Planning Additions To Academic Library Buildings

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.

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.

Discusses library requirements, expense control, budgeting, siting, interior designs, construction documents, bidding, and business considerations.

The information society and the information age are changing library services as well as library premises. This raises questions about what needs to be considered when planning and designing new library buildings in order to achieve attractive, efficient and future-oriented new library spaces. This new publication provides information and guidelines for the building planning process, whether you are planning a new public or academic library building. It reflects on fundamental issues, on new development trends and on the planning process. The library building process is seen from both the library manager's perspective as well as that of the architect and designer. Issues covered include what to consider when investigating the need for space, library design from a marketing viewpoint, green management and sustainability relating to library buildings and a layman's guide to reading plans. This publication and the IFLA guidelines provided are not seen as a traditional set of recommendations to be rigidly adhered to since this would be unrealistic in a fast-changing and global context. Rather, library managers and architects should read them in order to inform their thinking on key issues and establish a planning programme. They must then relate them to their own countries and circumstances by making the relevant local adjustments.

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.

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.

Nature of the problem - why good planning is necessary; The reasons for planning failures; How to determine when new library space is needed - either by remodeling and enlarging the present structure or by constructing and entirely new building; The early stages in planning - agencies and functions; The concept program - deciding what to do. The architectural program - deciding how it should be done; How to use existing knowledge and experience in writing the program; How to select the architect and the planning consultant; The service plan-how to evolve a library system in a library building.