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)

Discusses why digitization is not the solution to libraries' storage problems. Describes Harvard University's first off-site storage model and the creation of book storage facilities by several other universities, also noting collaborative storage arrangements. (AEF)

Discussion of problems and mistakes made in library facility planning highlights overemphasis of dramatic architectural elements; communications between architects and librarians; who is in charge of planning process; lighting (effect of library shelving, appropriate location of light switches); setting a schedule; furniture and equipment; and the…

Focuses on selecting appropriate furnishings, floorings, and surfaces for a new library. Discusses appropriate color schemes; carpeting; protecting wood surfaces with polyurethane, user-friendly furniture, and flexible staff workstations. (AEF)

Examines efforts to solve spatial problems at the University of Missouri/Columbia Ellis Library. Discusses lack of funding for library expansion and the decision to have an off-campus storage facility, new space demands brought on by technology, and the innovative storage solution at the University of Southern California's Leavey Library. (AEF)

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)