Things are changing. For starters, ebooks, apps, and the web are now a part of students' daily lives. So how do school librarians determine the best way to turn their library space into a learning center that is right for today's rapidly changing digital world? In this article, the author suggests five design considerations that school librarians…

In this article, the author discusses how to transform a down-on-its-luck library into an irresistible place for boys. She suggests to begin with vision, energy, and a lot of hard work. Based on the author's 30-plus years of experience working with students, she knows boys respond well to a scholarly environment. In fact, it is one of the ways…

This paper presents the Fort Washakie School/Community Library and Technology Center, cowinner of this year's SLJ/Thomson Gale Giant Step Award. Nearly four years old, this combination school-and-public library is located in the town of Fort Washakie, on the Wind River Indian Reservation, a vast 2.8-million-acre tract about a three-hour drive…

Describes the development of the Young People's Library in Las Vegas (Nevada) as a symbolic and literal bridge to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. The roles in the design process of library administration, library personnel, and the architect are explored, and how this project addressed differences between the architect's artistic vision and…

Data from student and teacher questionnaires, interviews with school librarians, and examination of bibliographies of student papers were collected in six metropolitan area public schools working to study facilities used and assistance received by students on independent study assigments. Results indicated that students successfully used a wide…

Describes the renovation of the Horace Greeley High School library (Chappaqua, New York). Discusses initial planning; costs; teachers' use of the library; new technology and the blending of print resources; and the appeal of the facility for students. Sidebars highlight the lighting design and renovation goals for the media specialist and…

Discusses the design of combined school/public libraries and includes the views of three high school librarians and two elementary school librarians who helped create combined libraries. Topics include physical design issues, including entrances, lighting, and location; funding; cost benefits; contracts; signage; and parking. (LRW)

The successful media center programs of seven schools in the northeastern United States are described. (PF)

Discussion of the approach taken by librarians at the Denver Public Library to improve their children's library facilities includes descriptions of (1) a conference on multidisciplinary approaches to facilities design which focused on creativity, education, and child advocacy; and (2) the use of focus group interviews in which children shared…

Discusses the need for cooperative planning in the design of library facilities and describes the roles of the library director, library staff, architects, engineers, and consultants in the planning process. The role of children's librarians in identifying the special needs of children is emphasized. A checklist for planning spaces for children's…

Describes a renovation project in the children's section of the Kalamazoo Public Library that utilized the same space but made it more visually appealing through the use of art. Grants and other funding sources are described that helped provide for the creation of murals, soft sculpture, and stained glass windows. (LRW)

Description of the new Souhegan High School (New Hampshire), a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools, focuses on the library and information center. Highlights include learning principles of coalition schools; physical layout of the library; collection development, including print and nonprint materials; library technology; and implications…

Examines issues that librarians need to address when remodeling or designing school libraries. Topics discussed include the librarian's role in decision making; cost considerations; evaluation of present services as well as future needs; the importance of communication; location; library technology; furniture; and the role of architects and…

Describes the planning process involved in designing a new library for St. Pauls' School (New Hampshire). Student and faculty input is discussed; site selection and space considerations within the library are considered; collaboration between the librarian, the architect, and a library consultant is described; and staff planning is discussed. (LRW)

Presents guidelines for improving the appeal and effectiveness of library space, including consideration of color, lighting, traffic patterns, noise problems, planning, and costs. Since librarians have to work through school administrators, it is important for them to be precise about what they want and how much it will cost. (JPF)