• Design

Library design is a specialist skill that can be provided by library suppliers or local SLS staff, who have experience of designing for purpose, making the best use of the space available so that the core purpose of promoting books, research and reading is achieved. (See SLS websites from ASCEL website) The design process must include discussion with the school community of the ways in which the school and the children will make use of the library so that it can be designed to fit that purpose. For example, if the space is too small to accommodate a whole class then a programme of use by small groups will need to be developed. A key issue in design is to create the maximum amount of forward facing display of books, either on sloping shelves as part of the library shelving, or in kinderboxes or paperback spinners, or with specialist display equipment or by making the best use of all flat surfaces in the space. This is the simplest and most attractive way of encouraging children to look at books.

Floor plan or map from Demco