Library Redesign Proposal

Crest Ridge Elementary Library

Library Redesign Project

Needs Assessment

Our library does not have enough space to adequately serve the needs of our students.  There is not enough room for more than one class to use the library at a given time.  Collaboration between teachers and including the librarian cannot exist due to the space limitations.  Large out of proportion furniture is not suitable for our elementary students and there is not enough open floor space.   The large tables make it nearly impossible to have small groups working.  Students also need to be given more opportunities to express themselves and their learning through the use of technology.  By remodeling our library, we can use new and existing spaces to make it more conducive to learning and improve our student achievement. 

Goals and Objectives

Goal 1:  Create a floor plan which is more suitable to the needs of elementary students.

2011-2012 School Year

·         Remove five large rectangular tables and replace with eight smaller round tables (Total cost approximately $1000 through www.demco.com).  Existing chairs will be used.

2012-2013 School Year

·         Remove large island and replace with three 36” search stations located on the ends of permanent shelving (Total cost approximately $1000 through www.demco.com).

2013-2014 School Year

·         Create a more comfortable atmosphere by adding additional seating areas.

o    Bench seating  can either be purchased or built by maintenance staff (Approximate cost of $450 per bench through www.demco.com).

o   Various seating cushions can also be purchased for flexible seating for under $30 per cushion through www.demco.com.

·         Create a story time area for younger students using a floor rug and appropriate decorations (10'9"Wx7'8"D Oval rug approximately $450 through www.demco.com).

Goal 2:  Create a space that increases student achievement through the use of technology and collaboration.

 

2011-2012 School Year

·         Begin collaboration activities with 2-3 core teachers.  Share success of collaboration.

·         Create usable virtual library that students can access at school and at home.

·         Rearrange new and existing furniture to make space more effective for small group collaboration. 

·         Introduce teachers to new ways of teaching and learning through using Web 2.0 tools.

2012-2013 School Year

·         Assist in adjusting the building schedule to allow for more open library/collaboration time.

·         Continue collaboration, expanding to more teachers and subject areas.

·         Promote use of Web 2.0 tools in classrooms.

2013-2014 School Year

·         Remodel existing storage closet into a media production room by purchasing a photo/video lighting kit to use with our existing photo and video cameras (Purchased through www.demco.com for approximately $350). 

·         Increase integration of Web 2.0 tools in instruction and collaboration, aid teachers in doing the same.

Evaluation

Throughout redesign

·         Is project being completed according to plan?  Do adjustments need to be made?

·         Is student achievement being positively impacted?

·         Are students and staff utilizing resources being offered?

After redesign

·         Is the library space more suited to the needs of elementary students?

·         Did the redesign allow for greater collaboration between teachers and librarian?

·         Are students able to utilize the library resources more effectively?

·         Are students and staff becoming more proficient in use of Web 2.0 and media production tools?

Dissemination

Throughout the project, progress and information will be shared with the school board and district stakeholders.  A blog (or similar tool) will be set up to show the improvements and the impact they have on student learning.  Teachers and students will be asked to help in the process of sharing the information.

Local Resources and Budget

Budget for the library redesign (not including construction of additional space) will not exceed $10,000.   

District maintenance crews will be in charge of removing the large island and remodeling of the storage closet.   They will also assist in overseeing the completion of the entire project.   The district technology department will be asked for assistance in moving the search stations and creating the production room and the specifics involved in it, such as wiring and cables.

Fundraisers, such as book fairs, will be conducted to support the cost of the project.  PTO will also be asked to assist in funding.

Project Images

Floor Plans

Items in plan for purchase through www.demco.com.

          

5 Blogs 7/1/2011

"Lady GaGa Librarians Unite!"
Gwyneth Anne Bronwynne Jones
6/25/2011
http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com/2011/06/lady-gaga-librarians-unite.html
I have to admit....the title made me very interested!  What on earth could Lady GaGa have to do with libraries?  Gwyneth talks about the fact that there is a revolution at hand, and librarians need to prove that they are not expendable.  We just need to change the focus and image of the library.  "Some revolutions compel you throw everything out. This revolution is easy...keep what you love but just make a shift." 

She goes on to say that librarians need to be more like Lady GaGa.  "She is innovative, a risk-taker, a change agent, an early adopter and dag she's COOL!"  How true is that!  I would have never dreamed to compare librarians to Lady GaGa, but it is so true.  Librarians need to become the innovators and become the catalyst for the changes and shifts in thinking that need to take place.  "We are NOT expendable because we are guiding the minds of our students to lead them to become life-long learners, curious searchers, and good digital citizens."


"Literature Map-  The Tourist Map of Literature"
6/22/2011
http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4064
This blog leads me to a very easy to use website to help kids explore new authors: http://www.literature-map.com/.  When you get to the site, you simply type in a name of an author and it creates a word cloud of similar authors.  This would be a great way to help children select new books to read based on their interests.  I have had a lot of 5th graders tell me that they liked a certain series, but had finished it, then what?  This website could get them started in selecting something along similar style of writing.  I also really like the idea presented about using the map to compare and contrast authors.  This could also lead to many discussions on style and genre.


"Current.im: A Private Daily Journal 140 Characters at a Time"
6/14/2011
http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4044
Current.im is an private online journal that takes the concept of Twitter and applies it to a journal.  Each day the students journal in only 140 characters.  This would really make them think about what they are saying and the importance of it.  I can see how this would also be excellent for reluctant writers.  It would be a quick and easy daily writing assignment or a daily warm-up.  Bad thing is the need for an email address (but the blog does give a way around it).

"Leaders Can Make Magic Happen Too"
Judy O'Connell
6/25/2011
http://heyjude.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/leaders-can-make-magic-happen-too/
Judy O'Connell really takes a look at the reasons why technology should be integrated into every lesson. We shouldn't just integrate technology for technology's sake.  We should integrate technology daily into lessons because of the powerful affect it has on student learning and achievement.  Unfortunately, some don't feel that way.  I really liked the comment added by Jeanne Skube:  "Thank you for a refreshing look at technology as power, not a hurdle."  When all educators realize this, student learning will become more evident and meaningful.


"Is Your Library Conducive for Collaboration?"
Leigh Ann Jones
6/25/2011
http://www.shelfconsumed.com/2011/06/is-your-library-conducive-for.html
Leigh Ann Jones looks at the fact that collaboration is necessary for student success.  The library needs to be the place that collaboration can take place.  She addresses the following seven things that can be done to encourage collaboration (most of which we have already discussed in this class). 
1.  Arrange furniture so small groups of students can easily work together.
2.  Allow productive noise.
3.  Work with your tech folks to allow students to bring their own devices.
4.  Establish relationships with students so they feel free to come to the library to work on projects as time allows.
5.  Ensure that the library is open before and after school and during lunch.
6.  Provide materials students may need.  This may range from up-to-date online resources to basic supplies.
7.  If space allows, set up a production lab so students may design and edit projects.  This could be a small office or workroom converted for this purpose.
8.  Collaborate with teachers to encourage projects that are process-based, inquiry-driven, and collaborative in nature.
Most of these can be done without having to worry about money or budgets, they just take devotion and a little extra time to support student learning. 

She also states, "Because students are social, collaboration is natural to them.  As students work together in our libraries, we may be able to observe skills that will help us improve our collaboration with teachers!"  I think this is an important concept.  Many teachers grew up during a time where collaboration is not the norm, and now we can learn a lot about collaboration from our students.

Webinar Reflection 6/30/2011

Joyce Valenza's Presentation

I really liked how Joyce Valenza, the librarian, realized the need for more up to date textbooks and informaiton for these high schoolers.  Her taking the reigns and figuring out a different method of teaching and learning seems to have had a huge impact on these students.  I was very impressed by the individualized research and you could definitely see the learning and growth taking place.  You could tell by Dylan's video that he really respected her as a teacher, and didn't just see her as the person who checks out books.  To me, this is one of the most positive things that can happen.

I loved all the technology that the students were using and how they used them to collaborate with one another.  They were really showing their individuality in the projects and what they were able to create with all different sorts of Web 2.0 tools and interacting and supporting each other on their work.  One quote from Joyce that really stuck with me was that she was "having them create their own infomration landscapes."  Teaching students how to use the vast amount of information that is out there is very important.  This is exactly what we want our students to be able to do when they are out of the K-12 public school systems.

I would love to be able to collaborate with teachers on individualized projects.  I think the students could really learn and grow from selecting topics that interest them and learning about them while integrating many aspects of technology into it.


David Loertscher's Presentation

The first key thing that stood out to me was the emphasis on the virtual space as well as the physical space.  It is important that he points out that the library website or "virtual learning commons" needs to be planned correctly so that it is usable and that students will not "Google around them."   With the amount of technology that is out there, we need to provide our students with what they need, or they will try to find it on their own, and may not be as successful.

Another key that he points out is combining technology skills with content learning.  This is definitely a key to our future.  It isn't so much what you know, but more do you know how to find good information and how to use it. 

I know I've stated it before, but getting a usable library website is one of my main goals for this year.  I want students to want to use the site to locate the information they need and learn, rather than just hit and miss searching on the entire internet.  I want to give them quality resources all in one location.


Doug Johnson's Presentation

I really liked his analogy using the stars.  My district definitely has a few bright stars, but we do need to create a galaxy so that more students have an opportunity to learn and use all the wonderful technolgies that are out there.  This is an excellent opportunity for me as a new librarian to come in and start collaborating with teachers and getting more involved.

I loved this quote!  "Unless a technology empowers a teacher, they are not going to use it to empower students."  I think that many teachers choose not to jump into technology for many reasons, but there is one reason they should-to enrich the learning of their students.

I really like the idea of using the collaborative writing tools, especially for older elementary students.  Many get to the age where they don't want to write, and I think by using one of these tools, they will not only be more apt to write and share, but they will be more willing to look at their own work and that of others as well as begin evaluating what is being written and collaborating and sharing what they are learning.



Valenza, Joyce, David Loertscher and Doug Johnson. "Learning Landscapes Webinar." Schoollearningcommons.23 Mar. 2010. Web. 29 June 2011. <https://schoollearningcommons.pbworks.com/w/page/24592888/Learning-Landscapes-Webinar>.

Read and Reflect 6/29/2011

Since I haven' t worked within a budget, these articles proved to be very beneficial to me.  I really liked Jacquie Henry's suggestion of preparing the purchase requistion in advance and asking for the purchase order number to place the order online at a later date.  This protects the librarian from losing funds later in the year (or the funds getting allocated somewhere else).  "By doing this,  I don’t lose my money if there is a budget freeze.  AND – I don’t have to scramble to order everything at once just in case there might be a freeze," states Jacquie Henry.  In the current state of school district budgets and concerns, this is an excellent idea that I would have never thought about as a first-year librarian.  I also like the way she broke her purchase orders into three categories:  “replacements and updates for outdated books...Non-fiction books to support the curriculum...and Literature and fiction to support English/Language Arts and Reading”.

Doug Johnson also makes some very important points in the three postings we looked at.  One really stood out to me, because it also came up in the textbook reading.  Form a committee!  "Remember that media budgets which come as a recommendation of a media/technology advisory committee carry more weight than those developed by the individual media specialist. Who wants to turn down a whole group, especially if that group includes parents, students, and teachers?" states Johnson.  This is something that hasn't been done in our district in the past, and I think it will be very beneficial to begin doing.  Teachers will feel more ownership, and other stakeholders will realize the importance of the library and what impact reducing the budget will cause.  Another important statement was to relate the budget to the districts goals.  Find the focus, and make it your focus as well.

In Help Sweep Up the Budget Dust, Johnson states how not only is it important to make a request for items, but also to include the rationale and need for each item.  If you can clearly state why an item is needed and the impact it can have on student learning, you are more likely to receive funding for it if the budget allows.

Textbook Read and Reflect week 4

I have never worked with a professional budget up to this point, so this chapter definitely made me think about what I will be doing next year.  The first thing that stuck out to me was the fact that library media specialists alone should not be the ones writing proposals for funds.  It is more effective to have a team that includes the media specialist, administrator, and teachers (pg 153).  I wouldn't have thought about how important this is, because quite frankly up to this point, the teachers in my school don't use the library as often as they should.  I don't know how many of them actually do know about the program and collections.  But, I can see where having needs list that a group has determined is priority would be more effective than having one that a single person determines.  Since the classroom teachers are the ones who are tied to test scores, they need to be involved in the selection of materials that all students will have access to.

Having teachers help in determining need would definitely be a great way to get more of them involved in the library in general.  In the past, our librarian has handed out a sheet of paper asking for requests.  Most were not filled out, or even looked at.  By creating a team of professionals that would be willing to look at the facility and program to determine where the need really lies, they would take more ownership and probably be more apt to use the library and all it has to offer.

I also had thought about how much the media specialist makes and how that compares to the hiring of a clerk, but only because of the possiblity of the certified position being eliminated.  I had never taken the time to think about the amount of money that a district pays a specialist to catalog a book, when a clerk can do it for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost (pg 151).  The positive about hiring a clerk to do some of the day to day tasks would be that the media specialist could be more active in the learning and curriculum, both within the library and the building itself.  I certainly see the benefit, but not the hiring of a clerk as a replacement for a library media specialist.  There is much more to the position than just processing and handing out books.

Overall, I'm glad there are people out there that are skilled in writing proprosals, I would definitely need help.  There are a lot of steps and things that could come up that I wouldn't necessarily think about right now, maybe with some more experience, but definitely not as a rookie.  For example, I don't think I would have thought about figuring out how to share the results and findings of a project.  I don't know that I would have thought about formatie and summative assessments either, especially not to the extent described in the book.

Library Redesign Project

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. 

5 Blogs 6/24/11

"My Report and a Couple of (Far More) Stellar Examples"
Joyce Valenza
6/20/2011
http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/neverendingsearch/2011/06/20/reflecting-on-20102011/
I found this blog very interesting and fitting after our discussion of annual reports last week.  I love the way that these librarians are taking dry annual reports and turning them into eye-catching reports and visual presentations.  These examples definitely give me some ideas as far as how to present the data to the board that they need, while also incorporating the good stuff that will be going on in the library.  One thing that Buffy Hamilton included in here report that Joyce Valenza also commented on was the inclusion of comments from the faculty.   "But for me, the most powerful element is the inclusion of faculty quotes that describe the role of this dynamic library program in Creekview’s learning and teaching culture."  I think this would be an important part of an annual report that I hadn't thought about.  Of course, we also want the administration to see how the teachers feel about the performance of the library and its affect on the students.

"Readers' Theater:  Antigone on Facebook"
Jeri Hurd
6/24/2011
http://bib20.blogspot.com/2011/06/readers-theatre-antigone-on-facebook.html
I absolutely love this idea!  Students will be creating a Facebook "saga" based on the characters and events from Antigone.  I'm sure they will get tons more out of the reading by doing this activity. Getting kids to interact with literature by using all of the technology tools that they love is a fantastic idea!  One of the questions during my interview was about if I would do any type of afterschool clubs.  Since we already have and established AR reading club, I told them I would probably go more on the technology side and try to give our students some extra skills there, I am honestly thinking about trying this activitiy out!  I also came across this website a couple of weeks ago.  http://myfakewall.com/  I haven't used it yet, but I might have found the perfect opportunity! 

"Understanding Library Impacts on Student Learning"
Derek Rodriguez
6/15/2011
http://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2011/understanding-library-impacts-on-student-learning/
While this blog centered more around higher education libraries, much of what it states still applies to K-12 libraries.  Finding a way to determine the impact of libraries on student success is difficult.  Rodriguez states. "While libraries have made significant progress in user-oriented evaluation in recent decades, libraries still lack effective methods for demonstrating library contributions to student learning. Unless we develop adequate instruments (and generate compelling evidence) libraries will be left out of important campus conversations."  Once again, the librarians need to step up and help figure out ways that we can measure our impact on students, otherwise we are going to be seen as unnecessary.  We need to find ways to determine what our kids know and what they are learning as far as information literacy knowledge.  I find it very interesting that collegiate libraries are having the same issues as K-12 libraries are as far as losing a voice because of not knowing the impact on student learning. 

"Pegby"
6/20/2011
http://www.edutechintegration.com/2011/06/pegby.html
Pegby is a program that basically lets you organize and share "to-do" lists.  The user creates cards with the information that needs to be completed and then can arrange them and sort them in various ways.  You can share boards with other users.  I could see this being used by committees in schools, especially preparing for presentations.  I plan on trying this out personally, and getting rid of all my sticky note to-do lists!

"Kids Like Blogs"
6/23/2011
David Kapular
http://cyber-kap.blogspot.com/2011/06/kids-like-blogs.html
Once again, the blog posting itself doesn't say much, but it did lead me to a fantastic website:  http://kidslikeblogs.org/.  I really like how Jon Schwartz uses the blogs, he has clear objectives for the students who use the blogs.  He states here, "The way I have my students use blogs, they are set up to provide the student with what I call a "virtual workbench" to develop their reading, writing, and art skills. It is a creative writing and student art outlet.... My student's blogs are all about showing off their stories, essays, and scanned artwork, and they share no personally identifying information or photos."  I think it is great that he is giving his students a platfrom for writing and sharing their artwork.  All too often, children's talents go unnoticed, and by allowing them to use the technology that is available, they are able to show their skills to the world in a safe manner.