Helping Libraries to Prosper October 2009

Library Construction and Renovation Projects

New Mexico State Library

Library construction projects require much planning and consideration. This guide provides resources to help with your new construction or renovation project.

PLANNING RESOURCES

Web Sites

6 Tips to Surviving Library Construction: Wisdom from the library leaders who pulled off 12 renovations in seven months
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6440933.html

ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities
http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm

Library Building Consultants List
https://cs.ala.org/lbcl/search/ (scroll to the very bottom to obtain a list of consultant names by state or specialty free of charge)

Libris Design Planning Documentation
http://www.librisdesign.org/docs/index.html

Planning and Building Libraries
http://www.slais.ubc.ca/RESOURCES/architecture/index.htm

Practical Tips for Library Building Design
http://il.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=19482

Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline
http://dpi.state.wi.us/pld/plspace.html

Books

Brawner, Lee B., and Donald K. Beck, Jr. Determining your public library's future size: a needs assessment and planning model. Chicago: American Library Association, 1996.

Brown, Carol R. Interior design for libraries: drawing on function and appeal. Chicago: American Library Association, 2002.

Dahlgren, Anders. Planning the small library facility. Chicago: Library Administration and Management Association, American Library Association, 1996.

Dewe, Michael. Planning public library buildings: concepts and issues for the librarian. Aldershot, England; Burlington, VT: Ashgate Pub., 2006.

Hagloch, Susan B. Library building projects: tips for survival. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1994.

Lushington, Nolan. Libraries designed for users: a 21st century guide. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2002.

McCabe, Gerard B. Planning for a new generation of public library buildings. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2000.

McCabe, Gerard B., and James R. Kennedy, editors. Planning the modern public library building. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2003.

McCarthy, Richard C. Designing better libraries: selecting and working with building professionals. Fort Atkinson, Wis.: Highsmith Press, 1995.

Sannwald, William W., editor. Checklist of library building design considerations. Chicago: American Library Association, 2001.

Woodward, Jeannette A. Countdown to a new library: managing the building project. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000.

Advice for Funding Sources

• City bonds

• Friends groups

• General obligation bonds

• State capital outlay

• Individual, corporate, and nonprofit donors in the community

• Rural development council

• Sell tiles or bricks to be engraved with donor’s name and incorporated in the building or landscaping

• Ask local building contractors for donations

General Advice

Make sure your entire community is aware of the need for the project. Sometimes help comes from surprising quarters.

--Beverly McFarland, Belen Public Library

Invest in a Facilities Plan in which architects and/or building consultants assess current facilities and make recommendations for renovations and new buildings. This will give you a better sense of community needs, the soundness of your facilities, and a professional plan to help raise funds and garner support.

--Julia Clarke, Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Library System

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