Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s media center acquired new computer tables on Tuesday, Nov. 12 as a part of their yearly improvements. As the previous tables were large and bulky, occupying excessive space, media specialist Diana Haneski bought new desks, as well as new computers and shelving.
The desks cost a total of $12,000, including delivery and day-of assembly. Media staff also rearranged the set up of the library to allow for more rows of computers. Further, the staff relocated the printer so it fit in between the new computer tables and the bookshelves, creating more space.
“I walk in here every day happy with what we’ve done,” Haneski said. “I’ve been here for 10 years and every day, every year I try to make something better and so this year it’s that.”
The renovation is funded by the school, since a part of MSD’s annual budget is designated for the media center. To use the funding to buy new furniture, Haneski had to purchase new books beforehand.
Haneski has been planning to slowly revamp the media center since she began working at MSD, and each year, she decides what upgrades are most needed. She and media clerk Jean Anders had been considering adding new tables for around two years.
They weighed input from other schools to decide which computer table and computer model would work best for students. Haneski and Anders also researched which tables would match with the current furniture, and found ways to repurpose the old tables by placing them in the back of the media center and the TV room for teachers to use.
Additionally, Haneski and Anders asked technology specialist Matthew Winans to find tables that would hide wires better than the old tables.
With there being space for more rows of computers, more students are now able to use the computers to work on their assignments and take exams for statewide testing. Moving the printer has improved the traffic of students trying to print in the same area in the morning and during lunch.
“I like how they moved the printer to a separate section because it makes it easier to get around people when I have to print assignments and the new tables look great,” junior Katie Frost said.
Last year, the media center got a new carpet and added more books, shelves and window wraps as part of their renovation, which is being accomplished in parts and is still an ongoing project. In the future, Haneski plans on getting the library repainted so that students can enjoy the new and improved space. These renovations are meant to keep the space updated and more modern.
