The author traces the growth of public library building in Finland, discusses the role of public subsidy legislation, and expresses the need for better library planning. (MF)

A library for the blind and physically disabled represents an inventive response to design problems of a social and formal nature. (Author/MLF)

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)

This checklist is designed to provide librarians, architects, and other members of a building design team with a list of questions to ask during the design phase of a new or remodeled library building project. The purpose of the questions is to make sure that no element of the building is overlooked by the building design team in their programming…

This paper discusses the design of flexible and intelligent library buildings. The first section addresses how flexibility, as one of the requirements of a library building, that has high priority in the planning process. Intelligent libraries are considered in the second section, and functionality is stressed. The third section examines…

Describes outreach services at the Calgary Public Library, Canada which are designed to meet the needs of disabled and elderly patrons. Space requirements, library equipment, staffing, and services offered are discussed. Five references are listed. (EJS)

Describes six trends in current library facilities design, whether for new buildings or renovations: self-service and operational efficiency; flexibility and technology integration; green/sustainable buildings that use the natural environment; collaboration between public and school/college libraries; aesthetics; and customizing to the local…

Developed for use in library building projects--whether they involve remodeling, expanding, or erecting a new structure--this handbook discusses the roles of the library administrator, the board, the librarian, the architect, the library building consultant, the interior designer, the building contractor, and others. It also addresses the major…

The design of new public library buildings is influenced by a changing information environment. This article describes the impact of information technology (IT) and community attitudes and expectations on public library planning and design. Outlines considerations for building design: location, identity, symbolism, ambiance, accessibility, size,…

Descriptions of facility planning and design for a college library, a public library, and a community college library highlight those design features that have worked well and those that have not. Ways to facilitate the design process are suggested, and six additional library renovation projects are briefly described. (CLB)

This volume presents the proceedings of the preconference institute of the Architecture for Public Libraries Committee of Library Administration Division's Building and Equipment section. The keynote address raises questions about architecture in a strategy for change. The remaining 14 articles and presentations are divided into five sections:…