Library Space Kirsten M. Rusinak

A Preview Part I: Public Libraries Part II: School Libraries A brief history of public libraries A discussion of public libraries in light of the field of place studies 21st century library links Part II: School Libraries A formula for school library design Supporting cognitive research Tips about designing for children Tips about designing for teens Low budget ideas Hypothetical high school library design brainstorming session

A brief history 1850-1900: architects vs. librarians beautiful, but dysfunctional Early 1900s: Carnegie libraries designed by Richard Bertram developed a codification of useful library design “economy of space” 1850-1920: boom in book publishing libraries no longer storehouses of books open stacks, increase in book capacity necessary 1880-1920: Monumental libraries “the people’s university” Intimidated lower classes

Public libraries

Multi-functional library Comfort first: ergonomic furniture 1950-1960: Modular libraries “Flexibility fallacy” 1950-1970: ALA empirical standards for library size (based on population) Technical spaces, book lifts High density storage 1980s: ALA programs for critiquing new libraries Popular materials display Imitated bookstores Computer libraries 1990s: Multi-functional library Comfort first: ergonomic furniture

Library as Place Absolute place Abstract Space Traditional “Authoritative narrative” Third place Collection-centered Modern “Literacy narrative” Third space User-centered

21st century libraries “Beyond Bookish: 15 Dazzling Libraries” Seattle Central Public Library ALA library building fact sheet http://www.notablebiographies.com/news/Ge-La/Koolhaas-Rem.html

School Libraries

school library design formula by “Blue skunk” Community access Visual control Traffic patterns Multiple activities Aesthetics Flexibility and the future Create atmosphere The School Libraries Project

Supporting research Constructivism Cognitive Research: Emotion The Creative Learning Plaza by Creative Learning Systems Constructivism Cognitive Research: Emotion Intuitive realm Cooperative learning Inquiry Caine’s 12 Brain Learning Principles

Children’s libraries collective pretend child size open plan with defined areas physical safety objects and furniture don’t follow a defined use build social competence displays and artwork accessible to entire family family networking private retreats side by side seating Children’s libraries

Teen spaces virtual signage space NAME the space capture teens’ natural hangouts choose a fun, yet timeless THEME is signage imitate bookstores get teens INVOLVED in the design NAME the space also a SPACE Teen spaces

Low-budget ideas Refurbish used furniture Rearrange to create group work stations Use wireless laptops (extra furniture not required) Use bookshelves to frame reflective spaces Use side tables or baskets to display books and periodicals in reading corners Have art students paint worn furniture and end panels Warm up the entranceway Dewey art

Does Doug Johnson fit Caine’s 12 rules?

Brainstorm session Ideas: pretend everyone in the class are teens during a meeting to help me design the library (use ideas in book) or Give each person a diff brain rule and ask them to come up with an idea for a school library or do a brief architectural drawing based on that idea Or Draw diff shaped rooms and lists of supplies available and tell me how you would arrange lib

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