I am fortunate enough to be interning in a brand new media center-all the furnishings are in excellent shape, and nothing is in need of replacement. However, the media center does not enjoy some of the modern equipment the rest of the school does. For example, there is no SmartBoard, although every classroom is equipped with one. Every room in the building is equipped with automatic lighting that illuminates when motion is detected in the room-with the exception of the media center. The lighting in the media center is controlled by an old-fashioned panel of switches-they are the only lights on campus that operate in this manner. As you can see, those responsible for designing the media center did not put much thought into the design.

My supervising librarian was given no chance to provide any input with regard to the design of the new room or its features. She was not consulted on traffic flow, furniture, or placement of essential equipment. She does have the ability to decorate the space (which she does), but not much else can be changed.

My supervising librarian and I had a long conversation about the layout of the space, and about what area she would choose to change if given the opportunity-she chose the story area. It’s not even really an area-it’s a corner space in front of the non-fiction shelves. It becomes the story area when she brings over a chair and rolls over a portable whiteboard. She also has to move several tables-and they’re heavy (and the chairs are awfully cumbersome). We talked about what her ideal story area would look like, and I’ve taken her ideas into account when designing this makeover.

In considering the placement of the area, I didn’t have much of a choice. Ideally, the story area would be in a corner of the room, but both rear corners house the non-fiction book collection, and the bookcases do not move. There is a lot of extra room on those non-fiction shelves, so I was able to consolidate the non-fiction books and free up some room to relocate the featured books, since I’ve basically covered up the area where they used to live.

When deciding on the furnishings I would choose, I tried to be conservative, choosing items that were reasonably priced. I know that there were no set budget parameters, but I wanted to realistically makeover the space. Hopefully someday I’ll have the opportunity to do this to my own media center, so I tried to stay under $3000.00. I ended up spending $3400, including shipping costs.

I really wanted my area to feel cozy, but also accessible. I chose the ‘Trapezium Bench’-not only did it separate the story area from the rest of the space, it also enclosed the area a bit. It allows the students to sit up straight, and can accommodate most (if not all) students in a group. I have also added 12 pillows, useful if the benches are full, but also for those students who would rather sit on the floor.

The librarian has a comfortable, ergonomic stool, along with a side table for additional items that may be necessary for the lesson. To the media specialist’s left, there is a whiteboard/easel, complete with an area to store markers, erasers, etc.

I have chosen to purchase three additional book storage items. The first is a book browser for the floor, intended to be on the floor near the trapezoid bench. When there’s no lesson going on, students can grab a pillow or two and choose a book to read. The second book display is to the left of the easel-it is a four-pocket clear display, intended to display new or popular picture books.

The final book display is the mobile book tower, which is outside of the designated story area. It sits beside the large ‘Cocoon’ cushion and chair. There is currently no area for students to comfortably read in the library-now there are two. This area will always be available to students, even when there’s a group in the story area.

Reflection:

I really enjoyed completing this project. I was able to familiarize myself with both the online companies that supply media centers as well as the products they offer. If I’m asked to complete a similar project, or I have the opportunity to make a request for new furnishings, I’ll be familiar enough with the process to not feel overwhelmed. As I mentioned before, I tried to keep the budget within a realistic range. As a novice media specialist, chances are I won’t be hired on to work in a brand new school, or one with an unlimited amount of funds to dedicate to cosmetic pursuits. So, when I’m standing in my new media center in August, trying to figure out just what I can do to make the students want to visit, I’ll have someplace to start.

I also had the opportunity to think critically about what was missing in the media center where I’m interning. Aside from all the missing technology, the media center is also missing a feeling of warmth and comfort. Mrs. Murphy decorates as best she can, but a few stuffed animals and some paper flowers can only go so far. The media center is very organized, and students generally have no problem finding what they need, but they’re not compelled to stay-they seem to leave as quickly as they can. Maybe the addition of a few soft places to sit might encourage them to browse a little more, or just sit and talk with their friends. The faculty and staff pop in and out of the library all day long-some come and sit for a few minutes, while others stay longer-I imagine the relative quiet is nirvana for them. Perhaps some easy and relatively inexpensive changes might lure the students in as well.

Suggested furnishings and floor plan-please click to view:

Makeover Floorplan & Proposed Furnishings