Reading and Research Center Renovation Proposal

Executive Summary

Two years ago, we changed the name of our school library facility to the Reading and Research Center because we understood the benefits of technology and the importance of information literacy. We need to do more than change the facility’s name if we want the facility to be an agent of change. The Reading and Research Center has the potential to support the ambitious goals of students and faculty, however it is not reaching that potential because of a lack of resources. The Reading Research Center cannot support the variety of student and faculty needs without a variety of resources and services. Currently, circulation statistics show little student participation in the current reading program. Only 25% of students visit the library 2 to 3 times a week. The limited fiction and non-fiction collections prevent students from pursuing their interests and limits the library’s ability to assist in students’ social and emotional development. Based on library statistics, not only do students not frequent the library before and after school, they also do not regularly visit the library as a part of classroom instruction. Based on anecdotal data, teachers do not schedule class visits to the RRC because it does not have computers, a key instructional resource. The lack of a computer lab within the library not only impedes the students’ ability to learn how to independently find information through our online book catalogue and research databases, it prevents the library from becoming a place that teachers from all contents can utilize to execute engaging and interactive lessons.

To transform the current Reading and Research Center into a learning and media hub we will add a computer lab with access to internet and printers. The computer lab will feature a Promethean Board that teachers and library staff will use during instruction. To create a relaxing and social environment, we will designate two areas of the library for leisurely reading and quiet conversation. The lounge areas will have furnishings that can be easily moved or rearranged to meet other RRC demands like staff meetings.

We serve a student population that is 83% economically disadvantaged so we understand the need to provide resources like computers and internet after school. We would like to convert the existing counseling offices into study nooks with wireless internet and printing access so that families will not feel burdened when teachers assign complex projects that require technology they may not have available at home.

I will use the steering committee’s collective expertise and experience to make a space that is not only functional but beautiful with the resources and layout to serve students and faculty for many years to come. Every day we do not start this renovation is more time that students go without additional academic support. By accepting this proposal, we can begin working toward building a facility with the power to transform our school culture and community.

Introduction

The steering committee I have put together is confident that we can create a library that is appealing, inviting and most importantly supports the academic needs of our students.

We can renovate the existing library quickly and efficiently without making any compromises on quality. As a former teacher, I have experience in arranging spaces to make the most out of resources and I have studied the current literature on how to make spaces both inviting and purposeful. After observing how students and faculty use the Reading and Research Center, I’ve created a floor plan tailored to meet our needs and reach our goals.

Needs Statement

Technology has become a ubiquitous part of today’s educational experience. However, the RRC only has four student computers. The limited resources discourage teachers from bringing in students for instruction through online programs and services. According to Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinois Study, commissioned by the Illinois School Library Media Association Board of Directors,

at every grade level, schools with more library and library-connected computers—particularly, in the latter case, Internet computers relative to the school’s enrollment—average higher test scores. The presence of more library computers is associated with percentage increases of 8 percent for fifth- and eighth-grade ISAT reading performance, almost 11 percent for eighth-grade ISAT writing performance, and just over 5 percent for eleventh-grade ACT scores. (Lance, Rodney,Hamilton-Pennel,2005)

Without engaging with technology through research projects and online programs students will not develop the information literacy skills needed to succeed now and in the future.

Our collection largely reflects the district’s required reading list. While this specifically supports the reading curriculum, the limited size and quality of our collection negatively affects our students’ overall academic achievement. Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinois Study also researched the links between different achievement measures and the size of book and periodical collections. The study found that

schools with more volumes in their libraries average higher scores than schools with smaller book collections. From schools with smaller to larger collections, fifth-grade ISAT reading and writing scores increase by about eight percent; eighth-grade ISAT writing scores, by almost 14 percent; and eleventh-grade ACT scores, by almost four percent. (Lance, Rodney,Hamilton-Pennel,2005)

The RRC is not currently designed with students’ social, emotional and behavioral development in mind. The rigid configuration discourages students from interacting in the library and they lose opportunities to socialize in a comfortable, safe environment and pursue interests that will help them develop as individuals. In Arranging a Library to Support Adolescent Development, (Cesari, 2014) explains how libraries can play key roles in helping students develop friendships and pursue safe risk taking, both of which have positive effects on students’ well-being and academic achievement.

Project Description

Our goals are to integrate technology across the curriculum, develop students’ information literacy skills, support reading for pleasure and provide all students access to resources that will support their academic, behavioral and social development. To achieve our goals, we propose adding twenty-four computers with internet and printer access. We would also like to add a Promethean Board facing the computers to be used for student instruction and staff professional development. The computer lab will be placed on the far-right side of the library, allowing us to conduct whole class lessons and still leave space for small group work on the other side of the library. The average class size is under 24 computers and some classes are half that number which would allow strategic and flexible scheduling to accommodate either one large class or two small classes. By changing the layout of the current wooden work tables, we can also add three coffee tables and lounge seating. The new lounge area will be separated by flexible shelving in order to divide the space and prevent distractions to other activities occurring simultaneously. We understand that the RRC is also used for faculty meetings, professional development and small group testing so we carefully selected movable shelving and furniture that will allow us to transform the lounge area to accommodate any other use.

We will also use funds to expand our current collection to include genres like Adventure, Mystery, Humor, and Graphic Novels. According to our student survey data, over half of the student population feels that there is not enough variety in our current collection. We plan to order 5,000 new titles and 10 EBook readers.

By converting our counseling offices into three study nooks we can provide space for students to work on group projects or homework. These small study nooks will be 110 square feet and feature wireless connection, a table, and bench seating. The nooks will have only side paneling so that they do not require doors and students are easily visible.

Budget

The cost for the RRC renovation will total $216,500.

Cost Element

Total Estimated Cost

Direct Labor

$65,000.00

Equipment & Materials

$130,000.00

Travel & Misc.

$5,000

Subtotal –

$200,000.00

Total –

$216,500.00

Project Timeline

August

Begin construction to convert offices into study nooks

Place orders for resources, materials

September

Finish construction, Re-organize shelves to include new books, add books to online book catalog

October

Set up computer lab, arrange new furniture

Evaluation Plan

The Reading and Research Center Renovation Proposal has an outlined plan for determining the success of the project. The project manager will use process and product data to determine if the RRC Renovation goals were met and present the data to members of the school administration during and after completion of the renovation. The steering committee, members of the administration and contractor will meet bi weekly to assess the project progress. During meetings, the milestones outlined in the timeline will be discussed and adjustments will be made as necessary. To assess whether the goals outlined in the project description are being met, the committee will use pre and post staff and student surveys to gather anecdotal data on how well the RRC is supporting student and staff’s academic and social needs. As part of our product evaluation, we will compile a comprehensive final report that will include library statistics, standardized test data and post renovation student and staff surveys.

Conclusion

Our students deserve a facility that can support their education and instill a lifetime love of reading and learning. Current data shows low circulation rates, little teacher and librarian collaboration and underutilization of online instructional tools. A renovated library with an emphasis on technology, academic support, and a spirit of collaboration will revitalize our school community and show that we are deeply invested in our students’ success.