Top 10 Things to Aim for in Your School Library Facility Design
#1 Create a great first impression
-Utilize the space to its full potential
-Keep walls and shelving colours neutral
-Accent with bright colours (i.e. rugs, beanbag chairs, etc.)
-Display books and student work
#2 Keep the space flexible
-Ideally everything should be mobile from furniture to seating areas
#3 Clearly defined areas
-Separate areas for story corner, reading area, and work areas (class, group, and individual)
-Have the computer and reference areas in close proximity to the TL and circulation desk
-Be conscious of sound levels from each area
#4 Technology, Technology, Technology!
-The library should be the central area for technology as it’s accessible by all students
-If space and budget allows, technology should be stored in the library and signed out
-Wireless internet opens the options for what you are able to do
-Have plenty of wall sockets that are accessible and think about wiring for future
technology
-Keep up-to-date with the technology (i.e. Smart boards, Promethean Boards, Marker Space, lab tops, listening centres, etc.)
#5 Design for accessibility for all students including those with mobility issues or other disabilities
-Make space barrier free (i.e. proper lever handles, furniture, and transition floor
stripes)
-Use assistive technology when needed (i.e. computer programs like Co-Writer,
Dragon, and Readwrite Gold, etc.)
-Utilize a sound system
-Have resources for all needs (i.e. audio tapes, braille, different languages, etc.)
#6 Consider age appropriateness
-Furniture – tables & chairs and shelving should be height appropriate
-Have K-3 books shelved in separate area from novels for older students
-Provide sturdy stools if needed for younger students to reach books placed higher up
-Room arrangement (story area vs work area)
#7 Ensure safety
-Visibility of the entire room is important!
-Be lockdown ready with locks on the doors and blinds on all windows
-Avoid having loose cords and extension cords
-Have the main light switch close to the main entrance (and if needed in a lock box)
#8 Promote circulation of the collection
-Use displays and bins to promote accessibility of books
-target your books to your clientèle
-Shelve books facing out as much as possible.
#9 Visit other libraries in the district/region to see what works in other spaces
#10 Make the space teacher friendly
-house professional resources in an organized and easy-to-access manner.
-Collaboration space for teachers near the professional resources can make an ideal PD space. Consider booktalks on professional resources.
-if possible, provide a prep area with equipment teachers frequently use such as laminating machines, paper cutters, Cricut machines, scanners, etc.