Kelly Luza

October 1, 2017
LIS 540
Facilities Assignment

I. Executive Summary

When remodeling a library one must be cognizant of providing a space that meets the needs of

the patrons. It must have various seating arrangements, advanced technological resources,

adequate workspace, and be aesthetically pleasing in decor. With the results of my survey

information I will be able to ensure that the "functions, programming needs, physical and

technological needs, and so on will be supported by the new library."(Butler, pg. 74) With these

findings I will be able to update the floor plan selected by modernizing their technology by

adding a SmartBoard and other devices, construct more areas for studying, reading, and

professional development, and provide the librarian an office.

II. Introduction

The floor plan I have chosen is the Baldwin School of Puerto Rico. It is a college preparatory

English language day school that houses PPK-12. The total current population of the school is

811-828 students who come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The library has

extended hours to provide an afternoon school program where students can enjoy books, use the

computers, or listen to the audio visual collection. The library is fully wireless so it can support

the use of Ipads, tablets, and Apple TV systems. It has artificial, overhead lighting and windows

that provide natural illumination. The total square footage of the library is 2,149 square feet.

Scheduled library skills lessons are provided for students in PPK-5th grade. During this time

students become familiar with the organization of the library, how to properly research both on

the computer and in the periodicals, basic computer skills, and how to use the technology within

the library.
The library currently houses 20,000 publications in both print and e-books. It has the typical

sections of fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and science fiction, but what makes it unique are the

specialized collections. They have included books in parenting, school history, graphic novels

and professional development. They have also added Spanish, French, and English fiction

sections to assist the different languages used by their multicultural students. To accommodate

the different learning styles they have provided an audio visual collection for each section. Some

of the services the library provides are workshops and orientations, guest authors, curriculum

support for the teachers, and a virtual library. There is only one book fair for the year and the

chosen vendor is scholastic.

III. Needs Statement

Upon inspection of the library there were some items that needed to be immediately renovated in

order to provide a more safe and functional environment. The first item I noticed was the facility

lacked a classroom or conference area. Providing a space where meetings can be held or even an

area where the librarian can teach lessons to support the curriculum being taught in the

classroom is essential for the success of the student. The second area that needed to be added was

a space for professional development. Continuing education is paramount for teachers to further

their educational career and to help keep current their teaching certificates. The third area that I

improved upon was adding an office for the librarian. The librarian needs a personal space to call

their own. It needs to house their everyday materials or files, have access to a personal computer,

provide space to sort through new periodicals, book fair items, or mail, and extra storage for

whatever items the librarian may deem important. In order to make the library user friendly there

needs to be various seating arrangements and shelving to accommodate the age groups of all

students. A library needs to be a comfortable and inviting place that entices the reader to have a

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seat and relax with a good book. Not every person prefers to sit at a table to read. The shelves

need to be various levels to accommodate the different heights of an elementary, middle, and

high school student. Students need to be able to access the periodicals in an easy manner so as to

not discourage them from not reading books in a specific section due to them not being able to

reach. Lastly, there needs to be a book drop for the students to return checked-out books. It needs

to be centrally located and low enough for all students to be able to use.

IV. Project Description

The two sections of the library that underwent the biggest overhaul were the audiovisual room

and the exploring area/story gathering area. In the exploring area/story gathering area I

eliminated two tables in the entrance to increase traffic flow and to prevent a fire hazard. I

removed two half shelves that held books with a bench seat, and in its place, I provided various

seating arrangements for the area. I also took out the hanging circular seating areas because I

feel this is a safety hazard and children would compete over getting to use it. The seating

arrangements I added were a circular seating area, couches, and tiny cushions along the shelves.

This not only opened up the entrance to the library, but created a cozy area for the students to

lounge in while reading a book. I closed off the story gathering area and put shelving in front of

that wall. In that enclosed space I made it a classroom/conference area. I placed a SmartBoard in

it to provide audio visual support for the presentation or lesson. In the audio visual room I gutted

the area and removed the stairs and small catwalk. I relocated the SmartBoard to the

classroom/conference area. After the space was empty I divided it in half for a professional

development area and office for the librarian. In that professional development area I would

place periodicals for the teachers to continue their education, a computer for research so they

could have access to complete or sign-up for continuing education opportunities, and a

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workspace with a printer, copier, and plotter. In the librarian's office I gave him/her extra

storage, a personal computer, and a place to house their files or lesson plans. I increased

shelving in the reading room/investigation area. I elongated the shelves on the already existing

structure to make that a complete wall of shelves. I also added a whole wall of shelving in front

of the windows. By doing this, it doubled the amount of shelves they had for periodicals. The

last item I added was a book drop at the circulation desk area. By adding it there it made it

centrally located, met height requirements, and provided an easier check-in for the materials.

V. Budget

Budgeted money required for the renovation would be solicited from the annual golf escapade,

direct donation, corporate donations and funds allotted within the schools' budget. I have

allocated my budget into three main areas; furniture, electronics, and construction prices. The

total furniture budget for 2 desk chairs, 9 conference room chairs, 1 file cabinet, 1 circular sofa

with 12 seats, 4 sofas, 1 desk, and 3 tables for the conference room is $13,082.40. The total

electronics budget for 4 personal computers, 1 copier, 1 color printer, 1 laminator, and 1 plotter

is $12,802.95. The total construction price for instillation of a 6 and 8 foot wall, 58 feet of 84

inch tall shelves, 42 feet of 48 inch high shelves, 21 feet of countertops, and 1 door is $9,452.

The total expenditure for 210 feet of demolition work is $480. The cost for labor to move the

SmartBoard is $290. The total costs for construction permits are $7,500. The average cost for

total labor for this renovation is $17,722. The grand total for the renovation price is $35,444.

VI. Project Timeline

The estimated timeline for renovations will be 30-60 days. Average time for construction permits

is 15-30 days. Once permits are approved, demolition should take 5-10 days. Upon the

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completion of the demolition, the instillation of the countertops, full-size and half-size shelves,

walls, and door take between 5-10 days.

VII. Evaluation Plan

Prior to submission of renovation plans librarians from within the city should be invited to tour

the present facility and use their expertise and ideas that felt would improve all areas of the

current library.

To determine if the renovation has enhanced the usability and attractiveness of the library,

faculty members and students should submit a pre-prepared questionnaire of the things they liked

and felt needed to still be considered in the future. An open house for parents, local librarians,

and community members should also be utilized to gain further input regarding the completed

renovation. Another factor of success will be determined if the renovation budget and timeline

were met within projections. A final summation by the librarian to the school board will

determine his or her personal evaluation if the quality of work and all the enhancements created a

more positive environment for teachers and students.

VIII. Conclusion

The original library design lacked several areas needed by the librarian, faculty, and students of

all ages to meet their needs. In order to better facilitate these needed changes construction and

reconfiguration of the space needed to be done. Cost and timeline were not prohibiting factors

for the temporary closure and renovation of the facility. The transformation provided furniture,

shelving, and needed individual and group areas that met the age groups of the entire school.

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