Things are changing. For starters, ebooks, apps, and the web are now a part of students' daily lives. So how do school librarians determine the best way to turn their library space into a learning center that is right for today's rapidly changing digital world? In this article, the author suggests five design considerations that school librarians…

In this article, the author discusses how to transform a down-on-its-luck library into an irresistible place for boys. She suggests to begin with vision, energy, and a lot of hard work. Based on the author's 30-plus years of experience working with students, she knows boys respond well to a scholarly environment. In fact, it is one of the ways…

This paper presents the Fort Washakie School/Community Library and Technology Center, cowinner of this year's SLJ/Thomson Gale Giant Step Award. Nearly four years old, this combination school-and-public library is located in the town of Fort Washakie, on the Wind River Indian Reservation, a vast 2.8-million-acre tract about a three-hour drive…

Describes a renovation project in the children's section of the Kalamazoo Public Library that utilized the same space but made it more visually appealing through the use of art. Grants and other funding sources are described that helped provide for the creation of murals, soft sculpture, and stained glass windows. (LRW)

Discusses the need for cooperation between librarians and architects during the design of library facilities. The balance between the character of a building and its ability to adequately meet actual needs is discussed, and it is suggested that librarians should concern themselves with the smallest details of the design process. (CLB)

Describes the architectural process and discusses ways of establishing good communication between architects and librarians so they can work together effectively. Highlights include the schematic design phase, the design development phase; the construction document stage, and the architect working with the contractors. (LRW)

Describes the renovation of the library at Walnut Hill School for the Arts (Natick, Massachusetts). Topics discussed include initial planning; packing up the collection for storage; dealing with construction delays while maintaining some library service; moving into the new space; student and teacher reactions; and the effects on library use. (LRW)

Describes the reasons for selecting the vacated Derry Township Intermediate School building for the public library in Hershey, PA. (CHC)

Describes the development of the Young People's Library in Las Vegas (Nevada) as a symbolic and literal bridge to the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. The roles in the design process of library administration, library personnel, and the architect are explored, and how this project addressed differences between the architect's artistic vision and…

Describes the planning process involved in designing a new library for St. Pauls' School (New Hampshire). Student and faculty input is discussed; site selection and space considerations within the library are considered; collaboration between the librarian, the architect, and a library consultant is described; and staff planning is discussed. (LRW)

Discussion of the approach taken by librarians at the Denver Public Library to improve their children's library facilities includes descriptions of (1) a conference on multidisciplinary approaches to facilities design which focused on creativity, education, and child advocacy; and (2) the use of focus group interviews in which children shared…

Discusses the need for cooperative planning in the design of library facilities and describes the roles of the library director, library staff, architects, engineers, and consultants in the planning process. The role of children's librarians in identifying the special needs of children is emphasized. A checklist for planning spaces for children's…

Describes the planning and organization of a media center for a new high school building in Michigan. The philosophical issues considered are discussed in terms of current and future needs and the technology available, and the school's computerized electronic access system for instructional and administrative use is described. (EM)

Discusses the need for cooperation between architects and clients during the design process, and describes the working relationship between an architect and librarian during the design of a school library facility. Specific solutions for design requirements relating to book processing, reference services, and microform use are described. (CLB)

Discusses the applicability of for-profit customer service concepts to nonprofit library public service. Highlights include 10 elements of successful library customer service for children and youth; creating appropriate physical environments; understanding the customer; body language; organizational restrictions on staff; customer feedback;…