Best Laid Plans

 Well, my best laid plans did not pan out. I am behind on my reading, which is why we padded deadlines. So far I have read one book for my project which I will go ahead and summarize and reflect on a bit here. I read Planning School Library media center facilities for New Hampshire and Vermont by Snider and Schubert. (1989).

This short booklet outlines basic recommendations for size and accommodations of small-ish school libraries. The authors open their booklet by highlighting the importance of considering "educational goals and objectives and programs" (1). I had been thinking that I would take this kind of approach in my own paper, but the difference is that this book didn't really cover how to actually go about that. The structure was more based on the spaces (functions) needed in physical space, the furnishings, and giving sample floor plans.

One of the major questions I have is how can we be sure that architect will gain a clear vision for what the space should look like based on the goals of the program. Do educational goals influence space? How do they influence space? I am interested in exploring how school librarians can be savvy enough to let the architects know what needs to be done. 

Next Steps:

• Make a list of all the books I need to read (along with due dates for ILL books)
• Establish an order of topics to address in the reading
• READ

Books and more books!

Today I picked up most of the books I will be using for the project at the library. I know I still have several outstanding Interlibrary Loan requests, but most of the books are now in my room, just waiting to be read. The last few weeks of summer, which I had hoped would be restful are looking almost fuller than the past couple months put together. Here are my next steps:

• Setting aside 12-14 hours/week for reading between now and August 19th.
• Summarizing and paraphrasing my sources and extracting what seem to be key points.
• Leaving time for reading for myself.
• Buying groceries for this week! 

Yes, even super crazy researchers must eat.