Building Libraries and Public Support
As librarians, you are always building. Always. You build your collections
item by item. You build your utilization by responding to the needs of
your communities. You build attendance at library events by learning
from past successes. And you build your buildings by all of the above,
and more.
Building, as such, is about as far away from reading quietly in a cozy
setting as one can get. But building is essential for libraries just the
same, for two reasons. First, libraries, like all buildings, have to be
maintained. Second, successful libraries in growing communities grow,
just like the community they serve.
Read on...
Working With a Layout and
Design Service
It’s easy to have big plans for too small a space, says Bob Scherzer,
who’s been a member of Gaylord Brothers’ library design team for 20
years. Crowded workstation configurations might make navigation
difficult for people with disabilities. The wrong arrangement of
shelving may create line-of-sight problems for library staff. Designing
a library is overwhelming, and that’s why collaborating with a layout
and design service is so helpful. After working on over a thousand
library design projects, Bob and the design team know what mistakes to
avoid, and will work with you to make the most of your redesign.
Read on...
Public Library Design
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.
Read on...
Sustainable Library Design
As we come to learn more about the psycho-physiological effects that
buildings can have upon us, the importance of the health of libraries
becomes ever clearer. Numerous studies have shown that strategies we use
to reduce a building's environmental impact have ancillary benefits for
improved occupant health and energy efficiency.
Read on...
School Library Design Considerations
School libraries differ from most other types of libraries because they
are contained within school buildings, which, in addition to library
space, may include classrooms, auditoriums, circulation space,
administrative offices, cafeterias, and the like. As a result, school
libraries, or library media centers (LMCs) as they are commonly called,
are smaller than their counterparts. Appropriate space planning for
present needs and future expansion is imperative in the school library
program. According to a study by the Wisconsin Department of Public
Instruction, computer and video technology, in addition to other forms
of media including print material, is an important part of education.
Use of technology in classrooms and in the library must include design
aspects that support learning, including adjustable lighting, ample
electrical connections, sound control, and space for expansion. School
library space must also accommodate computer learning that is separated
from quiet reading, group study, circulation, reference work, and other
learning activities.
Read on...
Case Study: Signage Is the Key
Today’s library patron comes from a world of lively graphics and ready
access to information. Is that the kind of world he enters at your door?
Does the place look vibrant? Welcoming? Does he soon know where to
start? Can she find her own way? Effective library signage combines
visual appeal with directional information.
Read
on...
Case Study: LEED Design
Roberts Wesleyan College’s challenge was to design an academic facility
that would become the first of its kind to achieve LEED-NC® Silver
certification. LEO A DALY and SWBR Architects designed the B. Thomas
Golisano Library and overcame several obstacles to respond to the
challenge.
Read on...
Library Construction: 20 Things Nobody Will Tell You
Read on...
Planning Resources
Read
on...
Case Study: Creating Dynamic,
Destination-Oriented Spaces
Long seen as one of the most innovative library systems in the country,
the San Jose Public Library has demonstrated time after time that there
are creative new ways to deliver service to their customers. Using the
general principle of “give the customer what they want," the system has
created dynamic, destination oriented spaces that draw constituents in
and keep them coming back. A comment on their web page reinforces this
by saying, “We have been listening to our customers, and our new model
provides an experience of comfort, convenience, choice and excellent
customer service. It's the San José Way!”
Read on...