[ISLMA-Share] New Library Design

Fri Apr 13 09:07:35 CDT 2018

The library in our middle school has always been an open, no-walls,
no-doors-to-lock environment. The original design had a recessed floor
where all the books were kept, so in a sense there was a wall surrounding
that lower level. A few years ago, there was a remodel, and everything was
brought up to the hallway level. We are completely open.

It is absolutely amazing how few items go missing over the course of each
year, which is a real testimony to the integrity of our students and staff.
We also clearly state and enforce the expectation that students travel
through the hallways around the library during passing periods rather than
cutting through the space. There are even two antiquated security gates
that we require students enter and exit by, rather than just coming in from
anywhere in the hallway. To the astonishment of many, our students by and
large comply with these rules, scolding one another if they occasionally
see someone "walking through the imaginary wall" that I describe during
library orientations.

We do have a large storeroom into which we can shepherd students to secure
the location in the event of a lockdown. If I ever had a ton of students in
here (more than would fit in the storeroom), I would send them to nearby
classrooms for shelter if needed.

One flaw in our design is that there is no office for the librarian, so I
work at the circulation desk all the time, which is not always great.
Ideally, I would prefer plexiglass floor to ceiling walls to separate the
hallways from the library, but I will say that the openness of the space
encourages use. During the lunch periods, we can have one class moving in
the halls while another class is in the library, and that's annoying but
not the end of the world.

.

On Fri, Apr 13, 2018 at 7:43 AM, Email list for the Illinois School Library
Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info> wrote:

> I would also be concerned about safety and security of a completely open
> space. Although, my new (reno two summers ago) space is all windows into
> our commons area (which I totally advocated for and are awesome), so safety
> may also be an issue in my space. I can, however, be completely visible and
> accessible to everyone in the building, while still being able to lock my
> doors when necessary. We are happy to schedule visits if you ever want to
> see the space.
>
>
> Lauren Ochs
> School Librarian
> Mahomet-Seymour High School
> lochs at ms.k12.il.us
> ------------------------------
> *From:* islma-bounces at list.railslibraries.info <islma-bounces at list.
> railslibraries.info> on behalf of Email list for the Illinois School
> Library Media Association <islma at list.railslibraries.info>
> *Sent:* Friday, April 13, 2018 7:38:08 AM
> *To:* islma at list.railslibraries.info
> *Subject:* [ISLMA-Share] New Library Design
>
>
> Good Morning,
>
>
>
> My building is looking at remodeling or building a new space for my
> library. Right now we are in a large room with doors that we can lock up at
> night. The new design would be an open library. I really like the openness
> of the space. I am concerned about the security of the books if people can
> just come in and out at will. Does anyone work in a library with no walls?
> What are your thoughts? Concerns? Any information would be greatly
> appreciated.
>
> You can email me off list if you would like.
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> *Tricia Coffman*
>
> *Limestone Middle School*
>
> *963 N. 5000 W. Rd. Kankakee, IL 60901
> <https://maps.google.com/?q=963+N.+5000+W.+Rd.+Kankakee,+IL+60901&entry=gmail&source=g>*
>
> *Media Specialist*
>
> *coffmant at hcusd2.org <coffmant at hcusd2.org>*
>
>
>
> [image: http://www.nashvillewraps.com/images/large_stkno/ppc.jpg]
>
> *Currently Reading: Thornhill by Pam Smy*
>
> *Quote: Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm ~ anonymous*
>
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> <http://lmstigerbooks.blogspot.com/>*
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>
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-- 
Mrs. Mary Clare O'Grady
Library Learning Center Director
Monroe Middle School
Wheaton-Warrenville CUSD 200

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