A Guide to Modern School Library Design
School libraries, school library design, and librarians play an important role in a student’s educational journey by providing support to students in academics, encouraging learning and research skills, teaching online safety, and communication and collaboration skills.
However, many haven’t been updated in years and are often prioritized lower than other renovation projects. Today, the modern high school library, higher education library, and K-8 library must incorporate user-friendly design, and the latest technology, and encourage collaboration among students and faculty. Read our guide to 21st-century school library design and get ideas on what to incorporate into your library planning vision.
3 Modern School Library Ideas
Modern School Library Designs Incorporate the Latest Technology
The term “library” doesn’t always mean a labyrinth of wall-to-wall books sorted by the Dewey Decimal system. The information age is changing and new technologies, databases, and systems have created the expectation, from all ages, that information should be easily available and accessible at the touch of a finger.
As schools incorporate laptops, iPads, and other technologies, it should be expected that our school libraries also keep up with the times. The use of technology is now a fundamental element of both formal and informal learning systems.
Increased demand for technology-based services and online content is not replacing the need for traditional information services based on physical media. For many students, the physical forms of books still remain the formats of choice for learning, information, recreation, and enjoyment.
Incorporating technology, expanding online databases, information kiosks, and even augmented reality (AR) expand student’s access to the information they need and allows libraries to evolve and better support their access to information.
Incorporate Collaboration into 21st Century School Library Design
Today’s teachers are adapting new, exploratory, collaboration-based pedagogy into their curriculums and moving away from the stationary-lecture-desk format. Experiential learning has proven to be effective and valuable for students of all ages across subjects. By increasing open space, and utilizing mobile furniture like rolling chairs, whiteboards, and even multi-functional furniture, libraries can jump in on the conversation and give students a place for mid-class and afterschool studying, clubs, and even afterschool hangouts.
With open spaces and adjustability, teachers will also feel inspired to take their students to the library and weave the new space into their curriculum.
Use Color, Form & Light to Inspire
Dull grays and browns are colors of the past. Today’s modern school library design incorporates bright, fun colors like green, blue, purple, orange, and yellow. They utilize different shapes and materials in their furniture, light fixtures, carpets, walls, chairs, and even shelves. Modern libraries incorporate spaces for quiet and focused studying as well as open spaces with large windows or natural light to allow students to observe the world outside.
Final Notes on How to Implement a Modern School Library Design:
Incorporate the latest technologies, online databases, AR, and digital devices to help students quickly access technology and encourage exploration
Develop a place for making and 3D-Printing
Create spaces for collaboration and ideas as well as quiet areas for students to study or focus
Utilize movable furniture like rolling chairs, desks, whiteboards, and flexible layouts to allow for events, clubs, and classes
Replace dull metal and wood bookcases and grey floors with pops of color, unique light fixtures, increased natural light, and comfortable furniture
Our Methodology for Redesigning Your School Library
Better user experiences distinguish the libraries we design. Our team designs library environments that are welcome and appropriate for all ages. We believe it is critical to connecting students with resources, programs, and services offered at the school library. We want the 21st-century school library design to reflect a place of nurture, support, growth, and learning.
Our process of exploratory inquiry helps to identify the root of the problem and understand the needs of all stakeholders involved from your board, staff, teachers, and students.
