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 Top 10 Areas to consider when designing a  Dream School Library

A must have for every library is a quiet space for reading. This area should be warm and inviting, a place where students can relax and curl up with a good book. The reading space should have comfortable seating and plenty of natural light. This area could also house magazines, newspapers and other reading material.
 * 1. Reading Area **


 * 2. Social Area **

Often the hub of the school, the library should have a designated space for socialization and collaboration. This area needs moveable furniture that allows for collaborative and social opportunities. Maintaining a distance from the general work area will minimize distraction from instruction and work-related exercises.

This area should be large enough to accommodate at least 2 classrooms. Furniture should be movable to accommodate various learning and teaching activities. Electric outlets should be available (from floor) to accommodate personal devices. Tables would allow for group activity, but there should be a couple of work carrels for students who may need a more structured environment. A computer with LCD projector and screen would be needed for instruction. An interactive whiteboard or portable whiteboard would also be necessary for instruction.
 * 3. Instruction Area **

The design of this area should be student centered and user-friendly to encourage autonomous use of the library. Access should be available (depending on school level) to the library catalogue, internet, print reference materials and tools like printers and photocopiers. A bank of computers should be available for student use.
 * 4. Information-Reference Area **

The library should not only be place to consume information, but a place to produce it. Students are encouraged to use information they have learned and share their knowledge with others through engaging presentations. This area would offer students a central place to create multi-media presentations. Scanners, printers, digital cameras, computers and headphones would be available for students to use. Software to allow for multi-media productions would also be available on the computers
 * 5. Production Area **

There should be ample display areas all around the library to showcase student work, information literacy skill posters, recommended reads and themed displays. This would help create a warm, inclusive and inspiring environment for students. Colourful posters encouraging students to read as well as motivational posters should also be posted around the library. Displays should be updated frequently.
 * 6. Display Areas **

These areas exist within reach of the library yet offer library media specialists and support staff the additional space necessary to keep library programs running smoothly. An ample office area and workspace direct the countless administrative and organizational tasks while the storage area houses library equipment, supplies, etc. and serves as a processing area for resources entering or leaving a library collection.
 * 7. Library Media Center Office Area, Work Area, and Storage Area **

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In addition to checking materials in or out, the circulation area serves as an information desk. The design should be user-friendly, approachable and unrestrictive to the flow of library traffic. All technology and connectivity necessary for circulation and information retrieval should be within reach. Where appropriate, a 21st century library may include an express self-checkout in the circulation area.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">8. Circulation Area **

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This area is for the use of staff and administrators. It should include all necessary technology capabilities for professional work; computer, Internet connectivity, telephone, printer, etc. This area should also house tables and chairs for work related activities. This is an ideal location to keep professional books, magazines/periodicals and other professional material.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">9. Professional Area **

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This area is a versatile space that allows users to work and communicate together in one area. It is ideal for small groups, teacher collaboration or meetings and could even be made available to the public. The furniture should reflect the specific activities that such a room may be designated for; round tables, comfortable chairs, and up-to-date technology capabilities.
 * <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 19px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">10. Conference Room **

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">* Adapted from: <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">[|__School Library Media Center Design Considerations and Recommendations.__] <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(South Carolina Department of Education, Columbia, 2009)

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