Redesigning the Floor Plan of a Secondary School Library
Siena College is a Catholic girl’s secondary school in Camberwell, Victoria and as part of a recent building program the Resource Centre underwent a minor refurbishment that presented the opportunity to redesign the whole area. Keeping in mind the changing curriculum it became apparent there was a need for separate authentic learning spaces, a relaxation area, a more appealing environment and a staff work area that overcame occupational health and safety issues.
The process began in early 2006 and took approximately five months beginning with Resource Centre staff reading the relevant chapters from Effective learning spaces : inspiration for school library design and Learning for the future : developing information services in Australian schools 2nd ed. The Resource Centre team also visited different schools in the area to gain knowledge of what may or may not work in our environment.
Then came consultation with the whole College community. Staff was invited to make recommendations as to what they would like incorporated in the Resource Centre by either drawing a floor plan and/or listing their wants and concerns. Students were invited to participate via a competition during Library and Information Week. During the planning stage a comprehensive review and cull of resources was undertaken.
The Resource Centre team met regularly to discuss the information gained from these sources and independently drew their ideal floor plans before coming to their final decision.
During the last week of Term Three the Resource Centre was closed while everything was packed and all movable fixtures were relocated elsewhere. New carpet was laid during the school holidays, the furniture and fixtures were relocated according to the master plan and all of the resources were then put in place.
When the Resource Centre opened on the first day of Term Four the overall result was very rewarding. The ambience has been enhanced to cater for the needs of education in the new millennium. The greatest improvements have come in the form of a designated Fiction area with couches that invite girls to sit and read and a workroom where Resource Centre staff can work and meet.
The feedback, formal and informal, has been very positive. The more streamlined, appealing layout can now cater comfortably for students and staff alike and has generated an increase the Resource Centre’s use.