Simpson's Law calculator

How many computers for a school library?

Frequently one must guestimate the number of computers to include in a school library when designing or remodeling a facility. How does one determine how many computers are enough, or what is too many?

This form can help you determine the number of computers that will provide adequate access in facilities of every grade level and academic orientation. Enter data in the boxes, and click the appropriate buttons for each option, then click on "Compute..." Your results will be displayed immediately. If you should have trouble with this page, please contact the author at the mailto address below.

How many classes is your library designed to hold at once?
What is the average or estimated class size for most classes that will use the library?
What grade level is your school? Because there are so many different grade level configurations, you may have to approximate the closest level. The premise of the levels below is:
Primary = Pre-k to 2
Elementary = Pre-K to 5
Middle = 6 to 8
High School = 9 to 12

Primary
Elementary
Middle
High
How many students are projected for your building?
How many library staff members are there?
Choose an approach to facility design:
Academic - exemplary facilities to support a rigorous academic program
Economic - a thrifty approach to technology

Total computers recommended (not all may be located in library but should be in close proximity to services of librarian and library resources):

Computers located in library for group projects:

Computers in library for OPAC access:

Computers in library for staff and circulation use:

This page is best viewed with JavaScript-enabled browsers.

bd06967_1.wmf (21144 bytes)