[LM_NET] HIT: Dream Library Media Center

[ellen frank <efrankbayer@HOTMAIL.COM>]

I asked for suggestions for a dream media center: these are the responses:
Though there are many parts necessary for a dream, to respond to yourfear, make 
sure the library gets wireless laptops, not desk models.That way you have lots of 
flexibility and the kids like them better. 
What about a multimedia room? Leave your reference room as is but add a screen that 
would raise and lower, a ceiling mounted LCD (or a Smartboard if you have wall 
space), a wireless hub, and a laptop computer cart. It would leave your space freed 
up but still allow a "media center" to exist.
take the extra room and instead of turning it into a computer lab, turn it into a 
free reading space with comfy furniture for kids to just sit, relax and enjoy - or 
make it like the YA area in puclic libraries where books of especial interest to 
teens are located, like fiction, graphic novels and self-help books, sex books, 
etc. and keep the rest of the library for the curriculum-related stuff
Maybe you could switch it up - Take the reference books out of the room and put 
them in the main part, then have the new "library classroom" be the place where 
small groups can work, use multimedia, have conferences, begin their class (we 
added a whiteboard & easel), etc. You can tell administrators to look to the future 
and the future doesn't have stand alone labs. If anything, have them invest in a 
travel cart of laptops. Tell them this will allow for flexibility - and allow for a 
conference room at times, a computer room at times, presentation room, Book Club 
meeting room, etc.I have to say, the noise in the main part of the library is so 
much less, that the new classroom is being utilized for so many library related 
activities. I used to have to shut out a lot of study hall students when we needed 
the space, but, now we accomodate more students.Turn it into more of a production / 
creation / research area.Computers teachers can use to access their files and 
grading/attendanceprogramsComputers that access InternetComputers with movie making 
or presentation making softwareComputers with the ability to burn CD or DVD's of 
above presentations.Supplies, the laminator, paper rolls and all sorts of other 
thingsneeded kept here.Tables to work on or meet around.GOOD color 
printer.Tutorials for Powerful teaching using presentation equipment (software)
I'd start by controlling the language of the situation.  Let's call it your dream 
library.
 
Rather than begining with design, I'd think about how you want it to function and 
what needs you should be able to meet.  What kind of spaces would you need and what 
uses to accomodate.
Ellen Frank, librarian
Jamaica High School
167-01 Gothic Drive
Jamaica, New York 11432
efrankbayer@hotmail.com
 
 
 
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