What we need are comfortable, identifiable, functional community designs instantly recognizable as libraries. (Author)

The Chula Vista Public Library exemplifies the success of the completely planned library, with each and every element specified before construction begins. In contrast, the Penrose Library at the University of Denver is a triumph of a diametrically different approach: phased construction. (Author)

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)

Discusses the importance of a well-designed library building as an important factor in creating social benefits and positive political responses in the community. The creation and implementation of design criteria for the Cleveland Public Library and the public response are described. (CHC)

Six articles discuss and illustrate new library facilities and furnishings. The winning libraries in the Library Buildings Awards Program, sponsored by American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Library Association (ALA), are shown; two case studies of library renovation and design are presented; and the design for a new medical library…

This publication describes the Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a regional library for the National Library Service (NLS) example of the creative use of physical space and innovative technology. The publication focuses on the materials-handling system designed for the new facility, including system design…

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…

Discusses issues involved with building libraries for the future. Architect Hugh Hardy, who specializes in libraries, describes changes in the field, librarians as clients, planning procedures, unnecessary building expenses, the concept of the central reading room, library entrances, and the marks of a successful library building. (KRN)

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…

A computerized research technique for measuring the space utilization of public library facilities provides a behavioral activity and occupancy analysis for library planning purposes. The library space utilization (LSU) methodology demonstrates that significant information about the functional requirements of a library can be measured and…

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,…

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 design plans for San Francisco Public Library's new Main Library. Highlights include administrative issues, including the role of branch libraries; funding; technology, both for the building itself and for the collections; accessibility for the physically impaired; special collections; and future plans, including an integrated…

Three articles on library buildings present Library Journal's annual architectural survey of completed public and academic library buildings and library projects in progress; guidelines for leasing a shared library facility, and a description of a successful public library building project in Michigan are also discussed. (EM)