Fixtures      103Useful Websites     106Selected Readings     109Index     113

\ KLIATTIf you are a library professional who is contemplating a new or renovated facility, this is a must purchase. Between them, the authors have designed over 100 new and renovated libraries, and their experience shows. They will take you from "seeing the big picture" to construction, delivery, installation, and moving in. The useful appendix includes Web sites, selected readings, a furniture manufacturers listing and more. The book has an attractive page layout and excellent diagrams and floor plans (including one that is three-dimensional). Appropriate proverbs and quotes are sprinkled throughout. The advice is solid and sage. Design is approached utilizing Information Power as an umbrella. The section on "the librarian's role" in the Working Successfully with Key Players chapter is especially apt. The discussion of furniture options and requirements is detailed. This is a thoughtful approach to the complete process from well-regarded experts in the field. Highly recommended. 2001, American Library Association, 109p, illus, bibliog, index, 28cm, 00-042025, $39.00. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Rita M. Fontinha; Lib. Media Spec., Norwood H.S., Norwood, MA January 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 1)\ \ \ \ \ VOYAAGERANGE: Ages 11 to Adult. \ Although this professional resource focuses on designing a school library media center, the information and tips in the updated edition may also be useful to a youth services librarian involved in the design of a children's or young adult section of a public library. Especially useful are the appendixes that include a list of the common architectural symbols used on blueprints, suggested space allocations for the main areas of a typical library media center, and basic specifications and recommendations on shelving and furniture. The authors' intent is to offer adequate information and background on what occurs during the planning and construction process of a new facility so that a librarian can be an integral part of the design team and able to make suggestions and note problems an architect might not foresee. Chapters cover planning, technology needs, space allocation, zone and furniture plans, furnishings, lighting, acoustics, inclusion and accessibility, and combined public and school facilities. Black-and-white photographs and floor plans supplement the text as do lists of related Web sites and selected readings. The index allows for quick access to specific information. The book is perfect for a district-level library media coordinator's professional collection and for the building-level librarian involved in the design of a new facility. Reviewer: Ruth Cox Clark\ April 2008 (Vol. 31, No. 1)\ \ \ \ School Library JournalAny librarian involved in the planning and designing of a media center will find this newly updated edition an invaluable guide. The first chapter outlines the overall process, including educating oneself, hiring a consultant, forming committees, visiting other libraries, developing budgets for furniture and technology, etc. Successive chapters include information and tips for communication and careful program planning, preparing for the development of future technology, analyzing current and future space needs, creating an attractive interior, providing easy accessibility, and creating libraries for school and public services. A brief chapter looks at using environmentally friendly products and suggests judicious use of energy. Numerous black-and-white photos, drawings, and diagrams complement the text. Appendixes provide symbols for understanding architectural drawings; suggestions for space allocations, shelving, chair and table heights, and furniture specifications; and a list of sources for furniture and fixtures. The text concludes with an additional reading list and a detailed index.\ —Susan ShaverCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.\ \ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalThis book covers researching, planning, constructing, and moving into a new school media center. The chapters dealing with overseeing specification and bidding processes and meeting accessibility guidelines are particularly helpful. The text is broken into manageable bites with headings, listings, and sidebars that explain technical terms. Useful diagrams include the very necessary progress flow chart, a bubble diagram, and flat and three-dimensional architectural sketches. Cartoons and quotations lighten things up. Excellent appendixes include architectural symbols; space allocations and adjacencies; sample data forms; shelving, table, and chair measurements; furniture specifications and manufacturers; a list of selected readings; and some terrific Web sites. Buy this book for yourself and for all of the stewards of your project.-Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.\ \ \ \ \ BooknewsSharing their experience of working on around 100 school building projects, Erikson (library media specialist, Minuteman School of Applied Arts and Sciences) and Markuson (a private consultant) provide a guide for library renovation efforts. They explain how to implement new school library standards and demystify changes resulting from technology, while paying attention to costs and addressing the special needs of children. Included are ten conceptual plans for actual school libraries. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)\ \