How to Design a School Library

In every school, the library is the hub of many different activities and is one of the most imperative places in a school for both students and staff. It is a place for teaching and support staff to educate the students, find learning materials, and separate particular students into smaller groups, as well as giving students a change of scenery every so often.

Students enter the library for many different reasons. It is used for homework, school research and learning, and is also a place for those who love reading, want to relax in break times, and build up their interests.

The many different uses of the library mean that it needs to be a space which is suitable for all those needs, whilst encouraging students to enter the library and use it productively. The design of the school library is crucial for every member of the school to get the most out of the space available, and in order to incorporate every requirement, it is important to think carefully when creating a design.

1)      Various seating options

When using the library, some students will want to be working in groups, some will be working individually, and some will be in a class. As well as this, students will be working on different things; some may relaxing whilst reading, whereas some will be working towards important exams. This means that the library will need to accommodate for all these needs.

Including various seating options within the library gives students the chance to sit where they like according to what they are trying to achieve. Comfortable seating such as beanbags will allow them to relax, whereas chairs and tables will allow for a class to sit in groups.

2)      Separate bookshelves

It is usual for a library to be organised with aisles of bookshelves. However, a more open plan design will be much more beneficial for the students and staff. Try having a few bookshelves placed around the wall, whilst some can be placed between tables and chairs. This will separate areas of the library off from each other, and will also encourage students to pick up books and use them whilst they are working.

However, it is also important to make sure that your bookshelves are organised for easy use so that the students can find the type of book they are looking for without any difficulty. Categories, alphabetical order, fiction and non-fiction are just some of the organisation techniques you can use.

3)      Partitioned area

Most libraries will benefit highly from an area which is partitioned off from the rest of the library space. It is most useful to create a soundproof section which will allow students to work in a group without disturbing the rest of the library. This can be achieved with glazed partitions in Northampton. Within this partitioned area, you can also include a computer screen, table and chairs for the students to work on presentations together.

The partitioned area of the library is also great for use for staff who need a private area to have a discussion with their students, as it is in a comfortable, familiar environment as well as being away from anyone who may overhear.

4)      Computer area

When students are using the library, commonly need to use computers to complete their homework and do research. For this reason, it is important to include a small computer area in the library. As well as installing computers, make sure there is appropriate seating as well as other items such as printers and plenty of printer paper.

It is also a good idea to place signs around the computer area to ensure that the students use them appropriately, for example asking that only one person is allocated to each computer.

5)      Librarian’s desk

A librarian plays a crucial part in every library. They organise the books, issuing of books, and have authority over unruly students in the area. They are also the go-to member of staff for any students who need help with any of the library resources.

It is a good idea to have a large, librarian’s desk which is as centralised as possible within the library. This will ensure that the librarian has space enough to organise all the library materials including educational notice boards, books, issuing out books and library paperwork.

It is a good idea to centralise the librarian’s desk as much as possible so that it is accessible from all areas of the library. A centralised librarian’s desk also means that the librarian is able to keep an eye on the students around all areas of the library. This means that the students in the library are more likely to use the library more productively when they are in there.

6)      Display boards

A library is a great space for the school to show off the work of their students. Display boards showing students’ achievements and the performance of the school as a whole are great to motivate the students, and they also add colour and vibrancy to the room.

Artistic, colourful pieces of work are perfect to go on the display boards in the library, as they are eye catching and will inspire the students to present their work well. The students whose work is on the board will also be proud of their work and they will be encouraged to keep up the good work, whereas students whose work is yet to be displayed are likely to try very hard for their work to be presented.