School Library Media Center Design

Before:

After:

I wanted to get rid of the cross shape and open everything up.  I placed all the offices along the same wall, so that library staff would have easy access to each other.  Plus everyone has their own office.  The circulation desk is still in front of the librarian's office for easy access.  The librarian has a pretty clear line of sight to all areas of the library from the circulation desk.  In general, I kept like areas alike.  The bookshelves are all together, offices are together, techy areas together.  Hopefully this makes things easier to tidy up and put away.  Yet at the same time, all the areas should be easily accessed.

I got rid of a classroom, because it seemed unnecessary with 2 other potential classroom spaces.  I kept one classroom for a closed space, in case teachers needed to teach students in a quiet, uninterrupted area.  One of the laptop carts would be kept in this room at all times, yet laptops could remain on the cart until students watched any demonstration without distraction.

I also kept a workroom in case the library was the only place in the school for a conference area.  Otherwise this room could also be used for student group projects, meetings with parents, etc.  This would hopefully facilitate more collaboration with staff, parents, and students by bringing all into the library space.  The movable laptop cart could also be brought here.

With an unlimited budget, I decided that outlets would not be a problem.  Students could plug in laptops at any of those table areas, which are all located along walls.

Speaking of furniture,  the intent is that all furniture is on wheels.  The small tables can be moved around.  The classroom rectangular tables can also be moved.  This means that if the library holds a meeting, all the furniture can be utilized for seating in the center common area.  The common area is pretty wide open for this purpose.

Overall, the main points for the new media center:

1. Open, flexible, and portable design.

2. Focus on technology.

3. Public and private areas available.

4. Promotes collaboration with students and staff.