Guides librarians and other members of a building design team through the stages of the design process. The checklist format provides a clear, concise way of itemizing the issues, helping your construction project run as smoothly as possible!

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 of spaces. While the list of questions on this checklist is probably not exhaustive, answering them should ensure that no major design elements have been excluded in planning. The scope of this checklist includes: library site selection; building planning and architecture; accessibility for handicapped persons; interior organization of library buildings for circulation, children's services, young adult services, reference facilities, bookstacks and shelving, seating, non-public areas, and convenience facilities; decoration of interiors; ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting; communications and electrical equipment and environment; security systems; mechanicals and noise control; maintenance of the library building and property; and providing for future modifications. Space is provided for responses to and comments on these questions. (MAB)

Building new libraries.

This planning guide will enable libraries to create and maintain a truly inclusive environment for all patrons.

As in the second edition of Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space, this volume outlines the measures of space needed for the use of equipment and furniture within a library setting. It provides drawings of typical library furniture and equipment along with diagrams of the space required for their use. In addition, this volume also contains a brief text that provides an overview of the planning process, as well as details on several aspects of design and planning. With this expanded and revised edition, planners of new, renovated, or existing space will be better able to effectively utilize the space they have and to resist the temptation to overload a given space with too many functions. This third edition significantly expands the number of illustrations found in the previous edition, adding information on newer library technology and amenities. Photographs of furniture and equipment in library settings further enhance the user's understanding of applicable square footage needs. Designed to be consulted after the decision to build has been made, this volume answers the critical question, "How much space do we need?".

Through the real-life examples in this book, readers will learn how the successful modification of existing library buildings or the creation of new buildings requires the active participation and effective collaboration of library board members, administrators, librarians, and architects.

A library interior design guide for architects, designers, and library planners that addresses the functionality needs of staff and design appeal for different age groups, covering signage, traffic, furnishings, materials, colors, lighting, and acoustics.