In 1966 the photographer Martine Franck was commissioned by "Life International" to document the experiences of children in a new library in Paris. The visual essay she produced illuminated the materiality, the design and the children's use of the space. In Birmingham, a recent unconnected research project, 'Libraries in Women's Lives',…

In higher education, libraries are facing drastic spatial changes, transforming areas traditionally used for housing books to spaces for interaction and shifting from individual to team-based learning. This study (a) identifies space uses; (b) examines the environmental satisfaction, support for productivity, and perceived productivity depending…

Libraries have undergone an extraordinary transformation over the last twenty years--from glorified book warehouse to interactive learning environment. For an architect they are currently amongst the most exciting projects to be commissioned to design. Innovation and "Next Generation" are the buzz words. However instead of exploring a first…

A key area of debate within the public and academic library sectors across the world is use of physical space. Changing ideas about what a library should be, coupled with the growth of digital collections, has raised fundamental questions about how library buildings are used and the role of space in library services. Alongside these drivers is the…

Outlines the steps in the library building planning process, including (1) community, user, and staff analysis; (2) plan development; (3) design development; and (4) plan implementation. Guidelines for evaluating the architectural work as it relates to function are provided, and public self-service convenience and improved staff productivity are…

Reports on the redesign of Pima Community College's (PCC) West Campus library/student center. States that the college made the redesign a participatory process, developing a master plan through a series of intensive multiple-day workshops that included faculty members, staff, students, and community members. Concludes that consistent participation…

The Islamic Republic of Iran's parliament, the Majlis, passed in 1990 a law setting out the functions of its national library. In 2005, the inauguration of the first stage of the new national library building was celebrated as a major national cultural and architectural achievement. This article looks at the origins and evolution of the National…

Describes how a historic church building in New Woodstock, New York was converted into a full-service modern library. Discusses community support and patron involvement in the project, the design plan which retained the historical integrity and satisfied modern requirements, funding from local contributions, spatial arrangements, and provisions…

Describes the renovation of the Horace Greeley High School library (Chappaqua, New York). Discusses initial planning; costs; teachers' use of the library; new technology and the blending of print resources; and the appeal of the facility for students. Sidebars highlight the lighting design and renovation goals for the media specialist and…

When the Johnson County Library (Shawnee Mission, Kansas) went the extra mile to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an intensive program of building modification, new equipment acquisition, staff education, and community-awareness promotion was the result. A Disabilities Awareness Month was also launched. (AEF)

Discusses the design of combined school/public libraries and includes the views of three high school librarians and two elementary school librarians who helped create combined libraries. Topics include physical design issues, including entrances, lighting, and location; funding; cost benefits; contracts; signage; and parking. (LRW)

Discusses ways to decrease costs when planning the design of a new library or an addition that also considers future needs. Topics discussed include space allocation considerations for the collection, users, and staff; entrances and exits; structural loading; building configuration; information technology considerations; and staff willingness to…