Section 2

2.3 New school libraries
(including brand new building or redevelopment of existing school sites)

Library Location

The teacher-librarian should be involved from the beginning in working with the architects to have input in all areas of design, in order that the planned library space is practical.

Consider where the new library should be located in relation to the rest of the school. Is it to be the central hub of the school? Should it be positioned away from certain noisy learning areas?
Is it on ground level? - Consider weight of shelves and books when determining location
Does it have external doors? - Can be useful for delivery of resources, in the event of a fire or if after hours access is to be provided. Security considerations with external access need to be carefully considered.
Can delivery vehicles gain access?

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Design Considerations

Safety

The library must comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations.
Exit signs, fire alarms, hose and extinguisher must conform to standards.
Emergency evacuation procedures must be displayed. Areas glassed to floor level can be dangerous to students and also carry sound.
Bench heights in the workroom should be comply with Occupational Health and Safety provisions

Heating

The library should be air-conditioned to allow for temperature and humidity control. Temperature should range from 20 to 22 degrees centigrade with relative humidity between 45 and 55 percent.
The air-conditioning in the library sector could be controlled independently for after hours usage.

Lighting

Recommended illumination levels are:
- General areas 200 lux (limiting glare index 19)
- Counters 600 lux (limiting glare index 19)
- Reading tables 400 lux (limiting glare index 19)
- Reference tables 600 lux (limiting glare index 16)
- Catalogues and files 400 lux (limiting glare index 22)
- Informal seating 200 lux (limiting glare index 19)
- Computer screens 400 lux (limiting glare index 19)
- Stack areas 100 lux on vertical surfaces
  (Source: Learning for the future: developing information services in schools p.7)
Is there natural light that will not fade furnishings and resources or produce glare on computer screens?
Do some lighting fixtures allow for lighting adjustment?
Where are light switches to be located? Can they be controlled centrally?
Can presentation areas be blackened? Is there a night-light?
Is the artificial lighting non-glare?
Do the plans maximise natural lighting?
Where are the Exit lights?

Acoustics

The library should be carpeted.
The ceilings or walls should have some sound dampening properties.
The multimedia production area, viewing room, conference room should contain the sound.

Wiring

Are there sufficient power points, video, computer and telephone cabling at the construction stage to allow for developments in the foreseeable future?
Are these positioned to allow a flexible library interior?

Floor Plan

How many individual students, classes should use the library at any one time? ASLA recommends the library provide seating for 12% of the student population.
Do traffic patterns flow? Consider circulation area, storage area, worktables, reference, computer pods etc.
Is the signposting large and clear inside and outside the library?
Does the library interior allow for furniture rearrangement with a minimum of load bearing internal walls and columns?
Does the floor plan allow for future expansion of the library?
Does the floor plan allow the library staff to have visual control of the library, conference room, multimedia production area etc.?
Do people with physical disabilities have equal access to all library facilities?
Does the floor plan have areas for:
- Reading, viewing, listening and speaking
- Individual, group and whole class activities
- On-line teaching and learning
- Cooperative teaching and learning
- Collaborative planning
- Conferencing or meetings
- Multimedia editing
- Video and teleconferencing
- Silent study
- Displays
- Accessing, storing and circulating information
- Resource maintenance
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School libraries must be safe environments for all users. The school's code of conduct or behaviour policy should be prominently displayed. The teacher librarian will need to be aware of the school's procedure for handling hostile or difficult situations.

Security gates can be installed through a lease arrangement or by outright purchase.
Security cameras can be a deterrent for unacceptable Internet use, inappropriate behaviour and theft within the library.
Library staff should ensure they have visual control of the public access computers
Students coats and bags area needs to be where staff can monitor traffic.
Data projectors, digital cameras, laptop computers, video recorders and other equipment need to be stored in a secure area with closed access. Engraving equipment with the school name can assist with identification should an item be lost or stolen.
Library keys issued to staff should be monitored and recorded.
There needs to be a secure book drop.
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Equipment

Computers, scanners, video camera, digital camera, multimedia editing facilities, laminator, binder, photocopier, laptops

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Furniture

Consider the atmosphere of the library when selecting furniture colour and design. The teacher librarian may want the library to be seen as an energetic place with the furniture as a feature so would select bright colours and textures. Alternatively a relaxing atmosphere could be created using warm colours or studious with neutral colours.
Consider using the display area as a focal point of interest in the library with display screens, cabinets, and tables.
Fit shelving bays with metal hoods to keep dust away and to avoid sprinkler damage should there be a fire.
Raise bottom shelves 150mm above floor level in case of flooding.

For further information:

Brownbuilt

Raeco