Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan

1
Kirsten Hemperley

LIS 540

Dr. Lutes

September 14, 2018

Whitesboro Elementary School Facilities Plan

Executive Summary:

The Whitesboro ISD Elementary School Library’s Facilities Plan for the FY2019 to the FY2021
presents the strategies to integrate all of the following 21st century skills: collaboration, digital
literacy, problem solving, and critical thinking into our library space. The introduction, needs
statement, and project description will further explain how we plan to successfully implement
these changes that are imperative in bringing our library up to today’s technological standards,
and give our students the facility that they deserve.

Facilities Plan Objectives:

● Successfully implement a financially responsible overhaul of the library and its resources.
● Incorporate new and emerging technologies, resources, and ideas into the structure as
well as the resources.
● Implement ideas that will turn the library into a warm, inviting, safe learning space for
students, faculty, administration, and the community.
● Incorporation of a variety of areas to cater to the different types of learning styles.
● To create a full-service learning, research, and creative space for students, staff, and the
community.
● Ensure ADA compliance.
● Create an effective evaluation plan.
● Successfully implement the evaluation procedure and complete said evaluation once a
year.
Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan
2
● Ensure that the evaluation plan is completed each calendar year to ensure that the library
stays up to date/code.

Introduction:

Whitesboro Elementary School’s library was built in the year 2001, before technology was so
readily available, and so integral to the learning process as it is currently. Knowing how
important these technologies and workspaces are for students today, it is our duty to ensure that
out kids have access to these resources that can enhance their learning experience. Changing
trends in education have impacted the needs of a library and changed the way they are viewed.
Libraries are no longer seen as simply a warehouse for books, but as a multi-functional,
multi-dimensional resource center for students, parents, teachers, and the community. It is our
responsibility as educators to ensure that our students have the best resources and place to learn,
collaborate, and research to prepare them for their journey into higher education. By renovating
our library facility and resources, we will be able to achieve these goals and ensure that our
students have the right tools and resources to succeed.

Needs Statement:

Research has shown the tremendous need and emphasis put on libraries to be a learning center
for not only the school, but the community. Research done by the American Library Association
found that “95 percent of Americans ages 16 and older agree that the materials and resources
available at public libraries play an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed (p.3)”.
With that amount of belief in the library and librarian’s role in the success of young people, it is
our duty to meet those needs. With a budget of $5,000, we have created a plan to makeover the
library by adding in the following: a Makerspace station, 3D printer, flexible seating, and a
standing workstation. We also plan to make upgrades to the blinds, rugs, seating, and laptops.
With this money, we will be able to transform the library into a safe, comfortable place where
students can come to create, read, learn, and explore.

Project Description:

Library media center office area- This space is for the librarian to store his/her items, organize
his/her things, and a space to let the librarian create and work privately (when students are not in
the library). This space should stay locked, and the librarian and administration should be the
Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan
3
only ones who possess a key. Students should not be allowed in this area. The office area
currently needs no updates.

Circulation desk- This desk is for check-in/out, circulation, information questions, and is
intended for librarian use only. Currently, this area has all the necessary requirements (computer
for check-in/out, telephone access, area for books that have been returned). Only the librarian
and her assistants should be granted access to this particular computer. The circulation desk
currently needs no improvements.

Information-Reference area- This area is for access to computers with OPAC (online public
access cards), computers with internet connectivity, and is considered a space for students to
explore the library’s options through the use of the computers. Currently, we only have four
laptops available in this space, which is not enough when most classes consist of twenty or more
students. My proposal is to buy six more laptops, bringing the total to ten. Instead of having one
rectangular desk, we will purchase four semi-circular desks to form a circle, allowing students to
collaborate in an easy fashion if needed. This will promote the idea of flexibility and allow
students to move and arrange the desks/laptops as needed.

Storage room- Our current storage room holds the AV, DVDs, and technological equipment. It
consists of three large shelves, lining the walls, that holds all of these items. This area is to stay
locked at all times, as students are not allowed access into the area. The storage room currently
needs no updates.

Free read/Study area- Currently our free read area consists simply of a rug and the birthday
bathtub (a clawfoot tub filled with pillows students can “earn” reading in, or can sit in on/around
their birthday). I plan to implement a mixture of flexible seating options to allow students to
enjoy reading comfortably, through a variety of “seats”. A mix of different seating will be
purchased: yoga balls, round chairs, and floor rockers. Two of each will be purchased. A new rug
is also in the budget, due to the current rug being eight years old with plenty of stains. This is
known as a “cave space”, which is intended for learning through self. It should be a quiet,
contemplative space that promotes individual learning and discovery.

Stacks/Shelves- There are four shelves, or stacks, full of fiction/nonfiction literature located
along each of the back walls. The stacks are built in and sturdy and don’t take up any room since
they’re part of the structure. There are two free-standing shelves along the walls for periodicals
and other formats. These shelves are on wheels and easy to maneuver/move, they also come in
Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan
4
handy when trying to “break up” the room. This will allow for flexibility in the formation of an
area and the ability to change the room’s look and feel. Currently, the stacks.shelves are in no
need for any type of improvements.

Workstations- As of now we have one workstation which is simply one long, rectangular desk.
I’d like to include a standing workstation to cater to those kinesthetic learners who like to be able
to move while working. This will allow for flexible learning and will include those learners who
struggle with ADD/ADHD. This will require a purchase of four standing desks, which can be
rearranged so that students can work together, or alone if they so choose. These stations are
known as “watering hole” spaces, meaning peers are expected to learn from each other. It is a
space intended for group study, collaboration, and creativity.

Story/Instruction area- The story/instruction area consists of a rug, stacks, and a Smartboard. The
Smartboard allows for Interactive learning and serves as a tool for the librarian to present her
lessons. The only improvement needed is the purchase of a new rug. The old rug is worn and has
stains. This area is known as a “campfire area”, where students are expected to learn from the
“expert”, or the librarian. It is essential that this area has its own controlled lighting, so that the
librarian can adjust as needed according to the lesson at hand.

Makerspace- A Makerspace is an area that people with shared interests can come together to
work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. Most of our five thousand
dollar budget will be used in the creation of this space. It will consist of a countertop like space
with plenty of storage underneath for tools, art supplies, and other resources needed to create in
this space. A Makerspace does not put so much emphasis on the “space”, but rather on the
resources and learning elements provided in said space. We will also be purchasing a 3D printer
which will allow for students creations to come to fruition and become tangible. The major
benefits of having a Makerspace are: creativity, collaboration, hands on learning, indulging many
different types of learners, and so much more. This will be used in collaboration and
consideration. with our STEM program. This space is considered by librarians to be a “watering
hole”, meaning peers are expected to learn from each other. It is a space intended for group
study, collaboration, and creativity.

Staff Work area- Our staff work area currently consists of a lecture style type room with a
Smartboard at the front. The Smartboard is essential for presentations, collaborations,
communications, and teaching. The movable desks allow for teacher collaboration, a variety of
seating options, and flexibility in who they sit by and how it affects the outcome of their
Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan
5
collaboration. We want this area to really be a safe, inviting area for educators to come to and
join forces in creating new and exciting ideas. This area is known as a “campfire area”, where
staff members are expected to learn from the “expert”, or the librarian. It’s an area for lecturing,
collaboration, and idea sharing.

Lighting- The lighting in the library will be a combination of different types. Currently, we have
two large skylights which provides natural lighting and sets the ambiance specifically when
cloudy. Currently, our lighting is controlled by only one switch in the whole library, and that is
something we are looking to change. With this renovation, four new lights will be installed, each
with their own controlled light intensity. This way, the lights can be manipulated according to
the setting, need, and mood.

Signage- Signage is simply the use of signs to direct or inform students of where they are, and
what they are looking at. Currently, we have signage indicating/labeling the following areas:
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog), Staff Work Area, Librarian’s Office, Storage Room,
Circulation Desk, Drop Off Area, Check In/Out, Stacks/Shelves (and the different genres of
novels available). There is no need for new signage at this time.

OPAC stations- OPAC stations are needed to ensure that students, patrons, and the librarian have
access to the Online Public Access Catalog. This catalog allows students access to search the
online database of our particular library so they can find a book that they want, or to look in a
genre they find engaging for a new read. This is extremely important to the functionality of the
library and the impact reading has on students. With the purchase of six new laptops, that will
allow six more students to be able to access this information and make choices on which book or
resource they feel best fits them and their needs.

Windows- As of now, the library currently has four large windows allowing natural light and a
more open feel. The windows themselves need no upgrades, however, the blinds on the windows
are in need. Right now, they are ten years old, open noisily, and have a few kinks in them. They
are also difficult to open and often students have to come get the librarian in order for her to
assist them in opening/closing. In the budget, there is room to purchase fabric shades which
won’t make noise when opened, open easily, and will help prevent the sunlight from infiltrating
into the library and fading resources.
Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan
6
Doors- The entrance/exit into the library right now are double doors that open outwards to the
school cafeteria. The emergency exit opens outwards into the school yard. No improvements
necessary in accordance to the doors.

Budget:

Currently the budget for this renovation is $5,000, with little to no leeway for going over budget.
This money has been raised through fundraisers, donations, and grants. Following thorough
research into the needs to improve the library this is the number we came up with in order to
substantially upgrade the space.

Project Timeline:

The timeline of these renovations will take place over the fiscal years of 2019 to 2021, we expect
to be completely finished within the span of two years. Thankfully, no major renovations are
required other than lighting, so the library will be able to remain open over the total span of both
years.

Evaluation Plan:

The evaluation plan in regards to our library facilities will be twofold. First, the librarian will be
in charge of personally evaluating each section of the library, its furniture, usefulness, and
effectiveness. This will be done using a simple rubric attached below:

Usefulness: Effectiveness: Cleanliness: Recommendations:

Office Area

Circulation desk

Information-refrence
area

Storage room

Free read/Study area

Stacks/Shelves

Workstations
Whitesboro Middle School Facilities Plan
7

Story/Instruction area

Makerspace

Staff work area

Lighting

Signage

OPAC stations

Windows

Doors

The second part of the evaluation process will be through student/teacher evaluations. This
feedback form will be provided to and completed by every student and teacher throughout the
school that uses the library. This will allow the librarian to view the facility through different
eyes, and maybe even gain new ideas or insights on how to improve. Through the use of these
two methods, the library should be able to sustain the improvements made, and stay up to current
trends.

Conclusion:

By using our budget to make these improvements, we are doing our students a great service. It is
our job to ensure that they have the best opportunities, facilities, and resources so that they might
be successful in life.