"Library Spaces for 21st-Century Learners: A Planning Guide for Creating New School Library Concepts" focuses on planning contemporary school library spaces with user-based design strategies. The book walks school librarians and administrators through the process of gathering information from students and other stakeholders involved in…

Proper planning of school facilities is critical for all school districts no matter how large or small, whether major construction is in the works or the district is managing enrollment declines. When school districts properly plan for their school facilities they have better schools, more public use and higher value for public spending. This…

The guide allows users to adapt and implement suggested O&M (operating and maintaining) strategies to address specific energy efficiency goals. It recognizes and expands on existing tools and resources that are widely used throughout the high-performance school industry. The guide is organized into the following sections: (1) Chapter 1:…

This paper addresses construction that takes place in or near the school building while school is in session--the most difficult kind of construction to manage. Success largely depends upon the preparation, competence, and goodwill of the school district's facility staff, the project architect/engineer, the contractor, and local school…

Quality schoolyards provide opportunities for the physical challenges, exercise, sensory play, fantasy play, organized sports, and unsupervised free play that allow for healthy, well-rounded development. Schoolyards should be safe places where children practice social skills and develop an appreciation for the feelings of others and the…

This article is part of a series that has offered insight on planning a facilities project, hiring professionals, delivery system options and owner's responsibilities. In this article, the author focuses on some of the planning and design concepts one may be asked to consider in providing direction to his design and construction team. These…

Discusses steps to help ensure successful district-wide school building improvement projects: identify the right people, plan carefully, implement community communications, and manage the design and construction process. (EV)

Securing appropriate facilities can be a significant challenge for those intending to open a charter school. Although, like all public schools, charter schools receive per-pupil dollars from the state, they generally receive considerably less. Additionally, because traditional public schools rely on their district to provide their school…

This book suggests ways and means by which the development of campuses can be controlled so that functional goals can be aesthetically expressed. The first section, "Prospectus," defines campus planning, illuminating through historical examples the evolution of the campus as a design form, and describes the conditions that make campus…

Describes how computerized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used to aid in facilities planning at the district level by providing a repository of various types of relevant data. (EV)

Discusses how schools can effectively plan ahead for the rapid advancement of technology through use of wireless technology. Describes its flexibility and savings, and planning and design issues. (EV)

Provides four examples of academic building designs considered effective in fulfilling the purpose for which they were created and satisfying student and administrative needs and preferences. Designs are a university's sciences building; a college library formed from an ex-elementary school auditorium/gymnasium; a university's five-story…

Explains the owner-contractor relationship of construction management and the time and budgeting advantages it offers public educational agencies by dealing with only one firm. (MLF)

Offers working principles that lead to more satisfactory outcomes in planning and building new facilities. (EV)

Describes the facility planning process for ensuring school security, addressing influences on security planning, site-specific issues, and necessary knowledge and communication. (EV)