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I'd like to support some of the suggestions already made:
- Language Center Design book:  http://www.iallt.org/products/publications
- visiting other language centers
- using a consultant

A couple of extra remarks:
- Centers at smaller institutions differ quite a bit from those of larger universities (they often have grad students, more languages, more staff, more space, more support, other structures and campus distances...)
For smaller institutions (and thus smaller language centers), it's crucial to decide on certain functions of a language center, and on the limits. Identifying these and getting the majority of the faculty behind them is the most difficult, but also the most important step. So regarding center visits, get ideas from the bigger schools but focus on what peer institutions are doing. The same goes for consultants.

- There has to be a person in charge who is knowledgeable and passionate about these issues, otherwise any well-planned center will soon fall behind. It's creative people who make good language centers thrive, not computers!

- If consulting is too expensive or premature, a videoconference or phone call might be a good start. I, for one, would be happy to volunteer to talk to you and your faculty!

Best,
Felix


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Dr. Felix Kronenberg
Asst. Professor, Modern Languages and Literatures
Director, Language Learning Center
Rhodes College




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