How to Renovate a High School Library

Libraries are more than bookshelves.

Many schools are renovating their high school libraries to create a space that is more inviting to students. Modern high school libraries need to provide easy access for those with disabilities, and must have enough space for students to work on individual and group projects. They also require common spaces for workshops, classes, and speakers. High school libraries are also integrating more multimedia spaces so students can take advantage of internet access and use computers to develop multimedia presentations with their research. And yet, libraries must also maintain their existing collections in an organized fashion.

Things You'll Need

• Round tables
• Square tables
• Room dividers
• Computers with internet access
• Book shelves
• Books
• Couches
• Study carrels
• Paper
• Pencils
• Tape measure

Instructions

1. 

   Measure your resources and your space.

   To renovate your library space, inventory your existing resources. What is in your library at the moment? Count the numbers of bookshelves and tables, and measure them with a tape measure. Write down what you have.

2. 

   What are students looking for in the library space?

   Examine your needs. What are students and teachers asking for in the library? Is it more space for individual study, more group space, or more classroom space? Create a list of those needs.

3. 

   Use pencils and paper to create a draft image of the room.

   Look at the existing space and measure it. Using your pencil and paper, create a draft picture of the library space without existing furniture.

4. 

   Shelves are your assets; think about how they work for you in your space.

   Go through the list of needs. Where can you place these needs in the current library space? Does the space need to expand, and can it expand? A nook with study carrels could become a good group work space, or an area with a number of bookshelves could become a small classroom space.

   How do the current furniture and the existing library collections work with this space? Do you need bookshelves that are one shelf higher to accommodate your library collections while freeing space for group or classroom use? Are shelves and study carrels blocking access where computers with internet could be installed?

5. 

   Discuss your needs and assets before renovating the library.

   Convey these needs and current assets to those who are working on the high school library renovation. These might include future construction contractors, engineers, and interior designers.

References

• National Institute of Building Sciences: Libraries Whole Building Design Guide
• SLAIS: Planning and Building Libraries