These guidelines are designated to help Maryland school system personnel and architects develop educational specifications and designs for new building construction or major renovation projects that include a library media center. The task force, which developed the standards, began this effort by gathering information on the State's school library media programs, by studying the role of these programs in implementing school improvement strategies, by visiting exemplary programs, and by reviewing state and national standards for school library media programs with national and local experts. As a result, it was recommended that schools provide every student access to a functional, well-equipped information center that supports the goals outlined in the State's school improvement program. The guide provides an overview of school library media programs and looks at the school facilities planning process. Special attention is devoted to library media center spaces and design considerations for school library media centers. (RJM)