Reimagining School Libraries: How We Transformed Our Space

REIMAGINING SCHOOL LIBRARIES:How We Transformed Our Space

Diana L. Rendina, MLIS January 24, 2017 1:00-1:45

About Stewart• Public STEM Magnet Middle School • Hillsborough County Public Schools

(8th largest district in USA) • Grades 6-8 • Near downtown Tampa • Title 1 - 75% of students on free or

reduced lunch • 30% Black, 33% Hispanic, 30%

White, 7% Asian and Multiracial

@DianaLRendina * RenovatedLearning.com

http://renovatedlearning.com


Stewart Circa 2010• Dark, cluttered • Collection massively out of date • Tech hadn’t been updated in years • Where’s the STEM?



Stewart Circa 2010• Dark, cluttered • Collection massively out of date • Tech hadn’t been updated in years • Where’s the STEM?



Stewart Circa 2010• Lots of excess furniture • Layouts hinder traffic flow • Check out that Mac!



Stewart Circa 2010• Heavy wooden tables hindered

flexibility and collaboration • Horrible setup for instruction

Projection screen on a wall with no outlets



Stewart Circa 2010• No STEM other than a few

displays & the 500s



The Transforma8on• From “Dark Cave” to Vibrant

Maker Hub



The Transforma8on• January 2014 - Started our

makerspace program



The Transforma8on• Makerspace Planning Committee • Corner transformed into

Makerspace

Before…



The Transforma8on• Weeded collection to remove un-

needed shelving • Grants for paint and furniture • DonorsChoose for supplies • Student & parent volunteers

During…



The Transforma8on• Interactive, collaborative, hands-

on Makerspace



The Transforma8on• Instruction space before



The Transforma8on• Moved whiteboard from copy

room • Short-throw projector through

Title 1 • Presentation stand through

fundraiser • Tables & chairs through grant



The Transforma8on• Bad sightlines from desk • Bulky monitors • No comfy reading spaces



The Transforma8on• Shifted shelving to create nooks • Gradually updated computers

over several years through donations of monitors & Title 1 funding



Suppor8ng Tech• Table with outlet and usb ports • Charging devices • Power for maker tools like

sewing machines, hot glue guns



Suppor8ng Tech• Wall-mounted charging station

for student device charging



Suppor8ng Tech• Short-throw project &

whiteboard set-up • Instruction • Video conferencing • Student presentation



Maker Tech• iPads available for student use in

library • Robot Petting Zoo

• Sphero • Dash & Dot • LEGO Mindstorms



Maker Tech• Electricity & Electronics

• littleBits • SnapCircuits • MaKeyMaKey



Maker Tech Projects• STEMGirls Circuit Bracelet

Workshop



Maker Tech Projects• Collaboration - learning the

Design Process through designing phone stands



Maker Tech Projects• Stewart Maker Fair

• Annual events where students share projects and teach Maker skills to parents and community



• BLOG: RenovatedLearning.com • SOCIAL: @DianaLRendina • E-MAIL: [email protected] • RESOURCES:

DianaRendinaPresents.wikispaces.com

August 2017



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Reimagining School Libraries: How We Transformed Our Space

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