In the beginning.....

RETHINK! Inspiring School Library Spaces by Dr. Susan La Marca

Hi! I'm Elaine Fong, a teacher-librarian and I've been hired by the American School of Pachuca (ASP) in Hidalgo, Mexico to build and prepare their School Library for a SACS accreditation visit in April 2009. On 8 July I will visit ASP and view the Library (or what there is of it). All I know at this point is that is about 4000 sq ft. Watch this blog as I will post photos and a possible floor plan. I start at ASP on 15 September.

After reviewing the SACS website, I came across the document for Accreditation Standards for Quality School in Latin America and Other International Regions. Of specific relevance to the Library, are the following:

• Standard 3: Teaching and Learning - 3.10 stipulates that the school provides a comprehensive information and media to support instructional programs and and curriculum
• Standard 3: Teaching and Learning - 3.11 all staff and students must have access to a comprehensive materials collections that supports curricular and instructional program
  
• Standard 5: Resources and Support - B9 states that educational or chief administrators must be employed with at least 3 years of experience, including librarians or media specialists
  
• Standard 5: Resources and Support - B10 states that a school the size of ASP (approximately 900 students) requires at least one library or media specialist
• Standard 5: Resources and Support - B21 a comprehensive and current collection of research materials in both print and electronic format be maintained to support learning and curriculum
• Standard 5: Resources and Support: 5.5 Budget sufficient resources to support its educational programs and implement plans for improvement

Some resources that will help me at ASP will be:

• RETHINK! Inspiring School Library Spaces by Dr. Susan La Marca
• Katie Day's (PYP TL at UWCSEA in Singapore) Wiki on Library Design
• Beth Gourley's (Head of Library at International School of Tianjin) Wiki on Library Design
  
• Designing Libraries UK