Section IV: School Library Media Center Facilities

Lula Elementary School

Analysis of the Present Facility
Partnership For 21st Century Skills states: 21st century learning should promote
interaction and a sense of community [that] enable formal and informal learning, (2015).
Unfortunately this is not the case when describing the Lula Elementary School library
environment. The school library has of one Promethean board, six desktop computers
used for student research, and two additional desktop computers that are logged into the
Destiny website at all times for students to utilize for locating print materials. The library
does not contain its own set of laptops for student collaborative research activities or any
type of devices that allow students to access eBooks or learning apps. Students must
gather laptops from the grade-level assigned carts in the hallways outside their classroom
doors and bring these devices with them to the library. Wireless access is available within
the library setting, but there are no ports for hardwiring in case of wireless issues and
electrical outlets are not accessible if needed.
Seven round, wooden tables are closely placed together near one entrance into
the library for use during collaborative learning activities during library lessons. There
are no types of bench seating, beanbags, couches, or book nooks that invite students to
stay and read for pleasure. There is a limited amount of space that can be hold tables and
chairs. This environment does not contain any types of bulletin boards or interactive
displays to promote reading among students. With the use of the Destiny school library
management system software, students are able to access this website from home and
utilize the resource links that have been added by the school library media specialist. The

School Library Media Specialist (SLMS) has compiled a detailed list of all subscription
based programs purchased by the school and county for student access. Students can
easily use these links to research information needed for home projects or assignments.
Students use the Dewey Decimal System and Destiny to locate print materials found in
the library. Aside from the library search engines, there is no other labeling system used
for easy access to collections of books for students with special needs and stated that in
the past, she would remove a few tables to make it more accessible for students using
wheelchairs.
The media center consists of a whole group story time area, workroom, librarians
office, teacher resource room housing professional print materials, and a larger room used
to house the guided reading book sets for teacher check-out. These areas are not available
for student access and are only used for student work areas during school assessment
testing times. The only designated space for student work or production is in the main
area of the library where books are available for check-out. The placement of the library
is located near the front entrance of the school with an entrance on both sides of the area.
With hallways traveling around the outside walls and it being nestled away from
classrooms, the noise and traffic patterns are not a problem for this learning environment.
The environment also is well lit and does not show any signs of temperature or moisture
concerns.
Besides being able to access grade level laptops for use in the library setting for
collaborative activities, students have access to numerous subscription sites and software
purchased by the district or the school providing them to a large collection of eBooks,
print materials, and online reading resources. Teachers have access to an ample amount of

guided reading materials, math manipulatives, resource books, and videos/DVDs on

various topics. The filtering of software and how it plays in online access is determined
by the district. The technical support team determines access to particular sites for
students and staff members. For example, the filtering software only allows what is
considered to be educational and blocks blogs and other types of websites. Therefore,
the access to websites is limited under the filtering software and technical support team.

Problems and Changes to the Media Center

There are some parts of the media center that do work well for the current facility.
These include: the entrances/exits into the library in relation with the check-in and checkout area, having access to the Promethean board within the whole group learning area,
and an abundant collection of print materials for student check-out. The limited space
within the library setting makes it very difficult to place comfortable furniture to invite
students to stay and read. However, with the rearrangement of shelves, it would be
possible to create a few reading nooks or place bench seating for students to enjoy.
Rearranging the shelves would also create a less crowded environment for the seven
student tables as well. It would also be beneficial for the shelves to be labeled to help
ELL and special needs students find resources. This would also help readers know
exactly where to find the book they need.
Another barrier existing between learners having equitable access to resources
and services would be the lack of technology designated specifically for the library
setting. With the decrease of funding for materials and equipment faced within the school
setting, technology for use within the library is not a feasible purchase that can be made

by the SLMS. Lula Elementary School is not a technology rich school environment
compared to other schools within the district. The reason for this is that Lula Elementary
is not a Title I school. Therefore, the extra money given to Title I schools for technology
is not available to Lula Elementary. This concern is being addressed by the district at this
time to determine a method for solving this problem.
With the lack of bulletin boards and interactive displays, the space is deemed less
attractive and does not help to promote reading among students. Although there are two
bulletin boards outside the media center within the hallways, students are generally
traveling with their class and do not stop to read the information posted on the boards.
These boards are also located on the opposite side of the entrance into the library in a
place that students generally do not walk by unless they are visiting the office or nurse.
Adding a bulletin board or some type of visual would make the library more inviting and
continue to promote reading.

Final Analysis and Thoughts

The educational climate of the Lula Elementary School media center is
considered positive and sustained by the library staff. Student achievement is recognized,
as well as, students are encouraged to become life-long learners and independent readers.
The staff members build interpersonal relationships with all students and staff by
supporting any needs that may arise within the learning environment for these
individuals. Routines, rules, and expectations have also been established for check-out
procedures and students utilizing the learning environment. In regards to the amount of
space within the library, there is not adequate designated student space allowing more

than one classroom at a time to enjoy the facility. Therefore, the librarian generally asks
that only one classroom visits the library at a given time.