Transcript
NICK:
When you think about the design of your library, you have to be conscious that it must be accessible for the whole school community, for everyone. For instance, you might have students sent to the library if they have a sports injury and are on crutches, but that's not much good if your library has stairs.
Knowing your school community profile will help you. You need to think about accessibility for wheelchair users, such as the width of aisles and the height of tables and shelves. And you also need to be aware of assistive technology that's available on computers and things like hearing loops that can support those with visual or hearing difficulties.
You might not get the opportunity to redesign your library from scratch, but it's still worth thinking about how you can make the most of your available space and what improvements you could make. Good Wi-Fi and internet access in the library are pretty essential these days, whether through the library's computers or if students bring their own device. You should also consider whether students have the facility to scan, copy, and print their work.
But it's not just technology. How you signpost the shelves, use displays on notice boards and TV screens, as well as the layout of furniture and the colour scheme can all affect the way in which the library is used.
If you think about the lively atmosphere created by bright colours in a fast food chain to the more subdued tones of a classy restaurant, you can use this effect to zone your library, with areas for quiet study or reading and more collaborative areas for group work and discussion. Where possible, it's a good idea to use mobile or flexible furniture so that you can adapt the layout as needed.
Remember, libraries are never static, and a good design will enable the library to grow and adapt to your future needs while helping to create a lively and creative environment where students are welcomed and supported.