How to Design School Libraries

Designing a library can be a quite a chellenge, but the value a well-planned library brings to a school is priceless.

Most schools -- no matter what level -- are required by law to have a library on site. In many states, school libraries must be administered by an individual holding a master's degree in library and information science or school media librarianship. Since there is no national standard governing how schools should develop or run their libraries, the task of designing a new library for an institution can be quite challenging.

Things You'll Need

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science

Instructions

1. Request a copy of the school's short-term and long-term strategic plans. Envision how a library will complement these plans. If the inclusion of a library is not already set forth in the institution's plan, talk to administration about the role it expects the library to take within the institution and its goals.

2. Obtain a copy of the vision and mission statements of the school. Learn everything possible about the environment, students, faculty and staff. When designing a school library, the vision and mission statements of the library should be an extension of the hosting school. Discover ways the library can support and expand upon those values and begin developing the vision and mission of the library from here.

3. Investigate the institutional accreditation that your school holds. Then, evaluate the degree or diploma programs the school offers. Consider any independent program accreditation that the school may also hold and/or be considering. Accreditation makes or breaks a school's ability to grant degrees. Each accrediting body has its own expectations in regards to what material a library or learning resource center should include. Knowing this information is a key component when planning your opening day collection by program. Finally, note the student enrollment in each program the school offers. Evaluate the resource needs of your community based on this data. Develop an opening day collection. Each state's education system is different. Don't forget to take into account the state requirements for licensing and accreditation. Then consider standard materials for each program dictated by best practices within the field. Work with faculty, vendors, and other librarians to develop a bibliography of the best resources available for each program of study the school offers.

4. Know what your budget is. There should be money set aside for the resources and equipment needs of the library. This will have to be divided by program and program enrollment. Make sure that you fully understand the terms and conditions attached to this budget. If possible, ask to be included in the budget planning phase.

5. Determine what services and resources you have the budget to support. Develop policy to determine who will use these services and resources, and how. Some things to consider when writing library policy include hours of operation, patron requirements, lending duration, rules for computer usage, collection development, weeding guidelines, management and staffing criteria and complaint procedures.

6. Develop a plan for ongoing development. Designing a library is the first part of an ongoing process. Information in today's digital environment changes rapidly. To ensure the school library benefits most from its budget, it's important to assess the library's plan and operation regularly. In addition, establishing good relationships with faculty, staff, vendors, other librarians and the local public libraries will also help in the long run.

Tips & Warnings

• Joining a professional organization such as the American Library Association will help keep you up to date on new developments and best practices within the library industry.

Resources

• American Library Association