The purpose of this study is to analyze the background out of which the open space movement grew, to determine the current status of open space library media centers (LMCs) in high schools, and to place the movement in historical perspective. Open space as an architectural concept is seen as a convergence of forces and influences in government, architecture, education, and technology during the late 1960's and early 1970's. / Responses from 46 library media consultants in state departments of education, plus a survey of the literature, identified 288 LMCs as potential subjects for study. Responses from 215 LMCs indicated that 152 met the qualifications of this study--LMCs with one or more permanent openings into another area of the building with no doors capable of being closed or locked. Survey data from these 152 indicated that modifications had been made in all but 39. In all but 12 unmodified LMCs, library media specialists (LMSs) wanted enclosure, and in 84 modified LMCs, respondents wanted greater enclosure. / LMCs were reported in all but 4 states, in all regions, among all racial and socio-economic groups, and in urban and rural communities. LMSs usually had little input into decisions to build open space LMCs. Architects, superintendents, and school boards (in that order) were perceived as the primary decision makers. Most LMSs did not originally hold negative attitudes toward open space. Over half of all open space LMCs were built in schools with basically traditional programs. Book loss was the most important reason given for reducing openness. Traffic control was second, with noise, student behavior, visual distractions, and vandalism ranked high as additional reasons. Back-to-Basics was not perceived as a major reason for enclosure. Loss in salaried personnel was reported in LMCs after enclosure. In the 50 fully-enclosed LMCs, the trend was toward security systems. LMSs in a majority of enclosed LMCs maintained practices compatible with an open access philosophy. There was no evidence that open space LMCs are currently being designed or constructed in high schools. Only 15 LMSs would recommend them, several with reservations. / A number of positive benefits were shown to be a result of the open space experience. The concept of the LMC as the "heart of the school" was strengthened. Open access philosophies and policies were reinforced. The role of the LMS in curriculum related activities was enhanced, and a number of fresh insights were gained. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 47-12, Section: A, page: 4220. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1986.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_75979 |
| Contributors | MARXSEN, SARAH LEWIS., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 294 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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