MSHS 2016 Phase 1 Library from Nic DiFilippo on Vimeo.
With technology the way it is today, some may be alarmed when they hear the word hacked. But when hacked is used in relation to the Mahomet-Seymour High School library, the administration, staff and students were happy to preview changes that will be made to the space this summer.
Alongside the MSHS auditorium and commons area, the library is scheduled for renovations this summer. BLDD Architects from Decatur will guide the estimated $1.5M project, which is funded by the Champaign County one-percent sales tax. This money can only be used for capital improvement projects.
“Right now, (the library) is pretty one dimensional,” MSHS Principal Shannon Cheek said. “And we want to make it open to more.”
Over the last couple weeks, faculty and students have been able to get involved with the renovation process by offering their feedback to BLDD through sketches, post-it notes and committees input.
BLDD began by displaying several blueprints throughout the library, asking students and faculty what they liked, didn’t like or how things need to change in the space in order to facilitate a learning environment that suits today’s classroom. After gaining feedback, BLDD came back with updated renderings that were displayed in the commons area. Students and faculty once again gave their feedback.
“Watching that process alone, there was a lot of input from kids,” Cheek said. “It was awesome to watch.”
To begin the construction process, BLDD removed a wall in the library, which opened the space up. Bookshelves, computers and tables were rearranged to create several spaces that students and teachers could use for different purposes.
With technology loaned from Zeller Digital and wall dividers put in place to create “rooms,” the front of the library housed a “virtual classroom” using BRIO technology, which is available at Middletown Prairie Elementary in the boardroom.
Because of the technology BRIO offers, Social Studies teacher Keith Pogue worked with a retired State police officer and a federal prosecutor to teach students one day. Students in a Spanish class utilized the space to talk to a student from Spain another day.
Superintendent Rick Johnston has talked about working with other schools in the area to offer a virtual classroom so Mahomet-Seymour teachers can work with students outside the district or MSHS students can gain access to courses not offered within the district. Cheek said the virtual classroom has some potential benefits, but the district is also working through some logistical limitations with virtual classrooms.
MSHS students were also able to try out and comment on different technologies offered on four large televisions in the back of the library. Even though the district may only choose one technology for the space, Cheek said he hopes final plans include sectioned off spaces where groups of students can work together.
Cheek also said that Librarian Lauren Ochs has talked a lot about utilizing a makerspace in the library. Plans may also include a permanent green screen for students to film and edit video.
Through this process, both Cheek and Ochs are being careful to maintain the integrity and purpose of the library. Ochs has weeded through books available to students; getting rid of outdated material and bringing in new, relevant material.
Cheek said the feedback he has heard from staff includes keeping those quiet spaces for kids and giving them the tactile materials they need to learn.
“I don’t think you should ever get rid of that piece of your library,” Cheek said.
The community will begin notice distinct changes to the overall space when school resumes next August. When community members enter the front doors, the brick wall at the head of the walkway will be removed. Instead, the entrance to the library may be located to the east and open space will be to the left.
Cheek said part of the trophy case may also be removed to alleviate congestion through the front of the building. Last week a large, interactive screen greeted students with information about the library “hacking.”
Cheek said something similar may be in the end design. Over the week it was in the school, he said a few students interacted with it. He believes students may interact with a screen in the library, but having information about the school calendar, social media, athletic events and the Mahomet-Seymour Education Foundation Hall of Fame near the entrance of the building may serve the community well.
Currently, the commons area houses 520 lockers, which will be removed and relocated throughout the school. Although Cheek is not certain where the lockers will go, this space will add another entrance to the library with potential glass doors that can be closed or retracted, depending on the school’s needs at that time.
BLDD will present final plans to the Mahomet-Seymour School Board during tonight’s school board meeting at 7 p.m. at Middletown Prairie Elementary. Construction is scheduled to begin in May.
