Libraries today are faced with rapidly shifting populations of users with differing needs, who require a range of new communications links that are transforming our concept of the library space. This developing role has created a set of new and complex challenges for those delivering library services.
There is no such thing as the 'perfect' library building. However, a well designed building will enable a project both to gain local acceptance more easily and to ease the process of securing planning permission. It also needs to be cost effective to run, support the organization's objectives well, offer an improved service to the user and make an impact on the community.
This much-needed book takes as its starting point the fact that few architects know very much about libraries, and fewer librarians know about architectural planning and designing. It steers a clear path for library managers through the language and processes that they need to understand as members of a team overseeing the planning of a new library building project, major refurbishment or remodelling of an existing library. Key topics include:
twenty-first century libraries
developing a business case
project management
the design/project team
selecting an architect
partnership and community engagement
the design brief
design quality
space planning and access
occupancy and post-occupancy evaluation
building libraries for the future.
Appendices offer top tips and checklists, together with a glossary of common terms used within the construction environment to help further de-mystify the design process for librarians.
Readership: This practical and accessible book is an invaluable guide not only for new entrants to the library profession, but also for experienced practitioners who are approaching for the first time the important task of creating a new library or major refurbishment of existing facilities. It will also be of great relevance to architects unfamiliar with library building requirements.
