Planning Rationale
The Library/Media Center is a technology rich collaborative space designed to facilitate group interaction and promote a pride in reading and learning. The library environment can be designed in a more traditional approach, as a media center/technology focus, or a hybrid of the two. This space shall be designed to facilitate collaboration, group instruction, independent study, and to encourage discovery. To facilitate these goals, the Library/Media Center is comprised of different zones and often receives enhanced architectural treatments, designed as a larger room/volume, featuring enhanced finishes and increased and varied natural daylight.
The Library/Media Center shall be a flexible environment capable of being reconfigured. The space shall be designed as a single open space, divisible by utilizing movable shelving, seating, and tables to spatially define distinct zones. Tall shelving in multiple arrangements shall be used around the perimeter demising walls of the room to accommodate book storage and display. Low height shelving provided at window locations maintaining access for accessible windows. Power outlets shall be easily accessible throughout the space to accommodate reconfiguration of furniture, equipment and easy recharging by students.
Design Considerations
Location
The Library/Media Center shall be centrally located within the school, easily accessible to all students; and ideally on the top floor of the building in order to accommodate higher ceilings when possible. Consideration of security and access for after-hours and community events should be given to its placement near the elevator and main entrance of the building.
Library/Media Center Layout
There are multiple zones within the Library/Media Center to accommodate instruction, study, technology, and research critical to the needs of students. Listed below are zones that are to be accommodated within the design of the Library/Media Center:
- Pre-Function and Display Space: 2D, 3D, and Book Display Cases shall occur at the corridor entrance to the Library/Media Center. Tack boards, digital screen, display cases, and book display shelving shall all be considered. At a minimum, tack boards shall be provided. The entrance to the library shall be a pre-function space and highlighted architecturally.
- Help Center
- Circulation Desk: A compact, modular circulation desk sized for two staff members for interaction with students/visitors. One librarian will be located in the Library/Media Center at all times with provisions for an additional support person as needed. The librarian will use the entire space for instruction. When planning the location of the circulation desk, proximity to the room entrance and exit is critical. The desk shall have unobstructed views of the library in order to facilitate supervision and should not block circulation through the space. A minimum of two rolling book return carts will be used within the library space and shall be located near the circulation desk.
- Reference/Resources: The reference zone shall consist of computer desktop/laptop workstations allowing students to quickly access digital resources under the supervision of the librarian. This zone shall also have a copier/printer and selected resource books. Proximity to the librarian’s desk is important or supervision of students in this area.
- Learning Commons: The Library/Media Center offers unique opportunities for students to seek tutoring, collaborate, and study. The unique qualities of the Library/Media Center as a social and educational space also make it an ideal location for after-hours and before-hours use by students. The Library/Media Center may also serve as an inclusive place for all students including Students in Temporary Living Situations outside of school hours.
- Instructional/Classroom: This area shall provide seating for a class of 30 students with tables and chairs for instruction. A projection screen, interactive whiteboard or smartTV should be provided by the school in this space. The infrastructure provided on the teaching wall at this location shall match the requirements of a typical classroom teaching wall including markerboard/tack surface, power/data, and clock.
- Student’s Reading Area: This area is required for younger students. This zone requires a rug for younger students to gather and define the space. A chair for the instructor is also required.
- Independent Study: Provide a location where students can seek escape from noise and distraction for independent study. Visual connection to other spaces within the Library/Media center should be maintained while implementing methods to mitigate acoustic distractions.
- Group Collaboration: These areas shall consist of collaboration tables or teaming tables with digital display monitors or markerboards when possible. This area shall be semi-enclosed and separated from other portions of the library, but shall allow for supervision from the librarian or staff. The power and data infrastructure provided should not limit future flexibility of this space.
- Book Shelving: Book storage shall be located against walls and below windows in order to provide an optimum amount of flexibility for seating and open floor space. One linear foot of shelving accommodates approximately ten book volumes. For the purposes of planning shelving space, the following equation shall be used for calculating the required amount of linear shelving for:
- High School libraries:
(( # of students in the school X 15 books) / 10 ) x 1.25 = # of linear feet of shelving required
- High School libraries:
- Storage/Bookbinding: As the only enclosed space within the library, this room is to be used when access to a sink is required for book binding as well as when the storage of materials and equipment is necessary. The preparation for classes will all be done within the general library space and does not occur in this room. The storage/bookbinding room shall not be large enough to be re-purposed as an office or study space.
- Additional/Optional Library Accessory Zones: As a dynamic hub for student interaction and a location where access to technology and resources will be provided, the library is a logical place to partner with other programs. For consideration and when program allows, the following rooms, spaces, and resources may be co-located, adjacent to or provided as ancillary spaces to the library:
- Student IT Support/Resource Center (located within Library/Media Center)
- Computer Classroom (adjacent)
- Makerspace - Digital (adjacent)
- College Resource Center