Research- and stakeholder-inspired playbook serves as guide for modernizing and equalizing elementary school libraries at Community Unit School District 200
A planning document allows Community Unit School District 200 to modernize and achieve equity among its 13 elementary school libraries and learning resource centers.
The team visited each library to assess shortcomings and needs. Exercises encouraged students to express opinions about existing library strengths and shortcomings, and an online Library of the Future Survey gathered input from 160 respondents including students, staff, and community members. Legat also led engagement sessions to unveil current and potential uses, then created best solutions based on the input.
Multiple intelligences research, survey/interview data, and library design trends fueled the creation of a “kit of parts.” Each reconfigurable kit allows for maximum flexibility while incorporating furniture, storage, and interactive elements. Schools can select pieces from the kit that best fit their curriculum. The playbook also offers examples of different library elements (e.g., furniture, open spaces, reading nook, student hubs, breakout areas, makerspace) for libraries to consider.
