I chose to redesign the Crest Ridge Elementary Library in rural Centerview, Missouri. This library serves approximately 300 students in grades kindergarten through 5th. It has previously also served pre-school, but not in the upcoming school year. Personnel consists of one full time library media specialist. Although the library is only seven years old, it was not designed with the learning commons concept in mind. The space is quite small and not well designed for 5-12 year olds.
The four areas I would change would be 1) overall lack of space, 2) removal of the giant search "island," 3) room for collaboration, and 4) media creation room. I would also like to incorporate seating and storytime areas into the plan.
1) The library space itself is quite small at around 1200 square feet and does not allow much room for flexibility or functionality. I would begin by enlarging the space into part of the existing outdoor classroom, which is currently seldom used. By doing so, I would add about 600 square feet into the library. This space could be used for various purposes including whole class instruction when necessary. In the plans, I drew this as space for the lower fiction, seating areas, and collaboration space. By doing this, I am also able to have a storytime area for the younger students. My goal for this is to increase the space on the floorplan to make a more user-friendly and inviting library. This would also allow for more students to use the library at any given time. Multiple classes could use it at the same time without a problem.
2) One tremendous space eater in the library is the large search "island." It only contains 4 computers, but it takes up quite a bit of floor space and is not proportioned correctly for elementary students. Instead I would create search stations at the ends on each of the three current permanent bookshelves (these are marked in red on the design). Additional computers are available in the adjoining computer lab for searching and use. By doing this, I would be able to use the existing space more effectively, while still giving the students access to technology and the collection.
3) Our library currently has no room for small group instruction or collaboration. The only available tables are four 6 foot long rectangular tables and one larger table that is only used for adults during faculty meetings. I would add smaller circular tables that would be better for elementary students and collaboration. I would also incorporate more informal seating areas. Students don't always want to sit at a desk or table and by creating various seating areas, they will feel more comfortable. I also tried to spread these areas (in green) out around the library to give some privacy.
4) I have noticed that many libraries are now including an area for media production. I think this is amazing and I would like to see it happen in our library. Currently, there is a closet that house the building server and also serves as some storage for the video collection. I would move the server into the computer lab (just on the other side of the wall, so wiring wouldn't have to travel too far) and use the closet as a small production room (orange on the diagram). Obviously, because it is only about 8 feet by 10 feet, it wouldn't be used for large scale productions but students would be able to participate in various Web 2.0 activities that they will need experience with to be more successful down the road. By giving our elementary students and opportunity to participate in things such as pod-casting and video creation, we are giving them a step up for their future.
All in all, the current library space is too small to be effectively used by more than 25 students at a time. By expanding the library and using the current space more effectively, our library can turn into an excellent learning commons. Multiple groups could use the space to collaborate and create all at the same time. Access to technology, media, and print all in one location, would provide students with many resources and opportunities to learn. Students would feel welcome and would have places to work individually or in groups. They would have comfortable, inviting places to read, work, and learn.
The four areas I would change would be 1) overall lack of space, 2) removal of the giant search "island," 3) room for collaboration, and 4) media creation room. I would also like to incorporate seating and storytime areas into the plan.
1) The library space itself is quite small at around 1200 square feet and does not allow much room for flexibility or functionality. I would begin by enlarging the space into part of the existing outdoor classroom, which is currently seldom used. By doing so, I would add about 600 square feet into the library. This space could be used for various purposes including whole class instruction when necessary. In the plans, I drew this as space for the lower fiction, seating areas, and collaboration space. By doing this, I am also able to have a storytime area for the younger students. My goal for this is to increase the space on the floorplan to make a more user-friendly and inviting library. This would also allow for more students to use the library at any given time. Multiple classes could use it at the same time without a problem.
2) One tremendous space eater in the library is the large search "island." It only contains 4 computers, but it takes up quite a bit of floor space and is not proportioned correctly for elementary students. Instead I would create search stations at the ends on each of the three current permanent bookshelves (these are marked in red on the design). Additional computers are available in the adjoining computer lab for searching and use. By doing this, I would be able to use the existing space more effectively, while still giving the students access to technology and the collection.
3) Our library currently has no room for small group instruction or collaboration. The only available tables are four 6 foot long rectangular tables and one larger table that is only used for adults during faculty meetings. I would add smaller circular tables that would be better for elementary students and collaboration. I would also incorporate more informal seating areas. Students don't always want to sit at a desk or table and by creating various seating areas, they will feel more comfortable. I also tried to spread these areas (in green) out around the library to give some privacy.
4) I have noticed that many libraries are now including an area for media production. I think this is amazing and I would like to see it happen in our library. Currently, there is a closet that house the building server and also serves as some storage for the video collection. I would move the server into the computer lab (just on the other side of the wall, so wiring wouldn't have to travel too far) and use the closet as a small production room (orange on the diagram). Obviously, because it is only about 8 feet by 10 feet, it wouldn't be used for large scale productions but students would be able to participate in various Web 2.0 activities that they will need experience with to be more successful down the road. By giving our elementary students and opportunity to participate in things such as pod-casting and video creation, we are giving them a step up for their future.
All in all, the current library space is too small to be effectively used by more than 25 students at a time. By expanding the library and using the current space more effectively, our library can turn into an excellent learning commons. Multiple groups could use the space to collaborate and create all at the same time. Access to technology, media, and print all in one location, would provide students with many resources and opportunities to learn. Students would feel welcome and would have places to work individually or in groups. They would have comfortable, inviting places to read, work, and learn.
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