This article examines the tensions and risks inherent in implementing new technologies and collaborative spaces while maintaining the library's critical role as a "civic temple" and knowledge center that inspires and facilitates contemplation and deep thought. New technologies present "disruptive" challenges, having already…

This study explores the relationship between architecture and interior space on student engagement at a newly constructed academic library. Using an action, mixed-methods approach with a convenience sample, researchers evaluated 744 photographs, 125 behavioral observations, and six group interviews. Analysis revealed four key attributes of…

This paper identifies approaches, challenges, and best practices related to planning and designing today's academic library learning spaces. As part of the Project Information Literacy (PIL) Practitioner Series, qualitative data is presented from 49 interviews conducted with a sample of academic librarians, architects, and library consultants.…

Although the quality, performance and future of public library services in the UK is a matter of debate, there is little doubt that in recent years, despite claims relating to the emergence of a cyber-society, interest in library buildings and the library as "place" has been intense, almost matching that seen during the Carnegie era of…

This article features Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons (IC) at Loyola University Chicago, an all-glass library building on the shore of Chicago's Lake Michigan that is not only a state-of-the-art digital research library and study space--it also runs on cutting-edge energy technology. The building has attracted attention and visitors from…

Results of the 1976 Library Building Award Program sponsored jointly by the ALA Library Administration Division and the American Institute of Architects. (KV)

Pictures and brief descriptions of the libraries receiving awards for architectural design are given. (SJ)

Presented is a satirical description of the perfectly designed library that has something for everybody. (SJ)

A discussion of the architectural planning of libraries, with examples of the types of mistakes that have been made in specific libraries in the past and suggestions as to how these mistakes might be avoided in the future. (RM)

A discussion of the design principles that architects and planners call "Office Landscape, which is an attempt to incorporate a management concept into the total environmental system of a library. The goals of the management concept are to effect communication and to allow change. (RM)

Photo essay illustrates library interiors of 20 newly built or renovated libraries ranging from renovated Carnegies to multimillion dollar university pantheons. Facilities represent academic libraries, public libraries (including children's and young adult's sections), a history library, a medical library, and a corporate library. Names and…

Describes the eight library buildings that won the 1993 Awards of Excellence for Library Architecture from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) including one adaptive reuse, four expansions, two new buildings, and one temporary building. (EAM)

In 1903, Andrew Carnegie provided the community of Lincoln, Illinois, with a $25,000 grant to build a public library. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Lincoln Public Library conforms to the general characteristics of Carnegie public libraries as defined by George S. Bobinski, a leading researcher in the area of Carnegie public…

A personal view which regrets the passing of personal, warm library environments and the ascendancy of "monumental" library architecture. Illustrations of the Bobst Library, Boston Library, Bancroft School. (LS)