Dream Library

[Maura]

Hi All,

I am in the middle of designing a 3 year plan to upgrade the middle school library where I work. We will replace almost all the books, bring in state of the art tech equipment (including ipods and ipads) and data bases. We have $100,000 to spend oever 3 years. I am working with the administrators, teachers, students and parents to get their opinions but wanted to check with my peers to see what ideas you might have.

We are an inner-city public school with about 300 students (with the idea that eventually we will expand to 700) The library is huge and currently has space for 10,000 books (but there is room to expand) and also space for 30 computer work stations as well as work space.

If you had the opportunity to revamp your library, what would you do? Where would you spend your money first? What are the things that make your job easier?

Thanks,

Maura

[Jamie Isenhour]

My library is new as of a year ago and there are a few things I can mention, some we have, some we don't:
a powder room (for sure!), 46 inch tall shelves so you can see students but still be tall enough for 3 shelves of non-fiction, wireless internet, a pull-down screen or Promethean type board, a book drop from the outside, a student self-checkin station, lots of wall space (with white board & bulletin boards), computer lab with Classroom Spy software and enough headphones for each computer, magazine rack, paperback rack (if you sort them seperately), conference room, AV/equipment room, a web-based library system, and access to online encylopedia and Netrekker (or something similair) embedded in the library system.
This is off the top of my head but hope it helps

[c gibson]

Hi,
I want to congratulate you on your fabulous opportunity.
Whatever you do, be sure you get adequate electrical upgrades to support your many tech needs.
My library was recently renovated, and I regret not doing that.
Good luck!