Facilities Design Plan

1. Facilities Design Plan ISTC 601.101 Towson University, Spring 2010 Sarah Scholl Argieo’Shea Holly Ritzel

2. Image source: http://usablelibrary.org/

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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: http://www.designshare.com

9. School Profile – Havre de Grace Middle School AT A GLANCE FACILITY OPENED - 1967 ADDITIONS/RENOVATIONS - None SCHOOL CAPACITY - 775 TOTAL ENROLLMENT - 584 CLASSROOM TEACHERS - 52 http://www.hcps.org/schools/SchoolProfile.aspx?schoolID=79

10. School Profile

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

12. Floor Plan - Revision *Map not drawn to scale

13. Floor Plan - Zones Instructional Area Instructional Area ResearchArea Administrative Area Production Area Informal Reading Area Informal Reading Area Informal Reading Area Group Project Area/ Study Research Area Group Project Area Informal Reading Area *Map not drawn to scale

14. Furniture Image Source: www.Chairs1000.com Custom vs. Catalogue Refurbishing and reusing Circulation desk – Non compliant with ADA Carpeting – Squares Lounge Chairs – Librarian Recommended

15. Furnishings Image Source: http://www.brodartfurniture.com/products/Technical%20Furniture/pdfs/calista-brochure.pdf Image Source: Focus Floorings and Coverings, 2008 Carpeting – “Fall Time” New Circulation Desk – “Calista”

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

17. 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)

18. 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

19. 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)

20. 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

21. 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)

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

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

24. 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

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

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

27. Signage Image Source: Demco, http://www.demco.com/goto?PNHA19&LPCA19) Image Source: Bodart, http://www.shopbrodart.com/) Appeals to Young Adults Promotes Reading

28. Any Questions?

29. Old/ Broken Furniture Back

30. Additional Computers Back

31. Open Space Back

32. Informal Reading Areas Back

33. Carpet Back