Designing a School Library Media Center for the Future: Second Edition

Rolf Erikson
Carolyn Markuson
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$53.10
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$59.00
Item Number
978-0-8389-0945-4
Published
2007
Publisher
ALA Editions
Pages
136
Width
8 1⁄2"
Height
11"
Format
Softcover
AP Categories
A
E
G

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  • Description
  • Table of Contents
  • About the authors
  • Reviews

Designing a school library media center may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage! In this hands-on guidebook, school library construction and media specialists Rolf Erikson and Carolyn Markuson share their experiences of working on more than 100 media center building projects around the country, using conceptual plans from actual school libraries.

Combining all aspects of design for the school library media center—floor plans, furniture, technology, bidding, and evaluation—this newly updated edition addresses
 

  • Current and future technological needs of the student population
  • Unique needs of the community library that combines school and public library services
  • Sustainability and conservation issues to help designers and planners "go green"
  • Accessibility requirements, including all ADA regulations from the first edition plus the latest material on learning styles and accessibility
  • Cost control and ways to minimize mistakes using proven bidding and evaluation methods

    With 30 new illustrations and floor plans and an updated glossary of technical terms, readers will be knowledgeable and organized when discussing plans with contractors and vendors. Using the guidance here, you'll avoid the classic building and renovation hazards and build a library media center for the future!
     

List of Figures
Foreword, by Ross J. Todd
Preface
Acknowledgments

1. Seeing the Big Picture: What to Expect and When to Expect It
2. Working Successfully with Key Players: The Art of Communication
3. Planning Your Program: It's Never Too Soon!
4. Planning for Technology: The Essential Ingredients
5. Planning Space Allocation: An Integrated Approach
6. Creating a Functional Interior: Zone and Furniture Plans
7. Creating an Inviting Interior: Furnishings
8. Creating a Comfortable Interior: Lighting, Acoustics, Mechanical Design, and Ergonomics
9. Creating a Green Interior: Sustainability
10. Making the Library Accessible: An Inclusive Approach
11. Buying What You Want: Specifications and Bid Documents
12. The Final Phases: Construction, Delivery, Installation, and Moving In
13. Combining Facilities: Joint School-Public Libraries
14. Conclusion: Building on the Experience of Others

Appendixes
A. Common Architectural Symbols
B. Suggested Space Allocations and Adjacencies
C. Sample Area Data Form
D. General Information on Shelving
E. Recommended Chair and Table Heights
F. Sample Furniture Specification
G. Sources of Furniture and Fixtures
H. Useful Websites

Selected Readings
Index
 

Rolf Erikson

Rolf Erikson has been a school library facility consultant for fifteen years and has consulted on over eighty projects for public and independent schools, both in the United States and internationally. He has thirty years' experience as a school library media specialist at all levels, K–12. Most recently, he was school library director at Minuteman Regional High School in Lexington, Massachusetts. Previously, he was director of library and audiovisual services at the Frankfurt International School in Oberursel, Germany. His professional experience also includes K–12 classroom teaching. He has an M.S. in instructional technology from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and a B.A. in art education from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. He has presented workshops on school library design for national, regional, and state professional library organizations, and has taught courses on school library facilities design at the graduate level.

Carolyn Markuson

Carolyn Markuson is founder and president of biblioTECH, which offers consulting services to schools, public libraries, and regional library systems. Previously she was supervisor of libraries for the Brookline, Massachusetts school district. Her professional experience includes working in several school, public, and special library environments as well as leadership positions in state, regional and national professional library organizations. She has a doctorate in curriculum media and technology from Boston University and a C.A.G.S. (Public Administration) and M.L.S. from Rutgers University. As a librarian, system director, and consultant, she has worked with school systems, librarians, and architects both in the USA and abroad to design school library facilities that facilitate learning and welcome students. Most recently, she has been involved in the development of community library projects in the northeast in which both school and public libraries function in a single facility. In addition to facilities design, her consulting services have included the development of strategic plans, and comprehensive school library program evaluations for school systems seeking state of the art school libraries.

"School librarians will learn how to manage construction from the planning stages to conclusion." --SciTech Book News

"Any librarian involved in the planning and designing of a media center will find this newly updated edition an invaluable guide." --School Library Journal

"Of great use to anyone designing a new or renovating a school library media center of any size." --American Reference Books Annual

Praise for first edition:

"Buy this book for yourself and for all of the stewards of your project."
—School Library Journal

"If you are a library professional who is contemplating a new or renovated facility, this is a must purchase... This is a thoughtful approach to the complete process from well-regarded experts in the field. Highly recommended."
—KLIATT

"Since both Erikson and Markuson have had experience working outside of the US, many of the ideas they suggest have practical value in other countries as well. This is an excellent basic working document to guide all new construction, and to undertake renovations that will be demanded as school librarianship moves into the 21st century with the integration of technology as an important aspect of all school library and information service programs."
—School Libraries Online

"This book is highly recommended for those who are involved in the design of a new school library or the renovation of an old one. It is also recommended reading for students undertaking school library management units in university programmes for teacher librarians."
—Orana