How to Design a School Library

Designing a school library means taking a number of things into consideration, including comfort, space, electrical needs, security and more. The design should also be customized to be age-appropriate for users. For example, an elementary school will need a place for small children, whereas a high school library will not need this area.

Things You'll Need

• Blueprint, including electrical specifications, windows and height measurements

Instructions

How to Design a School Library

1. Place the circulation desk in an area that allows the librarian to see every corner of the library. This is very important for security reasons. Mirrors should be placed so that the librarian can see around corners from the desk as well.

2. Choose bookshelves that are the correct height. Tall bookshelves should not be used in an elementary school library, as the children cannot see or reach the upper shelves, which means that space is completely wasted.

3. Set aside an area for computers. The area must be away from direct sunlight and have enough electrical outlets to power the computers and accompanying hardware.

4. Create an area for studying and working. It should be big enough for tables and chairs. This will give your volunteers a place to work and high school students a place to study.

5. Create a read-aloud area for children in an elementary library. This should be a cozy and comfortable area separated from computers or other loud equipment.

6. Set aside a place to install at least one Smartboard for teachers or the librarian to use when instructing a group of students.

7. Design at least two rooms attached to the library. One room should be used to store books that need to be processed or repaired. The other should be an office for the head librarian.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider windows carefully. They must have some sort of screening from the sun, as sun can damage books, but they must also let in enough light to read by. Consider window placement in relation to other parts of the library as well. You do not want to advertise the fact that you have a lot of computer equipment to thieves.

References

• More about designing a school library

Resources

• More design considerations for school libraries