Characterizing "older library buildings" as those built prior to 1960, this article discusses special problems and challenges for the librarian and architect renovator, including building codes and new requirements of differing services. (EJS)

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…

Presents a discussion of library facility design with regard to storage needs, readers' needs, and staff needs, with emphasis on lighting, space, and movement paths (galleries, corridors, foyers, halls, arcades). Illustrative material is provided. (EJS)

This state of the art report summarizes current practice and accepted standards in library physical facility design. It is intended to serve as an interim planning guide for Army technical libraries until the completion of the Guided Inquiry System in the second phase of this study. Recommendations made in the report are based on a thorough review…

Discusses 10 library roles that need to be taken into consideration when planning for a new facility: study hall, workplace, distribution center, cost center, part of a community, a museum, part-time parent, a store, an evolving organism, or something more. It is noted that different roles help determine the type of facility needed. (LAE)

A library building program is a reference handbook for the architects to use throughout their planning. It should contain--(1) table of contents, (2) index, (3) summary lists of space requirements, and (4) other useful summaries. The purpose of the program is to define the library building for the architect as interacting separate units of the…

Addresses how to integrate various types of light within the context of library design. Discusses light basics; the light spectrum; light measurement; reflectance; glare and brightness ratio; daylighting; electric lighting; and computer screens and lighting. Includes a checklist for plan review. (Author/LRW)

Describes the architectural process and discusses ways of establishing good communication between architects and librarians so they can work together effectively. Highlights include the schematic design phase, the design development phase; the construction document stage, and the architect working with the contractors. (LRW)

These program materials from the Library Sign Systems Workshop include a news story on the workshop; notes in outline form for a speech presented by Joe Sonderman, president of a graphic designs firm; and an annotated bibliography on signs and sign systems. The news release summarizes a presentation by Dorothy Pollet and Peter Haskell, editors of…

Discussion of Andrew Carnegie era in American public library history focuses on library buildings financed and built in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The building design which Carnegie developed, surviving Carnegie libraries in Philadelphia, procedures for obtaining a library, and comparison of architectural attractiveness of Carnegie libraries with…

Describes three examples of the adaptation of an existing structure to meet library needs in Pennsylvania--a supermarket in Brookville, a Victorian residence in Franklin, and a bank in Haverford Township--noting location considerations, architect assistance, and library usage. Illustrations provided include floor plans. (EJS)

Argues that the key to a successful move to a new facility for a library is advance planning, and suggests practical ways to make a smooth library transition to a new or newly renovated space. (LAE)

This seminar and workbook are designed to aid librarians in planning and designing attractive and efficient libraries in light of the changing technologies of the 1980s. It is based on the premise that the electronic revolution of the 1980s will cause substantial changes in the work force, work processes, and the nature of physical layouts of…

Review of academic library planning developments highlights modular design concept prevalent in 1960s. Problem areas (irregular shapes, interior or exterior courts, monumentality, too much or too little glass) and the use atria, designer lighting, monumental effects, and unusual shapes to relieve perceived monotony are discussed. Five sources are…

Discusses the facets of building design which affect the accessibility of libraries for the physically disabled and presents some basic guidelines for designing accessible libraries. Types of disabilities, questions relating to site design, and specific architectural and physical features of libraries (entranceways, lighting, stairways, and…