Library Media Center Redesign Project Connie Jones

C&I 484: Spring, 2009 Maria Bray

Library Media Center Redesign Project Connie Jones

Amber Pedersen

Carole Sweedland (compiler)

Library Media Center Redesign Collaborative Project

The Hilltop Middle School (HMS) will have a population of slightly more than 500 students and service grades 6-8. Average class size will be about 20 students. There is one full-time librarian, one half-time librarian and one full-time aide.

Vision Statement

The school library media program is essential in creating independent learners who are efficient consumers and producers of information. By using a variety of informational formats, focusing on the learning process and collaborating with other disciplines, the school library shall provide the entire school community with opportunities to acquire the information skills they need to interact responsibly and ethically in a global society. An ongoing desire to know, a love for reading and a respect for information will transform a student into a lifelong learner. The role of the library in a democratic society is to embrace the social responsibility of learning. Children deserve equitable access to books and reading, to information and informational technology, in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning, as outlined in the AASL standards.

Activities that will take place in the library are:

·  Searching for books

·  Reading for information and for pleasure

·  Research

·  Information literacy instruction

·  Digital production

·  Library administration

·  Tutoring

·  Small group work

·  Equipment circulation, maintenance and storage

·  Collection circulation, maintenance and storage

·  Inventory

·  Cleaning, Shelving

·  Copying, faxing, printing, laminating

·  Collaborating

·  Student presentations

Resources needed to accomplish these activities are:

·  Collection, including books, AV materials, periodicals, newspapers, subscription databases.

·  Collection storage

·  Collection maintenance and repair area

·  Electronic card catalog.

·  Electronic automation system.

·  Computers and hookups

·  Internet

·  Audio/visual equipment

·  Equipment storage, maintenance and repair area

·  Computer projector

·  Smartboard

·  Whiteboard

·  Tables

·  Chairs

·  Copy machines, fax machine, printers

·  Circulation desk

·  Administration area

·  Digital production area

·  Study rooms

Lighting:

Our middle school will use a combination of day lighting and full spectrum lighting. This combination offers the best quality for minimizing glare and poor reflections. Due to our flexible arrangement, one directional light set up would cause eyestrain for patrons and learners. Natural lighting is preferable but we will supplement with full spectrum electrical lighting. Windows will have blinds to control glare.

Full spectrum lighting has been found to closely match natural daylight. It reduces eyestrain and fatigue that is commonly associated with conventional fluorescent lighting. Research has shown that cool-white fluorescent tubes put out a limited color spectrum and results showed that some students demonstrated hyperactivity, fatigue, irritability and attention deficits.

Full spectrum lamps with acrylic lenses and direct/indirect fixtures are best in larger areas or alcoves. Linear strips with accent lights are best for displays or in areas with whiteboards. The areas where multimedia presentations will be shown will have dimming controls. There will be controls in each individual area, as well as a set of master controls in the circulation area.

Flooring:

Most of the library will be covered with a high-quality commercial grade carpet. The padding will also be high-quality. Carpet, padding and adhesive will emit low levels of VOC. Certain areas, such as the Digital Production Area and the Equipment Maintenance, Repair and Storage Area will be covered with seamless acoustical vinyl flooring. A portion of the reading area will have bamboo snap-together tiles. All flooring is sound-absorbent and durable.

Colors:

The predominant colors will be earth tones. Carpeted areas will be a dark gray with earth tones woven into it. Walls will painted be a neutral creamy color, except for the reading area which will be a color called Candleglow to add a warm, cozy atmosphere. Additional color will be provided by the student artwork which will be displayed throughout the library and by the use of blue, green and red upholstery on chairs. Acoustical vinyl flooring will be a shade of light brown and the bamboo is wood. Both complement the carpet’s earth tones nicely.

Furnishings:

Circulation desk, shelving, cabinetry and tabletops will all be wood-laminate or wood in a light-oak color for an airy atmosphere and a cohesive effect throughout the facility. The exception will be a light gray laminate on the retro reading booth. The chairs will be of varying styles. Some will be padded chrome, some will be padded rolling chairs, some will be padded wood and some will be beanbag. The retro reading booth has benches.

Study Rooms:

The two study rooms will have windows for easy observation and a dividing wall that is movable so that a larger group may be accommodated.

Decorations:

There will be several free standing lamps in the style of the “Harry Potter Lamp” pictured below. Any discarded books can be used to create them. To accommodate them, there will be flush floor receptacles, brass plated for traffic areas. There will also be student artwork in various locations throughout the library, both 2-D and 3-D. Book art will also be displayed.

Harry Potter Lamp Student Art Book Art

Computer Lab:

One or the student computer labs is directly next door to the LMC to the east. We added a connecting door for direct access from the library. It is available on a priority basis for teaching, with the library having first priority.

Planning for the future:

Electrical outlets will be placed throughout the library at 4-foot intervals on alternating circuits, even behind shelving and cabinetry in case it is needed to accommodate future renovations. Ceilings will be made of easily removable sound-absorbent acoustical tile to allow access for future electrical or technology needs.

Joint Topics Resource List

Accreditation Standards for Library Media. (n.d.). Montana Office of Public Instruction. Retrieved March 21, 2009, from http://opi.mt.gov/

Brewer, S. (2009). Library media center facilities. Redesigning a library media center.

Retrieved March 14, 2009, from https://courseware.umt.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_16322_1%26url%3D

Fielding, R. (n.d.). Lighting the learning environment: Lighting design, school lighting, full spectrum lighting. Retrieved March 18, 2009, from

http://www.designshare.com/Research/Lighting/LightingEnvr1.htm

Full Spectrum Lighting. (n.d.). Retrieved March 18, 2009, from

http://www.full-spectrum-lighting.com/

American Library Association. (2007). Library Media Standards and Procedures. Retrieved March 21, 2009, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/standards.cfm

Circulation and Library Administration Areas

Designed byAmber Pedersen

Circulation Area

The Circulation Area is approximately 840 square feet and will have good visibility to the rest of the Library. Our main goal is functionality so the circulation desk will be large enough for our computers, printers and other electronic equipment while still having counter space to work upon. The Main circulation desk will have a book return area and two circulation stations (similar to the picture below). Our library will use the Alexandria OPAC system distributed by COMPanion Co. The Photo copier will be in this area near the end so patrons can access it if needed, without having to be behind the counter.

This main circulation desk will be facing the rest of the library with the equipment room directly behind. The other large desk to the right will be the same style as the main circulation desk but will have completely flat surface for easy sliding of piles of books. In this area we will process new materials, sort books and handle repairs.

Any print periodicals will be shelved in this area as well. These shelves will be along the wall that separates the circulation desk from the equipment storage area. The very end of this wall near the digital production room is where the copier will be located.

The desks and shelving would be natural wood tones the carpet would be earth tones, consistent with the rest of the Library Media center.

Office/Administration Area

This area is approximately 575 square feet. The flooring will be the same earth tone carpet continued from the Main Library Center. The office will have a working sink and this will be part of an entire counter that has a jog in it. This inset will be where the counter with storage for cleaning supplies for the library will be as well as the sink and other miscellaneous supplies.

Along back wall will be shelving with instructional supplies. This office is where the LMS will collaborate with classroom teachers for instructional planning. Any materials such as research information, lesson plans or personal teaching aids that are not a part of library circulation will be stored in this office. Any personal items that the LMS uses for instructional purposes that are not the property of the school will also be kept here. There will be more shelving along the wall opposite the sink but this will be floor to ceiling storage. There will be large slot style shelves hanging for the storage of larger sized posters. In the center will be a fairly large table (seating for 6) so that teachers and media specialist may meet and work on lesson planning. The furniture will be consistent with the office furniture in the rest of the Library.

I cannot get the picture to copy, but the photo on page five of the pdf file at OELMA website shows the shelving very well. The counters and shelving along the back of the photo are what I would have along the wall where the sink is located. The lower counter is great for projects. I would only change the small desk to something larger that a group of educators could meet around. (I really like this circulation desk too!)

Circulation Area Resources

Library Automation Software- Alexandria Library Management Software System. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2009, from http://www.goalexandria.com/

Library Media/ITV. (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2009, from http://sde.state.ok.us/Teacher/LibraryMedia/facilities.html

Office Area Resource

OELMA . (n.d.). Retrieved March 23, 2009, from http://www.oelma.org/advocacy/LibraryMediaCenter/Recommendations.pdf

Technology/Computers Area

Designed by Maria Bray

Table top colors come in Golden oak, Winchester Walnut, Wild Cherry and many more. I chose the natural colors to go with the shelves and other table that we are putting into the LMC. The Edge Band color will be Black and so are the legs.

The pictures below are of the colors of choice.

Features

·  High-Pressure Laminate tops

·  Centralized wire management

·  Smooth or fluted T-mold edging

·  Radius corners

·  Adjustable glides

·  Scratch resistant powder coat paint

·  Adjustable height vertical wire management channel will accommodate most plug-in strips

·  Options include height-adjustable Printer Stand, casters, and Ganger Kit (includes two black metal gangers and attaching bolts - 2 kits required for computer center with optional shelf)

·  Casters do not change computer center height

·  Casters should not be installed on tables with Printer Shelves

·  Meets or exceeds ANSI BIFMA X5.5-1998.

The pricing of the tables does not include optional CPU Holders and Articulating Keyboard Tray. I would like the CPU holders and the Articulating Keyboard Tray.

Putting two trapezoidal tables together, with a printer shelf on each, creates a comfortable, work-efficient atmosphere. The electrical outlets will be located on the floor, brass outlets and covers to meet code and traffic.

Mobile CPU holder is black. Articulating Keyboard & Mouse Tray will be the same colors as the tables.

We talked about having 10 computers in the computer/research area. Three of the units would give the LMC 12 spaces for computers, two extra areas for future expansion.

The computer area approximately 600 sq ft It will be across from the circulation desk.

Computer specifications are:

Model / Desktop / Laptop
Model
Number / d5800 (lower or
small form) / 6730b
CPU / Intel Core 2 Duo
E8400 (3GHz) / Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 (2.4 GHz)
Memory
(RAM) / 3 Gigabytes / 2 Gigabytes
Hard Disk Drive / 250 Gigabyte / 120 Gigabyte
Optical Drive / 16X SuperMulti Lightscribe / Lightscribe DVD +/-RW
Mouse / Optical / Touch pad
Keyboard / PS/2 Connection
Warranty / 3 year / 3 year
Network / 10/100/1000 ethernet / 10/100/1000 ethernet
Wireless Modem / 892 11g wireless
Modem / 59K
Docking Station / Basic Docking Station, includes 4 USB ports, Audio/Mic input, VGA output, Composite video output, 10/100/1000 ethernet, PS/2 Keyboard, PS/2 Mouse, Security lock slot.
I have added specs to computers. I would recommend purchasing the desktop models, they are cheaper and easier to upgrade if needed. Desktops may stay at the computer stations when school is not in session. If the library is a meeting place for yearbook club, they may need advanced software. This will not always work on laptops (depending on memory which is dependant on the price). High end applications would include CAD programs, Premiere or other special graphics or video programs.
A docking station must be used with any laptop. This will provide permanent connections to the network, printers (non wireless), mouse (in addition to the touch pad). Permanent connections to any projectors can also be made through the docking station.
We have decided to order 10 computers for the library. Drops are used for Internet connections, and networking. A must have for all computers in the building.
The printers would be networked for the computers in the library. The network is also necessary for students and staff to be able to access their work from the library. Example: student works on a Power Point presentation in the computer lab and saves it to his personal network directory (provided by school). He has some extra time to work in the library and is able to log himself in and call up his work. Network licenses are cheaper to buy in the long run (from vendors).
Information gathered from ISC department at District One Schools, Missoula, MT.
I would like to add 10 -12 chairs, padded, rolling, ergonomically correct chairs to be used at the computer stations.

Each computer station will have a set of headphones: JVC - Flat Folding Stereo H Black Model: HAS150BN