Designing the school library

School libraries are essential to learning, and good design is seen as a central consideration in creating effective learning environments.

Designed for learning: school libraries: A 2007 video posted by CILIP that shows the contribution an effective school library can make to the educational, creative, emotional and reading development of children and young people.

Primary school library guidelines: CILIP, 2000. The guidelines are intended to be a practical support to everyone concerned with establishing, maintaining and developing dynamic primary school libraries across the UK. Free download.

Designing new or refurbishing school libraries: Online guidance from the SLA on designing and planning a school library.

How to design a library that makes kids want to read: A TED talk by Michael Bierut on how he got into designing inspiring murals for libraries in the New York schools system.

Beyond beanbags: designing inspirational secondary school library spaces: Geoff Dubber. Secondary school libraries need to be flexible, inspirational and above all, fit for purpose. Library use is rapidly changing and building design, layout, furnishings and fittings must change too. Here is a completely new Guideline on the subject. Aspects to consider, pitfalls to avoid and ways to successfully manage the project are all included. SLA, 2016

Designing a school library media center for the future: ALA Editions, 2007. In this hands-on guidebook, school library construction and media specialists Rolf Erikson and Carolyn Markuson share their experiences of working on more than 100 media centre building projects around the US, using conceptual plans from actual school libraries.

Designs for all reasons: creating the environment for the primary school library: SLA, 2018. This new edition of the Guideline originally written by Michael Dewe, an authority on library design, takes the reader clearly through the thinking and design process. It offers practical advice at all stages, and includes a list of useful publications and websites, along with a new case study of a time-critical library project.

Re-Designing the high school library for the forgotten half: the information needs of the non-college bound student: Libraries Unlimited, 2008. Designing a library to meet the information needs of students going straight into work from school.

Technology and digital services: A guide to resources on the impact of technology in libraries, with particular focus on developing digital library services.

Managing a successful library design and furnishing project: The guide draws on more than 30 years of WF Education's experience as library designers and suppliers of library furnishings.

Planning a successful library or archive move: A step-by-step guide to moving, from forward project planning to risk management, packing, storage and relocation, created for Designing Libraries by Harrow Green.

Designing libraries & learning centres for good acoustics: A guide to good acoustics in libraries by consultants Forte Acoustics and sponsored by FG Library & Learning, who specialise in meeting pods and hubs, pod desks and acoustic solutions.

The ultimate guide to photographing libraries: Key points to consider when photographing libraries. This simple but practical advice will help you to produce professional pictures you can be proud of.

Articles, reports and guidelines