Smart Library

Materials

Hardware:   
Computers will be purchase with a LSTA Grant. The technology grant will be for laptop computers as per the grant specifications. The laptops can be stored in the back of the room near the teacher station in 2 laptop carts. This will enable them to be used in other classrooms as well as the library Smart Lab.

printers, scanners, copiers:  We will lease a network copier that will be housed in the main library. This will replace the current laser printer and will be monitored and maintained by the library staff.

Software: Open Office product will be loaded onto the laptops as well as other open source products to save on costs. The laptops will be able to access the library OPAC and the internet utilizing Firefox.

Network Requirements:
When the new construction begins there will be a need to demolish the Science Greenhouse but this will create an easy access point to the IDF in the wing of the building will be adding space for the project. This IDF will need a new switch to handle the additional network needs of a wired laptop lab of 30 student stations, 1 teacher station, at least one wireless access point and 1 networked copier.


Computers: Because the lab will be utilizing laptops I think it would be best to incorprate wireless access points for the easy of use. This will also allow students to take the laptops into the main library to work in small groups. It would be best however to hardwire the network stations. Because as we know laptops do not last forever and if in the future we wish to change to a wired lap now, during new construction would be the best time to wire the lab. 

LAN requirements, bandwidth, drop density and location etc. A new switch will need to be purchased for the data closet for the increase in computer usage. The closet will be accessed during the construction process and is located adjacent to the new lap structure.  During construction the small green house for the one seventh grade science lab will be demolishened and create an easy access to the main builing about 20 feet from the IDS in that wing of the building.

Power, Lighting, Windows

Lighting type and fixtures. The lighting will be structured in rows so that the front of the room can be darkened and the lights can be dim or full. The switches for these lights will be at the entrance from the lab leading into the main library. A toggle, switch for the front of the room lights will be located near the teacher station in the back of the room also.


Power availability and needs  The power and network outlets will be placed in the floor and the ceiling because this will be new construction and the room can be fitted for the correct placement of computers, teacher work area, and the projectors and the smart board combo. The facility will also have additional power needs for the lab, the lighting, the projector, and the emergency egress.


Windows, glare, treatments etc. The windows will replaicate the exsisting windows to maintain the physical features of the building. The windows are sun glare-treated   with vertical blinds that are adjustable. The windows will begin at the 3ft level and continue for 3ft. They will open to the outside and they will have screens.


AV Equipment
Data projectors, Smart boards, Video systems, audio systems, etc. Smart Board technology with Sento response system will be utilized to encourge full student particpation in the research process. The video tower system is currently used in the building will be accessible speakers for the sharing of audio will be incorporated. The video tower system enables the use of video, as well as the inhouse Student TV News channel - WCVM.

Furniture and Cabinets  Computer tables include workspace for projects and consultation of print resources.
Desks,

chairs, will be the roller type so students can adjust their height. See Budget for specs.

cabinets, storage  3ft height bookshelves will be placed under the windows in the back of the room for storage.


Type, manufacturer, specifications, availability

Justification
Why did you choose the materials you did? Some of the resources where chosen to complement the LSTA Grant specifications, others to complement the current space and maintain continuity with existing space. Other choices were best practice for student lab space which is reflected in the other technology education labs in the building. The open workspace for students encourages creativity and enables group collaboration.  See Narrative for more details

What is the educational case for designing the facility in the way you did? Through survey results and committee recommendations both staff and student felt the library needed to be a larger space that could accomadate both classes for research and frequent traffic from study hall students, reading classes and small group projects.


Is your design the best design for the money?By utiliziting grant money for a portion of the project I was able to create a more elaborate student work station for the money they we were expecting to spend on the lab.