Elements of Facilities: A to Z
By: Dr. Annette Lamb

What kind of lighting is best for a library media center? W hat is the best height for tables and chairs in a primary school library media center? How do I determine how many shelves and bookcases to buy? These are common questions of facilities planners.

This article will identify many elements that should be considered in new building or renovation plan of a school library media center. The rest of this article provides a glossary of terms, definitions and suggestions related to facilities.

ADA Considerations
Consider all aspects of physical access including but not limited to elevators and ramps, aisle widths, floor space, entrances and exits, signage, furniture size and height, shelving, and restrooms. Identify needed adaptive technologies that include equipment, hardware and software. Alternative information formats may include Braille, large print, digitized speech, books on tape, real-time captioning for online conferencing, and captioned video programming.

Circulation / Information Area
This area (500-800 square feet) should be adjacent to the main entrance. If periodical storage is needed (sometimes replaced by online subscription database collections), storage area for those materials should be nearby. Staff offices and workroom should also be next to this area. Photocopy machine should be located within or near this space. This space should include a display case or area.

Climate Control
A system for heating and air is essential to maintain a temperature range (70-77 degrees) and control humidity (60%). The system for the library should be separately controlled, allowing the center to be regulated independently and allowing the facility to be used when school is not in session. Maintaining temperature and humidity are needed for the storage and preservation of equipment and materials.

Computer Data Network
T he data network should be planned to meet expanding needs for computers and the transmission of data. Considerations include the amounts and types of data, data speed, surge protection, and interference. Today some schools are using wireless networks. Locate a sufficient number of data jacks to meet present as well as future needs. Remember that in every location that networked data jacks are needed, electrical outlets are also required. And, plan for continued growth and expansion.

Computing Workstations
These spaces can be integrated into areas throughout the library. Allow 36-45 square feet for each computer workstation.

Conference Rooms/Small Groups Activities
Place in easily supervised area. Room(s) may have moveable walls to allow for combining space for multiple use(s). Provide 30 square feet for each seat.

Curriculum Planning Area
This room (300-600 square feet) should be adjacent or near to the teacher librarian's office. It is used for collaborative planning and projects between teachers and library media specialists. The room should also have storage for curriculum collection and project materials.

Equipment Closet
This secured space (minimum of 150 square feet) is dedicated to telecommunications and provides space for file server/maintenance. It should be located away from large electrical equipment.

Equipment Storage/Workroom
This room (400-800 square feet) provides storage for audiovisual equipment and supplies plus work surfaces for routine maintenance and minor repairs. The room needs direct access to the corridor. It should be adjacent to the media materials storage area.

Ergonomics
Library media staff and students tend to work long periods of time at a computer; therefore, careful attention should be given to setting up the computer work stations. Avoiding eye strain includes proper overhead ambient lighting that is low enough to avoid glares and shadows. Window coverings should be used to eliminate reflected sunlight glare, and computer screens should be kept away from uncovered windows. Supplemental adjustable task lighting should be added to work areas. Position computer monitors directly in front of viewers. Desks and tables should be two inches lower than elbows. Arrange keyboards so that forearms are parallel to the floor. Quality, comfortable, and adjustable seating should be provided for students and staff. The size of student tables and seating should be appropriate for the age group.

Floor Coverings
Install aesthetically pleasing, sound-absorbent, durable floor materials. High-quality, commercial-grade carpeting is most often used. Use carpet, cushioning/padding, and adhesives that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Acoustical vinyl or tile flooring is recommended for media production, equipment storage, maintenance rooms, and workroom areas. Where equipment is moved on rolling cars, floor treatment should be continuous and seam-free. Flooring should have added extra padding in the circulation desk area.

Furniture
Quality furniture including tables, chairs, periodical display, circulation counter, computer stations, shelving, seating for classes, seating for areas of quiet study and research, and office furniture should be selected for its quality. Select items based on their durability, flexibility, portability and functionality. Provide minimum seating in the main area of the library media center for one full class for an elementary school, one and one half full classes for middle schools, and two and one/half classes at a high school. Larger schools with student populations over 500 should increase seating and square footages for anticipated larger numbers of students.

Individual Reading/Study Areas
These quiet area spaces can be integrated into areas of the library media center; i.e., in main room or spaced throughout. Allow 30 square feet for each individual seating location and 38-45 square feet for each computer workstation. Tables should seat no more than four students.

Leisure Reading
This space should be adjacent to periodical and new books/materials display. Locate in an easily supervised area. Provide 32-68 square feet of space for each individual seat. Select soft, comfortable seating.

Lighting
Lighting should be adequate for the spaces (standards set by Illuminated Engineering Society of North America), and controls should be located in logical, convenient places. Dimming and down light controls should be used in those areas where multimedia presentations and materials will be viewed.

Location of Center
The center should be an integral part of the total building; centrally located and accessible from all instructional areas. The center's entrance(s) / exit(s) should be strategically placed. If it is a multi-story building, the center should be near an elevator or ramp to facilitate access for both physically handicapped persons ( ADA requirement) and the circulation of audiovisual equipment.

Media Materials Storage
This space (200-400 square feet) is dependent on the size of the audiovisual collection and how/where it is housed; for example, non-print materials are inter-shelved along with books and other print materials in the main collection area. If separate storage area is needed, it should be adjacent to or integrated within the equipment storage/workroom.

Media Retrieval System
A media retrieval system enables teachers and other users to use a telephone or computer to remotely access and control infrared switches of media playback devices (VCRs and DVD players). The head-end of the system is located in the library media center. A system can be developed for the entire building and should be integrated/incorporated into planning of the television distribution system. Note: Some schools are also opting for subscription digital video services that are delivered on-demand directly through the computer network.

Noise Factors (Acoustics)
If the library media center is near noisy areas such as the lobby, cafeteria, gym, music rooms, or student meeting areas, acoustical treatments will be necessary for create a quiet environment. Classrooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms and all work and instructional areas should be soundproofed from the main facility.

Office Space
Office space (150-200 square feet per person) should be located adjacent to the circulation counter/desk. A window allows for visual monitoring of the main room.

Periodical Storage
The provision and size of this space (150-250 square feet) is dependent of the collection size. Today's availability of full-text electronic databases has reduced the need for such storage. It should be located next to a soft seating leisure reading area.

Print Collection Storage
Although electronic resources have prominently taken positions in most school library media centers, it is unlikely that books will become obsolete or quit being used . . . at least in the foreseeable future. The quality of any collection is more important than the quantity; however, maintaining strong print collections (fiction, nonfiction, and reference materials) is still an important function of a center. Before allocating space for housing the print collection, electronic resources must be considered. Also guidelines/standards, especially ones from an accrediting agency, should be considered. Student enrollment is also an important factor; 20 books per student may be fine for an enrollment of 900 students, but not at all what is needed for an enrollment of 250.

Once the desired collection size is determined, an estimate is needed of the square footage of floor space needed to house that collection. The amount of space needed depends upon the width of aisles between stacks and shelving unit height. The minimum aisle width requirement of ADA is 36 inches. A single 36- inch shelf that is 10 inches deep takes up 8.75 square feet of floor space (This calculated figure includes needed aisle space). A 12-inch deep unit requires 9.40 square feet. Finally, increasing the aisle width to 42 inches, changes the square feet requirement to 10.3 square feet. For double-face shelving units, multiply these figures by two.

Calculate how many books will fit on a 36-inch shelf; remember to leave some expansion space - don't pack them in too tightly.  For high school collections, you will find that it comes out to near 30 books per shelf. In elementary schools, the number of books will be greater. Within a similar school library media center, complete a random sampling of 10 or so shelves and average to find a workable figure - the number of books held on a standard shelf length.

The only other decision to be made is how high of shelving units are to be used. Some teacher librarians recommend not having shelves anywhere that you cannot see over; others have aligned taller five-shelf units so that the aisles can be seen easily from the circulation area.

Expanding these basic calculations, one can calculate the total amount of shelf space needed to house the optimum print collection size.

Professional Resources
Sometimes called the teacher library section, this area (minimum of 600 square feet) provides storage for professional books and periodicals. It should also have access to the library catalog and other electronic resources. Additional space is needed if a teacher production area is included.

Security System
A security or theft-prevention system is required in most high school and middle school library media centers. Two basic types of systems are available: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic systems may adversely affect media materials such a computer drives, audiotapes, videotapes, and other magnetic recording media. Also, metal wall studs may interfere with the system's operation.

Storytelling
Locate space in close proximity to the picture book collection. Place where it is relatively quiet, but activities will not disturb other areas. Allow 15 square feet per child.

Television Distribution
A television distribution system capable of carrying multiple channels to distribute cable and/or satellite television programs, play video programs, and provide for the local origination of programming through the building should be incorporated into planning. This system should originate ("head end" of system) in the library media center. Cabling should connect to all areas of the center and extend to all classrooms and other instructional areas, administrative areas, the auditorium, gymnasium, and cafeteria.

Traffic Flow
Analyze plans to identify the traffic patterns that are created. Minimize the constrictions to smooth traffic flow. Place furniture and shelving to allow free, easy access.

Workroom
This space (300-400 square feet) is for collection processing, maintenance and repair, and temporary storage. It should be located adjacent to the center's offices. Design the space so that it provides physical and visual access to other support and production areas. A direct access to corridor/hallway is desirable. Consider providing a restroom for staff (not included in floor space).

Unique in the school, the library media program has the potential to reach every aspect of teaching and learning. However, this is only possible through collaborative planning related to curriculum, collection and facilities development. The quality of your program is directly related to your ability to positively impact teaching and learning.

Dr. Annette Lamb has been a school library media specialist, computer teacher and professor of education and library science. She is currently teaching online graduate courses for librarians and educators as a professor at Indiana University - Indianapolis .

 

Sidebar
Seven Goals of Today's Library Media Center

1. Intellectual access to information
2. Physical access to information
3. Learning experiences encouraging information fluency
4. Leadership, collaboration and assistance to teachers
5. Resources and activities promoting lifelong learning for all
6. Program providing local and remote information opportunities
7. Learning opportunities for a diverse population

 

Product Roundup

Concourse from Rediker Software
Rediker Software's School Office Suite offers Concourse, a popular library software program that complements and integrates with their renowned PK-12 school management software, Administrator's Plus. Offering a full-featured library management program, Concourse automates library tasks, yet is simple to use. From circulation, cataloging, searching and inventory to labels and reports, Concourse offers an amazing range of features to make managing your school library more efficient than ever before. Cataloging has never been easier. Circulation is effortless. Concourse offers powerful searches of your library's holdings. Add-on modules provide access to millions of professionally cataloged MARC21 records from other libraries. You can even put your holdings on the Internet for public access. Integration with Administrators Plus allows your student demographic information to appear automatically in Concourse, thus eliminating duplicate data entry. Use ID cards produced in Administrator's Plus to let patrons check out library books.
www.rediker.com

Classroom Jeopardy from Demco
Teach or test anything: Use America 's favorite quiz show in your library or classroom. Classroom Jeopardy plays exactly like the real quiz show---players select categories and values. Create your own questions to quiz on any subject. Clues are displayed on the screen, and players "buzz in" with wireless remote controls. Connect as many as 10 scoreboards for up to 30 students. It includes scoreboard base unit, three name cards, detachable keyboard, three wireless student controllers, wireless host controller, game cartridge and instruction guide. www.demco.com

Alexandria
Alexandria is a fully integrated, cross-platform library automation solution used in thousands of libraries worldwide since 1988, from single libraries to school districts. Alexandria 's intuitive interface frees up more time for librarians to focus on patron  information needs. Alexandria 's built-in Big6 research model promotes student achievement by enhancing information technology and literacy skills. Alexandria includes: Circulation, Cataloging, Web Searching and Management, Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), Subscription Management, Orders, Budgets, Patron Management, Word Processing, E-Mail Notices, Thousands of Detailed and Customizable Reports, Web Holds and Reservations, Built-In Server and Web Server, Auto Updates and much more. Alexandria offers real-time technical support.
www.goalexandria.com

Ironwood Glacier
The Ironwood Glacier line of furniture rises to the challenge of design flexibility and product durability posed by the modern library. Since all items are ready to assemble, this line remains affordable and incorporates the traditional styling that is Ironwood. The units are engineered to work together, so you can build the library that you need now and be assured of easy expansion in the future. Built to the standards of all Ironwood furniture, Glacier items will remain attractive and durable for years of use. 
www.ironwoodmfg.com

Brain Storming Table Activity Series from Gaylord
Gaylord's latest innovation brings an all-inclusive, fun approach to problem solving. The Brain Storming Table Activity Series allows individuals to collectively gather their ideas in a setting conducive to group expression. It features a rotating markerboard center that actually spins both clockwise and counter-clockwise on a 12-inch ball-bearing "Lazy Susan." Ideas evolve and revolve, literally, on the table. It accepts erasable markers to aid in presenting concepts with other students. Stain-resistant, 1-inch-thick high-pressure laminate surrounds the white board, creating a unique, clover-shape design that also permits plenty of space for traditional note taking and research materials. The table accommodates teens and adults, and leaves ample room for wheelchair accessibility. Rounded top with edges trimmed in resilient, soft-touch vinyl protect table from chips and scratches. Choose from rugged 3-inch-round steel legs or tapered wooden legs.
www.Gaylord.com/brainstorming

Onic LM-100+
Are you still teaching languages with a dinosaur? Can you imagine using a language lab that is both easy to use and eliminates broken tapes forever? The new Onic LM-100+ "all-digital" lab offers the features teachers need every day for a much reduced investment, yet eliminates the mechanical problems of older cassette systems. The Onic LM-100+ uses a single teacher PC to task each SD-100+ digital student amplifier panel with the appropriate class activity. Teachers allow each student to independently record and compare their voice to the lesson of the day (Level III Drilling) or placing students in communicative pairs or conference groups, which are proven to enhance learning at an accelerated pace. The equipment needed for a 30-seat system is affordable, allowing administrators to put labs in several classrooms or schools instead of favoring a single teacher or school.
www.onicusa.com