Library By Design

If you build it, will they come?

WinonaHS Planning a successful library media center, whether it be a new library, an addition or a renovation to an existing space, presents both an exciting and daunting challenge. Libraries have the power to help children soar by providing them with opportunities to become more creative, caring, and productive members of a democratic society.

Well-designed libraries staffed with expert library media specialists can help

foster children's imaginations,
heighten their natural curiosity about the world around them, and
help broaden their horizons in a myriad of ways.

As library media specialists, reaching these goals will require that we broaden our own horizons. This web site is designed to help you do just that by inspiring and guiding you through the process of planning a space that will support the incredible learning a well-designed library has the potential to facilitate. This web site focuses on defining goals, assessing needs, and creating a design team and a building plan. It also offers links to inspiring designs and a sensible look at financial considerations.

Never too early...

According to Mary D. Lankford in her SLJ article "Design for Change: How to Plan the School Library You Really Need", for many librarians a building project may be their first (and perhaps their only) opportunity to design a library. But the tips and principles involved in designing and planning are also useful in rethinking our existing spaces. We can wisely rearrange or possibly remodel to better serve our school patrons. Don't wait - make preparations and be prepared for someday! Visit other libraries - with a camera! Take tours when you attend professional conferences. Begin a file of ideas you want to consider. And don't just look at school libraries - visit colleges, public, and retail spaces for inspiration. Plan ahead!

Through the tips and resources provided, we hope you will gain a firmer footing as you embark on your journey of discovery to help make a difference in the lives of those students, teachers, and families served by your school library.

LIS 506 LEB, Fall 2007

Marcia Brandt

The school library media center of the 21st century MUST reflect the changing needs of its patrons. As we rearrange, renovate, rebuild or build we need to challenge ourselves not to simply build new versions of old spaces. We must instead truly analyze what we do and then consider what we could improve to meet the needs of our learning community!

"You should create evolving use space, because libraries are in a constant state of flux, and if anything should change a lot, it should be...[ the library]." (Rolf, 31)

Elisabeth Harris

To achieve self-definition and independence, teens need and want a space of their own. Some libraries realize that they are in the unique position to provide the type space that enables teens to create their intellectual, emotional, and social identities.

"In order to create and articulate your vision of your new building, take yourself out of your existing space and what you do every day and think outside the box. Otherwise, the architect will be just patching up or perpetuating what was done in the past." (Freeman, 13)

Mary Yockey

The best library media centers are those that encourage students to take ownership of their library by displaying original works based on their inquiry-based learning process. Well-designed library spaces provide ample display space and serve as "learning laboratories," where students can benefit from viewing the work of others.