Library Spaces for 21st-Century Learners: A Planning Guide for Creating New School Library Concepts

by Margaret Sullivan

Library Spaces for 21st-Century Learners: A Planning Guide for Creating New School Library Concepts focuses on planning contemporary school library spaces with user-based design strategies. The book walks school librarians and administrators through the process of gathering information from students and other stakeholders involved in planning a resource rich learning space. Information includes how to create needs assessment documents that compliment AASL's Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. Suggestions for adding meaningful aesthetic components and colorful renderings of sample environments are also provided.

Genres: Nonfiction

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Zac Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does what it sets out to do very well. It took me a while to get there because I was entering into the text looking for it to do the opposite.

If you are looking for a book to help you think through the design process for imagining school library spaces, this is the book for you.

If you are looking for a book to help you think through the details of collection development, shelving, etc., this is not what you're looking for.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

More about how to survey your students then spend a lot of money. Got a few ideas for creating a needs assessment, but none in any of the new concepts. Although I guess it is about the planning aspect...

[GoBeIt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was uneven for me- occasionally helpful, occasionally obvious.

[Jeri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good tips and advice for planning stages and managing a mindful process of data-gathering. I do was hoping it would give more examples of actual spaces. I realize every school's needs differ, but we spacially-challenged types need to see many different examples of possibilities. I have her next book, too, so I'm hoping that will be more about design.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tool for mindful, focused planning for library spaces. Includes photos, diagrams and examples.

[Carlene Walter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uses many research models to promote a renewal of library space from needs assessments, focus groups, to moving from data to innovation.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provided some useful information. Provided some useful graphics and organization of possibly library spaces.

[Shaunna MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bible for any teacher librarian wanting to bring their school library into the 21st century.