Designing the school library

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

Designed for learning: school libraries: CILIP guideline on planning and designing 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.

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.

Ideas and designs: creating the environment for the primary school library: Michael Dewe, SLA, 2007. This guideline takes the reader easily through the thinking and design process, offering clear advice at all stages. Has a list of useful publications and websites, and provides two very useful and relevant case studies of schools planning and building new libraries.

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.

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

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: 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: 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.

How to photograph your library: Key points to consider when photographing libraries. This simple but practical advice will help you to produce professional pictures you can be proud of.