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Designing the school library

School libraries are essential to learning, and good design is seen as a central consideration in creating effective learning environments.

Articles, reports and guidelines

Articles, reports and guidelines

Design innovation in school libraries
How do you design a school library that will be more than a ‘book corner’? Designing Libraries takes a look at some innovative design solutions.
Designed for learning: school libraries
A 2007 video posted by CILIP that shows the contribution an effective school library can make to the educational, creative, emotional and reading development of children and young people.
Designing new or refurbishing school libraries
Online guidance from the SLA on designing and planning a school library.
Good school libraries: making a difference to learning
A report by Ofsted which identifies those factors that help to produce good libraries in primary and secondary schools. Draws on inspection data collected between September 2004 and July 2005, and includes case studies from some of the schools.
How to design a library that makes kids want to read
A TED talk by Michael Bierut on how he got into designing inspiring murals for libraries in the New York schools system.
Inspirational school libraries from around the world – gallery
From a story garden in Cornwall to hexagonal towers in Los Angeles, the Guardian looks at inventive spaces designed to get children excited about books.
Primary school library guidelines
CILIP, 2000. The guidelines are intended to be a practical support to everyone concerned with establishing, maintaining and developing dynamic primary school libraries across the UK. Free download.

Books

Books

Beyond beanbags: designing inspirational secondary school library spaces
Geoff Dubber. Secondary school libraries need to be flexible, inspirational and above all, fit for purpose. Library use is rapidly changing and building design, layout, furnishings and fittings must change too. Here is a completely new Guideline on the subject. Aspects to consider, pitfalls to avoid and ways to successfully manage the project are all included. SLA, 2016
CILIP guidelines for secondary school libraries, 3rd edition
Facet, May 2014. This fully updated version of the CILIP-endorsed guidelines for secondary school libraries addresses the changing schools’ landscape and impact of technological changes of recent years.
Designing a school library media center for the future
ALA Editions, 2007. 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 centre building projects around the US, using conceptual plans from actual school libraries.
Designs for all reasons: creating the environment for the primary school library
SLA, 2018. This new edition of the Guideline originally written by Michael Dewe, an authority on library design, takes the reader clearly through the thinking and design process. It offers practical advice at all stages, and includes a list of useful publications and websites, along with a new case study of a time-critical library project.
Re-Designing the high school library for the forgotten half: the information needs of the non-college bound student
Libraries Unlimited, 2008. Designing a library to meet the information needs of students going straight into work from school.
School libraries: what’s now, what’s next, what’s yet to come
Free e-book or PDF download of 100 essays and reflections on school libraries (US), including chapters on physical spaces in libraries.

See also

See also

Technology and digital library services
A guide to resources on the impact of technology in libraries, with particular focus on developing digital library services.

Designing Libraries Essential Design Guidelines

Designing Libraries Essential Design Guidelines

Managing a successful library design and furnishing project
Managing a successful library design and furnishing project
The guide draws on more than 30 years of Demco's experience as library designers and suppliers of library furnishings.
Planning a successful library or archive move
Planning a successful library or archive move
A step-by-step guide to moving, from forward project planning to risk management, packing, storage and relocation, created for Designing Libraries by Harrow Green.
Designing libraries & learning centres for good acoustics
Designing libraries & learning centres for good acoustics
A guide to good acoustics in libraries by consultants Forte Acoustics and sponsored by FG Library & Learning, who specialise in meeting pods and hubs, pod desks and acoustic solutions.
The ultimate guide to photographing libraries
The ultimate guide to photographing libraries
Key points to consider when photographing libraries. This simple but practical advice will help you to produce professional pictures you can be proud of.

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