05+Design+Project

DESIGNING A LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER - 50 points - 9/19

Read the following articles. What is expected today in a modern school library? We all know that the requirements for what constitutes a successful library program are changing and have changed. If you were given the opportunity redesign a library (or even better design a library from scratch) would you know what to request?


 * Diggs, Valerie. "From Library to Learning Commons." //Slideshare//. n.d. Web. 2 Aug. 2010. .
 * Hamilton, Buffy. "Creating Comfortable Spaces: New Lounge Furniture." //The Unquiet Librarian//. 1 Aug. 2009. Web. 2 Aug. 2010. .
 * Nelson, Cathy. "Signs to Indicate: Successful School Library." //Todayslibrary//. n.d. Web. 2 Aug. 2010. .
 * McHold, Mattie Byrd. "Library Design" [Williston Library: A Renovation Project]. //YouTube//. 12 Dec. 2009. Web. 31 May 2010. []
 * Trzeclak, Jeffrey. "Reference Desk - Gone." //McMaster University Library, University Librarian//. 15 July 2010. Web. 2 Aug. 2010. .
 * Woolls, Chapter 6: On the Job: Managing the Facility

Now that you have some background on what we are looking for in a library media center, what are you going to do for your library? How will you build a learning commons rather than a library?


 * Give a brief introduction to the library: name, location, students served, and library personnel. **(5 points)**
 * Be sure to indicate the physical size of the library you are describing. Does it meet the square footage standard as indicated by the "Standards for Missouri School Library Media Centers" (p. 11) http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/lmc/documents/library_standards_08.pdf
 * How many classes can be seated in the library at one time?
 * How many students are in your school?
 * Using whatever drawing program you like, (PowerPoint is the easiest drawing program almost universally available) show me a before and after version of your changes. Refer to the floor plans in your discussion. Be sure to carefully label the parts of your floorplan in order to give the reader an understanding of your situation.**(10 points)**
 * Describe the three areas you would renovate or innovate.
 * For a fourth area, you are to determine if the library meets access requirements for handicapped students **(5 points)**
 * Look at this pamphlet: Irvall, Birgitta and Gyda Skat Nielsen. "Access to Libraries for Persons with Disabilities - Checklist." 2005. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .
 * Look specifically at pages 4-8. While this pamphlet is not directed specifically at school libraries, it will give you items and areas to look for in evaluating a library.
 * Generally discuss any physical access problems that your facility has and what you can do to improve the situation. Not every access problem is something you can necessarily solve but you can bring your concern to the administration.
 * For each of the four areas you are renovating/innovating give the name and URL of an article, video, posting, etc. that supports your modification of the library as a core value of the learning commons. Many modifications can be simply an improvement of the library without addressing the learning commons concept. Discuss the relationship between your change and the change you have referenced. Find your own sources of use any of the learning commons information previously presented in class. **(10 points)**

Answer all of these questions on your blog as well as posting the illustrations.