Go to Library Services and Resources Table of Contents
Go to Syllabus

Library Facilities

A library is a collection of information organized for use.  It is both a place and a process.

    A Gallup poll commissioned by the American Library Association has found that 64% of Americans visited a library at least once last year.  One in ten Americans visited a library 25 times or more last year and 2/3 have library cards.   Although 17% connected to the internet, there were still 81% of Americans who used the library to take out books. 

    Nearly 90% of the survey respondents consider public libraries as valuable tax-supported services.  According to Library Journal, 225 libraries were built or expanded last year.  Awareness of the need for literacy continues to grow.  Schools are returning to basics and realize that, "Of all the expenditures that influence a school's effectiveness...the levels of expenditures for library and media services have the highest correlation with student achievement."   Libraries must and will exist in the future. (Economist 9/12/98)

Close your eyes.  Visualize your first visit to a library . . .

   What do you see,  What do you hear, Who do you see, What made the library memorable????

    The face of the library is changing.   In addition to being a storehouse of information, library's designs are expanding to include: atriums that make interiors glow with natural light; comfortable living room-style reading areas; specially designed spaces and furniture for computer users; delightful imaginative children's areas; art galleries, gift shops, and coffee bars; auditoriums, conference centers, and meeting rooms; and gardens or terraces.

1.  What is the state of library construction in the United States?

    The total expenditure for public libraries in 1997 is more that $662 million.  There were 225 public projects completed in 1997.  There were 97 new public building projects and 40 academic projects.  Library Journal's December 1997 architectural issue summarizes the year's library building projects.

   Los Angeles voted in November 1998 to approve a $178.3-million bond measure for 32 projects to upgrade, renovate, expand, or replace 32 branch libraries.

2.  What are some influences which affect library facilities?

• Technology
• Funding
• Networking
• Demographics
• Special Populations

3.  How has technology affected facilities?        Without a doubt we will continue to blend technologies.  Our patrons check out books 81% of the time, records, CDs or Videos 32 % of the time and connect to the Internet 17% of the time. These percentages will shift but there will be a continued need for collecting and accommodating all types of formats. It is difficult to predict what new technologies will be available ten years or even five years from now. We must build libraries for today and the future.  Bill Gates has offered $200 million over five years to bring computers into poor areas in the United States and Canada.  There are three keys for the future.

• Electricity must be available in any part of the library.  (Will wireless technology change this statement?)

• Telecommunications must be considered so that patrons can access the library from their homes or office.  Access is now possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Flexibility is as important as ever in order to allow for new formats and new uses. This can best be accomplished by having large open spaces.                                                                                     

4.  What are steps to follow in planning library facilities?

• Conduct a needs assessment to determine if space is inadequate.
• Form a library planning team.
• Define objectives, purposes, and functions the library will serve.
• Write a building program statement.  It should indicate the ideals, goals, and dreams for immediate and future use.
• Add an architect to the team.

5.  What are considerations for designing and building a new library? The golden rule is 'Form follows function.'  Be certain that whatever is planned will be functional and then dream about the design. 

• Library's mission
• Community's needs
• Library's roles
• Patron's with special needs
• Technological advancements

6.  What are the areas of concern?

• Site/exterior
• Circulation Area
• Reference
• Children's Services
• Book Shelves
• Seating and study areas
• Staff and work areas

        Interior

7.  What must you consider in adding furnishings?

    The color of the walls and carpet will establish the mood.   Clear signage is a must.  Durability and function are the most important and then consider form and style.

8.  What are some requirements for library buildings to meet the standards in the Americans with Disabilities Act?

• Periodicals on display shelfs must not exceed 54" from the floor
• Outside access requires curbs and parking
• Rest rooms to accommodate wheel chairs and include bars
• Must have both visual and audio fire alarms
• Must have plan for emergency escape for people in wheel chairs from all floors
• Light switches, audiovisual switches, fire alarm pulls must be mounted no higher than 48" from floor
• Braille and raised letter signage.
• Circulation desk and service counters 36" from floor
• Drinking fountains and OPACs accessible

9.  How did Carnegie impact library buildings?

Go to Library Services and Resources Table of Contents
Go to Syllabus

Original Content by Carolyn Funes
Last updated: Nov. 2001