ISTC 601 .101TOWSON UNIVERSITY, SPRING 2010

SARAH SCHOLLARGIE O’SHEAHOLLY RITZEL

Facilities Design Plan

Image source: http://usablelibrary.org/

Sample Library Media Programs: Common Design Themes

Multiple areas with simultaneous usability & functionality

Flexible instructional areas for various-sized student groups

Flexible scheduling and remote online access 24/7

Work areas promote collaboration & provide technology to achieve it

Additional common design themes

Adjacent computer lab; computer workstations throughout facility

Focus on design and resource quality, not size

Inviting, welcoming spaces influenced by UD/UDL

Professional staffing is crucial

Selected Samples and Sources

Kentucky: 7 “essential elements” tie the library to student achievement “beyond proficiency” with staff, resources, technology, and flexible scheduling (2001)

Minnesota: a 26-question design and evaluation tool (2001)

AAF’s “Great Schools by Design” and DesignShare: guides architects, engineers, and designers who work with educators

Role of the Librarian in Facility Design

“Ideally, the channel between all of the others…therefore the most crucial person in the project.” (Rohlf, 1990)

“…accountable for creating a learning environment and learning experiences…” (Zmuda & Harada, 2008)

Leader, an emerging “essential role” of school librarians (AASL, 2009)

Outcomes & Responsibilities

Leadership opportunities abound: Envisions library as heart of school Best knows users’ needs and interests Creates realistic, justified budgets Image-maker & public face of the school library Continually learns about library trends, issues, and

research Fundraiser Manages and solves problems

Wouldn’t you love to work with him?

This is more of a hope than a prediction…[that]

architects and school facility planners will recognize

that their end product will benefit from working with

experienced school librarians who have expertise in

school library facility design, and they will bring someone

with that unique expertise and perspective to the design

process…

Rolf Erikson, school library facility consultant (n.d.) Source: http://www.designshare.com

School Profile – Havre de Grace Middle School

AT A GLANCEFACILITY OPENED - 1967ADDITIONS/RENOVATIONS - NoneSCHOOL CAPACITY - 775TOTAL ENROLLMENT - 584CLASSROOM TEACHERS - 52

http://www.hcps.org/schools/SchoolProfile.aspx?schoolID=79

School Profile

Floor Plan – Original Design

Old shelving Mold Broken

Computer LabOpen SpaceInformal Reading Are

asCarpet

*Map not drawn to scale

Floor Plan - Revision

*Map not drawn to scale

Floor Plan - Zones

Instructional

Area

Instructional

Area

Group Project Area/StudyResearc

h Area

Group Project Area

Informal Reading

Area

Informal

Reading Area

Administrative Area

Informal

Reading Area

Informal

Reading Area

Researc

h AreaProductio

n Area

*Map not drawn to scale

Furniture

Custom vs. Catalogue

Refurbishing and

reusing

Circulation desk – Non

compliant with ADA

Carpeting – Squares

Lounge Chairs –

Librarian

Recommended

Image Source: www.Chairs1000.com

Furnishings

Carpeting – “Fall Time”

New Circulation Desk – “Calista”

Image Source: http://www.brodartfurniture.com/products/Technical%20Furniture/pdfs/calista-brochure.pdf

Image Source: Focus Floorings and Coverings, 2008

Educational Specifications

Our library will feature six main areasClassroom areasSmall-group areasIndividual work spacesComputer labsLounge areasAdministrative area

Environmental Design Elements

Today we see the evolving trend for our libraries to be not only “warm and hospitable”, but also environmentally responsible.

  ~(Stoss, 2010)

Environmental Design Elements

Libraries have been leading the way in “going green” at schools

The U.S. Green Building Council established a certification program called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) To become LEED certified, we will seek to:

- Control our water and energy use- Use environmentally preferred materials, finishes, and

furnishings

Environmental Design Elements

Reading is the most important task in libraries. Proper lighting is crucial to the overall success of a library.

~ (David Malman, the Libris Design Project , 2005)

Accommodations for Special Learners

ADA: Has impact beyond disabilities; compliance benefits entire communities

UD/UDL: Accessibility of facility and resources via design, formats, and assistive technology (high-, low-, no-tech)

Effects: Promotes equitable access, independence in a barrier-free environment, and benefits all library users

Online Accessibility: Selected Suggestions

Navigation choices (mouse, touch, tab)

Consistent layout & wordingUncluttered appearanceHeaders & relative font sizesScreen readers & voice to textNarrow margins = less horizontal

scrollingUse contrasting colors (except

red/green)

Moving Plans

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!Know what you’re responsible for

Weed the collection

Moving Plans (continued)

Inventory the collectionSeek out volunteersBe creative

Because the very idea of moving an entire collection is often overwhelming, the librarian will feel less stressed if there is ample time to get things done.”

~Minter, 2007

Signage

(A. Beneicke, J. Biesek, and K. Brandon, 2003)

Signage

Too Much vs. Not Enough

Digital Signage – Not Just In the Future

ADA Compliance

Signage

Appeals to Young Adults

Promotes Reading

Image Source: Demco, http://www.demco.com/goto?PNHA19&LPCA19)

Image Source: Bodart, http://www.shopbrodart.com/)

Any Questions?

Old/ Broken Furniture

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Additional Computers

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Open Space

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Informal Reading Areas

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Carpet

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