Your school system is adding a new primary building. You'll be helping with everything from carpet choices and furnishings to a new core collection.
Your middle school is moving into the old high school building. Your collection will come with you, but you'll be involved with renovating the old high school library.
Your building was destroyed by a tornado. They've rebuilt and you'll be moving into your new library in the fall.
Whether your library is being remodeled or you're moving into a new facility, there's a good chance that sometime in your career you'll be in charge of opening a new facility.
What is involved in opening a new building?
Opening a new building is a challenge. It's easy to forget little things like bookend, stamps, or the size of the circulation desk. The following steps will get you started.
Find Help. There's no reason to do this by yourself. Ask your professional friends for help. Many of them have had experiences with new building. Also, make use of professional services offered by the major jobbers such as Follett, Baker and Taylor and Bodart. They can provide everything from the automation system to books and videos.
Begin Early. As soon as you have details on the new building, begin planning. When you have an anticipated date, place orders for materials and furnishings.
Use Data. Use established services and resources to help you make choices. For example, you may wish to start with a core collection based on your state standards. However also consider the interests and needs of your students and teachers. There are many tools that will help you calculate the amount of space needed for students or the standard height of chairs and desk.
Visit Sites. Take lots of site visits to other centers. Talk to people about their preferences. This is your opportunity to build the center of your dreams.
Get Help. You can't move in by yourself. Be sure to get help.
Read Bringing
Vision to Practice: Planning and Provisioning the New Library
Resource Center by
Lisa Wilson in Teacher Librarian, (32)1, Oct
2004. The author provides guidance for planning and setting up a
brand-new school library media center.