Planning Academic And Research Library Buildings

Basic information on library building planning; The planning process.

Planning a new or refurbished public library means considering not only facilities for collections, services, staff and users, but examining also the local context, reviewing the library image, and developing relationships with other community facilities and agencies. This book examines the entire gamut of challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries; their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding. The helpful presentation and readable style guides the librarian through the preliminary information-gathering and decision-making process that ensures a successful library building for all concerned. Using practical case studies, plans and photographs, the author tackles the critical issues of siting, size, plans and design concepts, and provides a helpful guide to weighing up the alternatives of refurbished, converted and new buildings. Separate chapters focus on the planning, briefing and construction process; security, safety and sustainability; key characteristics of successful buildings; identity, decor and signage; and interior layout and facilities. The text draws together a vast resource of real library examples from all over the world which provide best practice models and lessons to learn. For funding authorities, librarians and architects of public libraries this is a highly informative book that will help to ensure wise decision-making and prevent costly mistakes.

The public library director needs information that helps in understanding what is involved in planning for a public library building project. This applies whether the subject is a free standing independent building, a branch library, a joint-use facility with a museum, a senior academic library, a community or junior college library, or a school library. Reading this book will not turn a reader into a qualified specialist on library buildings, but it will help librarians and others learn what should be known about a project so that they may function effectively as part of the planning team. The concept of modern libraries is moving toward interactive connections with information sources far beyond the immediate community. For the contemporary public library, this means connection to a network, with several terminals constantly online to the Internet. New library buildings must be constructed with these and other needs in mind. The public library director needs information that helps in understanding what is involved in planning for a public library building project. This applies whether the subject is a free standing independent building, a branch library, a joint-use facility with a museum, a senior academic library, a community or junior college library, or a school library. This book will help librarians and others learn what should be known about a project so that they may function effectively as part of the planning team.

Textbook on the planning, design and architecture of new university library buildings, with particular reference to Canada - covers the respective roles of librarians and architects, technical aspects, administrative aspects, etc. Bibliography pp. 112 and 113, diagrams and illustrations.

This book explains to both architects and librarians how the other works, in an attempt to aid and improve library design. Public, educational and industrial libraries are analyzed.

The "seamless approach" is the best strategy for planning additions to existing academic library buildings. Additions to existing library buildings are becoming a fact of life at many colleges and universities. Space considerations, the need for proximity to existing space, and the desire for a unified appearance usually preclude designing a totally new structure in many cases. So adding on to existing space is not only the best option for many academic libraries; it's the only one. The Catch-22 is that there is usually little to be gained by attempting to impose a too-modern structure on existing buildings. The solution is a seamless approach that incorporates and enhances the features of existing structures. The result is usually a functional and appealing addition, rather than a design that meets space needs but looks like an afterthought. Using case studies, Planning Additions to Academic Library Buildings profiles three academic libraries that went through expansion. The editors and authors clearly describe both the challenges and the opportunities for planning seamless and successful additions to existing buildings. Photos and architectural plans and layouts effectively illustrate how the challenges of adding on to existing structures were met in three different situations. Planning library additions can be a daunting proposition for many librarians, who are forced to become space planners and architects. This readable and well-illustrated book clearly and cleverly outlines the steps and the success stories of those who have lived the experience of designing a seamless library addition.