Designing A School Library Media Center For The Future » (2nd Edition)

Designing a school library media center may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage! In this hands-on guidebook, school library construction and media specialists Rolf Erikson and Carolyn Markuson share their experiences of working on more than 100 media center building projects around the country, using conceptual plans from actual school libraries.

Combining all aspects of design for the school library media center-floor plans, furniture, technology, bidding, and evaluation-this newly updated edition addresses: Current and future technological needs of the student population, Unique needs of the community library that combines school and public library services, Sustainabilty and conservation issues to help designers and planners "go green", Accessibility requirements, including all ADA regulations from the first edition plus the latest material on learning styles and accessibility, Cost control and ways to minimize mistakes using proven bidding and evaluation methods. With 30 new illustrations and floor plans and an updated glossary of technical terms, readers will be knowledgeable and organized when discussing plans with contractors and vendors. Using the guidance here, you'll avoid the classic building and renovation hazards and build a library media center for the future!

KLIATT

If 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)

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