Upgrading your school library By Heather Barker Vermeer Industry Reporter
School librarians are juggling more roles and skills than ever and their domain, the school library, houses all manner of information, resources, and technology for learners as well as pedagogy-informed learning spaces to enrich every teacher’s lesson plan. Of course, providing an adaptable, accommodating environment is the cornerstone of any good school library. So… where’s a good place to start if yours isn’t up to scratch?
Analyse your space, be flexible Take stock of your library’s layout: It needs to be a welcoming environment for research, a place for students to sit comfortably and read, and a site for project collaboration and sharing. If your furnishings consist of standard fixed-leg, bulky rectangular library tables, they’ll remain rooted to the ground or need to be moved, with difficulty, to alter the configuration of the space. By opting for stackable or modular furniture, you can create a variety of configurations. Nesting and
Image supplied by Autex, RMIT University. Architect and Photography by Hayball.
mobile flip tables make smart use of space, and reconfigurable seating helps to accommodate diverse set-ups, i.e., for debates, roundtable discussions, or small group projects.
Aesthetic improvement An injection of colour is one way to make the library more appealing through furniture items, soft furnishings, wall colour or an oft-forgotten element, artwork! Old photographs can inspire a sense of connected heritage or hang some book cover poster art. Cull the clutter; weed out duplicate titles, tatty publications, and out-of-date collections to create space for new.
Collaboration
Include thoughtful zones within the overall floorplan. I.e., many school libraries repurpose storage space previously used for AV equipment or books to make a green-screen room for use as a project-based learning space.
trap and contain sharp sound waves, reducing background noise and minimising echoes. Shelving can also be used to help block noise from more collaborative zones that might disturb a quiet study area. Position your cosy, quiet reading area away from the entrance and fiction collections, for example, where groups may loudly gather to choose books.
Activity zones and quiet zones help structure your space and aid different work styles.
Expert tips for transforming library spaces
A sound environment
Michael Merlino is the Creative Manager at Resource Furniture and shared some dos and don’ts for schools planning a stellar library refurbishment.
Liaise with your subject teachers to design usable library spaces within your facility.
Libraries have acoustic demands often not considered in the design and construction process. These issues can include noise intrusion from exterior and interior sources such as aircraft and building mechanical systems, excess reverberation in public spaces, speech communication, and intrusion from potentially adjoining spaces, such as meeting rooms.
Image supplied by Resource Furniture
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Wall-mounted acoustic panels let people in libraries have their peace and quiet by dampening, softening, and redistributing sounds. Unlike hard, reflective surfaces, acoustic panels can ADMINISTRATION
Among his list of don’ts, Michael said: “When incorporating teaching spaces, try to avoid central open areas, thoroughfares, or high ceiling spots, as sound will travel throughout the space. Also, don’t buy ad hoc! Manage budget constraints for new shelving and furniture with a space plan that allows you to stage fit-outs over time with a clear end-goal and with the confidence that everything will complement each other.” Term 2, 2022 | school-news.com.au
