ISTC TOWSON UNIVERSITY, SPRING 2010 SARAH SCHOLL ARGIE O’SHEA HOLLY RITZEL Facilities Design Plan

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Sample Library Media Programs: Common Design Themes Multiple areas with simultaneous usability & functionality Flexible instructional areas for various- sized student groups Flexible scheduling and remote online access 24/7 Work areas promote collaboration & provide technology to achieve it

Additional common design themes Adjacent computer lab; computer workstations throughout facility Focus on design and resource quality, not size Inviting, welcoming spaces influenced by UD/UDL Professional staffing is crucial

Selected Samples and Sources Kentucky: 7 “essential elements” tie the library to student achievement “beyond proficiency” with staff, resources, technology, and flexible scheduling (2001) Minnesota: a 26-question design and evaluation tool (2001) AAF’s “Great Schools by Design” and DesignShare: guides architects, engineers, and designers who work with educators

Role of the Librarian in Facility Design “Ideally, the channel between all of the others…therefore the most crucial person in the project.” (Rohlf, 1990) “…accountable for creating a learning environment and learning experiences…” (Zmuda & Harada, 2008) Leader, an emerging “essential role” of school librarians (AASL, 2009)

Outcomes & Responsibilities Leadership opportunities abound:  Envisions library as heart of school  Best knows users’ needs and interests  Creates realistic, justified budgets  Image-maker & public face of the school library  Continually learns about library trends, issues, and research  Fundraiser  Manages and solves problems

Wouldn’t you love to work with him? This is more of a hope than a prediction…[that] architects and school facility planners will recognize that their end product will benefit from working with experienced school librarians who have expertise in school library facility design, and they will bring someone with that unique expertise and perspective to the design process… Rolf Erikson, school library facility consultant (n.d.) Source:

School Profile – Havre de Grace Middle School AT A GLANCE FACILITY OPENED ADDITIONS/RENOVATIONS - None SCHOOL CAPACITY TOTAL ENROLLMENT CLASSROOM TEACHERS

School Profile

Floor Plan – Original Design Old shelving  Mold  Broken Computer Lab Open Space Informal Reading Areas Carpet *Map not drawn to scale

Floor Plan - Revision *Map not drawn to scale

Floor Plan - Zones Instructional Area Instructional Area Group Project Area/ Study Research Area Group Project Area Informal Reading Area Administrative Area Informal Reading Area Research Area Prod uctio n Area *Map not drawn to scale

Furniture Custom vs. Catalogue Refurbishing and reusing Circulation desk – Non compliant with ADA Carpeting – Squares Lounge Chairs – Librarian Recommended Image Source:

Furnishings Carpeting – “Fall Time” New Circulation Desk – “Calista” Image Source: al%20Furniture/pdfs/calista-brochure.pdf al%20Furniture/pdfs/calista-brochure.pdf Image Source: Focus Floorings and Coverings, 2008

Educational Specifications Our library will feature six main areas  Classroom areas  Small-group areas  Individual work spaces  Computer labs  Lounge areas  Administrative area

Environmental Design Elements Today we see the evolving trend for our libraries to be not only “warm and hospitable”, but also environmentally responsible. ~(Stoss, 2010)

Environmental Design Elements Libraries have been leading the way in “going green” at schools The U.S. Green Building Council established a certification program called LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)  To become LEED certified, we will seek to: - Control our water and energy use - Use environmentally preferred materials, finishes, and furnishings

Environmental Design Elements Reading is the most important task in libraries. Proper lighting is crucial to the overall success of a library. ~ (David Malman, the Libris Design Project, 2005)

Accommodations for Special Learners ADA: Has impact beyond disabilities; compliance benefits entire communities UD/UDL: Accessibility of facility and resources via design, formats, and assistive technology (high-, low-, no-tech) Effects: Promotes equitable access, independence in a barrier-free environment, and benefits all library users

Online Accessibility: Selected Suggestions Navigation choices (mouse, touch, tab) Consistent layout & wording Uncluttered appearance Headers & relative font sizes Screen readers & voice to text Narrow margins = less horizontal scrolling Use contrasting colors (except red/green)

Moving Plans PLAN, PLAN, PLAN! Know what you’re responsible for Weed the collection

Moving Plans (continued) Inventory the collection Seek out volunteers Be creative

Because the very idea of moving an entire collection is often overwhelming, the librarian will feel less stressed if there is ample time to get things done.” ~ Minter, 2007

Signage (A. Beneicke, J. Biesek, and K. Brandon, 2003)

Signage Too Much vs. Not Enough Digital Signage – Not Just In the Future ADA Compliance

Signage Appeals to Young Adults Promotes Reading Image Source: Demco, Image Source: Bodart,

Any Questions?

Old/ Broken Furniture Back

Additional Computers Back

Open Space Back

Informal Reading Areas Back

Carpet Back