Best Practices
Public Library Design
By WBDG Staff
Overview
Public libraries can be differentiated from academic, school,
and special libraries because they function to serve the needs of a diverse
service population including small children, students, professionals, and the
elderly. In contrast,
academic libraries serve college and university faculty and students;
school libraries
serve elementary, middle, and high school students and faculty; and special
libraries (such as
Presidential Libraries) serve scholars and experts within narrowly defined
fields.
Public libraries can be differentiated from academic, school, and special
libraries because they function to serve the needs of a diverse service
population including small children, students, professionals, and the elderly.
In contrast, academic libraries serve college and university faculty and
students; school libraries serve elementary, middle, and high school students
and faculty; and special libraries (such as Presidential Libraries) serve
scholars and experts within narrowly defined fields.
Although public libraries serve the public at large,
including those who are also served by other types of libraries, they are used
primarily by members of the local community in which they are constructed and
secondarily by members in communities in immediately outlying areas. The members
of those communities are the service population of public libraries and their
needs affect the design and planning of public library spaces. For example, if a
community has a large population of young children, which can result from a
community with a high-quality elementary school system, the public library
design must address the needs of children and how they use libraries, i.e.,
story-telling spaces, books within easy reach for children, nap areas, etc.
Whereas, a public library that serves the needs of a community with a large
population of elderly people will included design criteria to meet their needs,
i.e., easy access into the building, adequate lighting, large-print media, etc.
Building Attributes
A. Types of Spaces
There are seven broad types of public library space:
Careful analysis of the following will allow designers to
determine the space needs for the seven general spaces listed above, which are
common to public libraries:
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Identification of the library's population of users
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Estimation of the collections provided by the library and
the space needed to accommodate those provisions to meet the future needs of
its users
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Estimation of floor space needed to accommodate seating
areas
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Estimation of floor space needed by staff
-
Estimation of floor space needed for meeting rooms
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Estimation of miscellaneous public- and staff-use space
(special use space)
-
Estimation of space needed for entry halls, mechanical
rooms, bathrooms, etc. (non-assignable space).
B. Determining the Building's Attributes
The following steps can be used to determine the library's
general building attributes. The steps below do not assess exterior space needs
such as parking and site amenities, which vary widely depending on site
selection as determined in the library program.
Step 1: Determine the Service Population
A projection of the needs of the design (service) population
for 20 years is the start of the library design process. This design projection
will allow the library to serve the future needs of its population of users and
allows the designer to determine the space needed for the preceding categories
of library spaces.
Population estimates can be gathered from local
municipalities, county, or regional planning commissions, or from a state's
Office of Policy and Management. Since most public libraries serve residents of
outlying communities, it is important to include the effect that non-resident
use will have on library space allotments.
Step 2: Determine Needs for Collection Space
Since the needs of the design population are projected over
20 years, the collection size must also respond to the 20-year projection, i.e.,
collection space must be projected over a 20-year period. In addition, public
libraries should have a "weeding policy" whereby outdated material is omitted
from collections. This will allow additional space for future expansion.
The number of volumes of books, non-print materials (music
CDs, audio books, etc.), and periodicals that are maintained by the library can
change from 5 to 25 volumes per square foot depending on shelf height, aisle
width, and the kind of material, whether it's magazines or encyclopedias.
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Calculate Space Needs for Books
As a general rule of thumb, to estimate the square footage of book storage
space (with aisles at least 36 inches wide) divide the total projected
number of volumes by 10. The square footage needed for compact book storage
is equal to the total projected collection divided by 25. For example, if
the total projected collection over 20 years is 50,000 volumes, 50,000
divided by 10 equals 5,000 square feet needed to house the projected
collection.
-
Calculate Space Needs for Non-print
Items
To determine the square footage necessary to store non-print material,
divide the total number of non-print items projected over 20 years by 10.
For example, if the projected non-print items over 20 years equals 20,000,
then 20,000 divided by 10 equals 2,000 square feet of space needed for
non-print items over a 20-year period.
-
Calculate Space Needs for
Periodicals
Use the following formula to determine space needs for periodicals. Divide
the number of current periodicals that will be maintained by the library by
1.5. That number equals the space in square feet needed to house the current
periodicals. Multiply the number of back issues of periodicals that will be
kept in the library by 0.5. Multiply that number by the average number of
years the periodical will be maintained in the library. That result is the
space needed to house back issues. For example, if there are 100 current
periodicals, then 100 divided by 1.5 is 67 square feet of space needed for
current periodicals. If the library will house 40 back issues of each title
for 5 years, then 40 divided by 0.5 multiplied by 5 years equals 100 square
feet of space need for back issues of periodicals. The square footage needed
for current periodicals (67) plus the square footage needed for back issues
(100) equals the total square footage needed for periodicals over a 20-year
period.
Obviously, the recommended size of a library's collections
(including the number of electronic workstations needed—see Step 3), will
determine how much floor space is needed for the collections. Some state library
agencies or state library associations issue standards that provide guidance in
determining the appropriate collection size. Also note the recommendations
regarding recommended planning processes for public libraries, issued by the
Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association.
Step 3: Determine Space Needs for Electronic Workstation
Space
Work/study desks and tables in the primary library space and
in meeting rooms must provide connections for computers and other devices that
utilize two-way communication services, such as the Internet.
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Calculate Space Needs for Public
Access Computer Stations (PACs)
PACs consist of a computer terminal (monitor and hard drive), keyboard, and
access to a printer. A PAC station used from a seated position requires at
least 40 square feet. A PAC station used from a standing position requires
at least 20 square feet. PACs can by placed anywhere in the library. For
example, a PAC that can be used by a standing person can be placed near the
entry area and can function only to direct users to particular spaces in the
library depending on the users' inputted needs.
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Calculate Space Needs for Computer
Workstations
As an alternative, or in addition to PACs, libraries can provide electronic
workstations equipped with two-way communication system hook-ups to
accommodate users with their own computer equipment. A space of 75 square
feet can be used as a general average for each computer workstation.
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Calculate Space Needs for Microfilm
or Microfiche Workstations
A general rule of thumb is 35 square feet for each microfilm or microfiche
workstation.
Step 4: Determine Space Need for User Seating
In general, public libraries should provide at least 5 seats
for every 1,000 users in its service population. As a guide, public libraries
that serve no more than 10,000 users should accommodate 7 to 10- seats for every
1,000 users. These guides do not include the seats needed in meeting rooms or
staff areas. The number of seats can be adjusted depending on the library. For
example, if the library is one that encourages long-term use, i.e., extensive
collections of research materials, then the number of seats should be inflated.
If the library encourages browsing, i.e., latest magazines or best sellers, the
number of seats needed may be less.
-
Calculate Square Footage Needs for
User Seating
The square footage needed for user seating varies depending on the type of
seating, i.e., lounge chair, table seating, etc. As a general rule of thumb,
for table seating use 25 square feet per seat; for study carrel seating use
30 square feet per seat; and for seating in lounge chairs use 35 square feet
per seat. As a general average, designers can use 30 square feet per seat.
To determine total square footage necessary for user seating, subtract the
number of PAC and electronic workstation seats and meeting and conference
room seats (if these rooms are used only for meetings and conferences) from
the projected number of total seats. That number multiplied by 30 is the
projected square footage needed for user seating.
Step 5: Determine Space Needs for
Staff Work Areas
Staff space should include space for computers for online
access to outside resources. Staff workloads and the number of library staff at
each area where library services are provided, i.e., reference desk, circulation
desk, multimedia stations, are important in determining the space needed for
staff. Office space for library administrators and staff-only areas (such as
staff lounges or staff eating areas) is an important part of staff space.
-
Calculate Space Needs for Staff Work
Areas
On average, the space needed for staff work areas is approximately 150
square feet per work area. Some work areas may be larger than others. For
example, check-out areas may require more square footage than help-desk
areas. As a general rule of thumb, the square footage allotment for staff
work areas equals the number of projected staff areas multiplied by 150.
Step 6: Determine the Space Needs for
Meeting Rooms
Many public libraries incorporate meeting space for library-
and community- sponsored meetings or events. Meeting rooms also serve as staff
or library patron training space. Depending on the library's function as
determined in the library program, Internet connections and other two-way
communication system outlets may be necessary.
-
Calculate the Space Needs for
Meeting Rooms
There are two types of seating arrangements common in public library meeting
rooms: theater seating and conference room seating. For theater, or lecture
hall, seating arrangements, the projected square footage needed in the
meeting room equals the number of seats multiplied by 10. For conference
room seating, the projected square footage needed equals the number of seats
multiplied by 25. The square footage needed in meeting rooms targeted for
children's activities will require 10 square feet per seat. Meeting room
space does not include other square footage necessary for other peripheral
spaces including a kitchen area in or nearby the meeting room and storage
areas for audiovisual equipment, chairs, tables, etc.
Step 7: Determine Space Needs for Special-Use Areas
The need for special-use spaces (such as a history or
genealogy room, a job center, or a community information area) will vary
depending on the function of the library as determined in its written program.
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Items In Special-Use Areas*
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Square Footage Required per Item
|
|
Atlas Stand
|
35
|
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Bulletin Board
|
9
|
|
Display Case
|
50
|
|
Index Table
|
140
|
|
Map File
|
35
|
|
Microfilm Cabinet
|
10
|
|
Newspaper Rack
|
25
|
|
Paperback Rack
|
35
|
|
Photocopier
|
50
|
|
Staff Locker
|
4
|
|
Vertical Files
|
10
|
|
*The items listed are for example and are an
abbreviated list of items that may be included in the special-use space.
Depending on the role of the library as determined in the program, the
number of items and the number of special-use areas may vary.
|
Step 8: Determine Space Needs for Non-Assignable Areas (such
as Mechanical Rooms)
Non-assignable spaces are important for the general operation
of the library facility but they are not a direct part of the services offered
by the library. These spaces include mechanical rooms, bathrooms,
entrance halls, corridors,
stairs, security rooms, and elevators. These non-assignable spaces make up 20%
to 30% of gross floor area of the library.
Emerging Issues
Computer technology continues to affect the way libraries
function and, as a result, the way they are planned and designed. As a result,
the electric and wiring needs of modern-day public libraries must accommodate
changing technology. Today, public libraries must be able to support wired and
wireless connections to digital communications from networks within and from
outside the library. Outside digital communication systems include the Internet,
area networks, public telephone networks, and networks accessed through digital
service providers (such as cable companies) that utilize copper wire, cable,
wireless, or fiber-optic capabilities. See also WBDG
Productive—Integrate
Technological Tools.
The recommended wiring capability of modern public libraries
is Category 5 (CAT 5) wiring optimized for 1,000BASE-T using RJ45 connectors.
Exterior-mounted satellite dishes may also be a consideration in some library
programs.
Circuits and electrical outlets should be plentiful so that
changing technology can be supported. Dedicated circuits for computers and surge
protection for electronic workstations and PACs should be incorporated into the
design of library spaces.
Another emerging technology—radio frequency identification
(RFID)—is coming to the library market in the form of charging and security
systems that are easier to configure into patron self-service stations, allowing
some libraries to radically reconsider the organization of functions at the
entry. Some public libraries that have adopted RFID-based patron self-charge
systems have been able to position circulation functions—traditionally in a
prominent entry location—to the sides, allowing a newly-prominent information
desk to become the centerpiece of the library's entry. This in turn changes the
patron's experience of the entry and the character of the space.
Still other libraries—notably the recently-opened Seattle
Public Library—are using wireless communications technologies to allow library
staff members to roam through the stacks and reader seating, without being bound
to a reference desk, the better to provide support to patrons at the point of
contact.
Sustainable design should be a part of every library program so that the
building can function efficiently without wasting energy during its lifetime.
Below is a checklist to ensure that public libraries incorporate sustainable
design. See WBDG
Sustainable Branch for more guidance on sustainable design.
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Is the building designed and constructed in ways that
preserve the natural outdoor environment and promote a healthful indoor
habitat?
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Is the building designed to avoid adversely impacting the
natural state of the air, land, and water, by using resources and methods
that minimize pollution and waste?
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Is the building designed to maximize passive and natural
sources of heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting? See WBDG
Passive Solar Heating,
High–Performance HVAC,
Natural Ventilation, and
Daylighting.
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Are innovative strategies and technologies employed such
as porous paving to conserve water, reduce effluent and run-off, thus
recharging the water table?
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Is the project planned to reduce the need for individual
automobiles, use alternative fuels, and encourage public and alternate modes
of transportation?
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Is the building constructed and operated using materials,
methods, and mechanical and electrical systems that ensure a healthful
indoor air quality while
avoiding contamination by carcinogens, volatile organic compounds, fungi,
molds, bacteria, and other known toxins?
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Are the HVAC system's outdoor air intakes located as high
as possible above the ground and far enough away from the exhaust ducts to
reduce the intake of ground level air pollution?
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Are stainless-steel-strip bird guards installed over the
horizontal rooftop outdoor air intakes to prevent birds from settling on the
grating and polluting the shafts below?
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Does the HVAC have an efficiency air filtration system
with pre-filters and final filters at 30 % and 85% efficiency respectively?
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Are air filters designed to be easy to access and clean
and/or replace? See WBDG
Sustainable O&M Practices.
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Has the exposed fiberglass within the HVAC system been
encapsulated to eliminate amplification sites for fungal and bacterial
micro-organisms?
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Is the rate of ventilation with outdoor air at least 25
cubic feet per minute?
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Are copy rooms and similar spaces that emit possibly
toxic substances equipped with their own dedicated air exhaust systems?
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Is particleboard that emits formaldehyde emissions
prohibited in the building? See WBDG
Evaluating and Selecting Green Products.
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Is furniture constructed without particleboard that emits
formaldehyde? See WBDG
Evaluating and Selecting Green Products.
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Are only solvent-free paints specified for the project?
See WBDG
Evaluating and Selecting Green Products.
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Are low-emitting, solvent-free adhesives specified for
the project? See WBDG
Evaluating and Selecting Green Products.
Relevant Codes and Standards
Model Building Codes that may apply include the following
(check with local building departments for code requirements):
Note: Some states have their own state-written building
codes. In addition, some localities have their own local codes. State and local
building departments are the best resource for applicable codes.
Major Resources
WBDG
Building / Space Types
Educational Facilities,
Libraries, Conference /
Classroom, General
Storage, Library (Space
Type), Office,
Lobby
Design Objectives
Accessible, Aesthetics,
Functional / Operational,
Historic Preservation,
Productive,
Secure / Safe,
Sustainable
Project Management
Building Commissioning
Associations
Publications
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The Design and Evaluation of Public
Library Buildings by Nolan Lushington and James M. Kusack. Hamden,
CT: Library Professional Publications, 1991.
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Determining Your Public Library's
Future Size: A Needs Assessment Planning Model by Lee B. Brawner and
Donald K. Beck. Chicago, IL: American Library Association, 1996.
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Library Facility Siting and Location
Handbook by Christine M. Koontz. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1997.
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Planning the Small Library Facility,
2nd ed. by Anders C. Dahlgren. Chicago, IL: American Library
Association, 1996.
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Public Library
Space Needs: A Planning Outline by Anders C. Dahlgren. Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction, Public Library Development, 2009.
The WBDG is the only web-based portal providing government
and industry practitioners with one-stop access to up-to-date information on a
wide range of building-related guidance, criteria and technology from a 'whole
buildings' perspective. Currently organized into three major categories—Design
Guidance, Project Management and Operations & Maintenance—at the heart of the
WBDG are Resource Pages, reductive summaries on particular topics.
www.wbdg.org