Building Libraries for Tomorrow

Transcription

Building Libraries for Tomorrow. INELI Cohort 1 Collaborative Project Report by Jakob Laerkes and Patti Manolis
Building Libraries for Tomorrow
INELI Cohort 1 Collaborative Project Report
by
Jakob Laerkes,
Director, Gladsaxe Libraries, DENMARK
and
Patti Manolis, Chief Executive Officer,
Geelong Regional Library Corporation, AUSTRALIA
forthcoming Oslo Central Library, Norway
Contents
Abstract
Page 3
Executive Summary
Page 4
Introduction
Page 7
Survey Construction and Results
Page 8
Reimagining Public Library Buildings workshop
Page 12
Observation and recommendations
Page 14
Appendix 1 Library Survey tool used
Page 18
Appendix 2 Best Practice Library Case Studies
Page 24
Appendix 3 Literature review
Page 62
Appendix 4 Reimagining Future Library
Buildings Interactive Workshop, Next Library Conference
16-19 June 2013. Presentation, Photos and
Participant Posters
Page 71
2
Abstract
Delivering modern library building projects in an age of rapidly changing societal environments and
ubiquitous technology is a complex business. Contemporary public libraries serve to fulfil a number of
key socio-economic objectives and in order to do so offer a wide range of spaces, services and
experiences. This report explores a number of key factors and spaces required for successful library
building projects through the perspectives of library managers and practitioners representing 17
libraries from 12 countries and who, in the past five years, have been involved in library building
projects identified as best practice examples. The report presents an overview of findings from
responses to a survey covering key vision statements, objectives and intended outcomes, trends
impacting on libraries, characteristics and elements of physical space. It documents a massive shift
internationally from space planning for collections, equipment and associated physical infrastructure
to a strong focus on design for people, community outcomes, experience and innovation. In order to
succeed in delivering on intended outcomes it seems library buildings and the spaces within must be
so flexible and adaptable that they can accommodate multiplicity and ongoing repurposing in all
aspects of service delivery and library usage.
3
Executive Summary
In an age of rapid social, economic and technological change combined with significant shifts in
population, the planning and delivery of new libraries is a complex process and business. The
objectives of this project were to understand the trends impacting on public libraries, the building
design elements or criteria that the sector believes should be considered in the development of the
“perfect” library as understood by library managers and to increase awareness of the existing body of
knowledge and experience in order to assist the profession in building libraries of tomorrow that are
community responsive.
There were two distinct stages to the project. The first stage involved researching key library building
recommendations, guidelines and/or policies available locally and internationally. The second stage
involved engaging with the public library sector and learning from it directly by the distribution and
analysis of a survey to library managers of identified international best practice example library
buildings constructed in the past five years and conducting an interactive workshop as part of the
Next Library Conference 2013 held in Aarhus, Denmark 16 – 19 June 2013.
Twenty five libraries were nominated and approached for inclusion in the survey activity. Seventeen
responses were received. Pleasingly the responses represent several countries with many continents
and regions of the world covered. Countries include Australia, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Greece,
Norway, Singapore, Sweden, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States.
The key aspects of public library buildings explored by the survey are community factors, design
factors and features, impacting trends and types of spaces included. A range of aided multiple choice
and free text response questions (21 in total) were utilised.
At the commencement of the project a literature review (See Appendix 3 for details) was conducted to
understand the extent of the current availability of standards and guidelines that assist in planning
library buildings. The review included formal international, national and State based guidelines as well
as those specific to a local government area or library. A number of articles that discussed new
models and trends impacting on public library building development were included.
A survey, heavily informed by the literature review, was constructed and utilised. The survey included
a number of assisted multiple choice and open ended questions for free text responses. The
information gathered included the vision and strategic intent of the new library, demographic
information, the role/s the library undertook, trends that impacted on the library design, the types of
spaces included, three “must haves”, particular characteristics, or guidelines utilised and/or design
elements, information about any standards and guidelines consulted, methodology for planning the
library, floor area, building cost and date opened.
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The authors were fortunate to be invited to attend the Next Library Conference (June) 2013 and copresent an interactive workshop titled Reimagining Public Library Buildings along with Kari Lamsa,
Library Manager, Library 10, Helsinki, Finland. The conference was attended by 348 people from 38
different countries. Approximately 50 people chose to attend the workshop. The objectives of the
session were to explore with participants through small group work (seven groups) and discussion
what the future library building might look like. The findings of the workshop underscored and
enhanced the information gathered in the literature review and survey findings.
The main findings: There is no one size fits all template for public library development due to the fact
that best practice libraries are unique and responsive to their local communities; New libraries are
increasingly seen as pivotal to placemaking, civic identity and cultural revitalisation; Clarity of vision,
purpose and role are vital to the successful design and construction of future libraries; the role of
libraries is changing rapidly with regular major shifts in societal and technology environments as well
as multiplicity of community needs, usage, services and technology including mobile technology; Best
outcomes both functionally and architecturally occur when all stakeholders are engaged throughout
the detailed research, planning and building process including very importantly, library practitioners
and community members; Modern libraries are co-located with other synergistic facilities including
community hubs, learning centres, civic and cultural precincts, recreation and commercial/retail hubs
and include complementary spaces such as cafes; Though space for hardcopy collections is
decreasing, physical space is increasing due to the need to provide more space for people and the
multiplicity of needs, usage and services.
The research undertaken for this project has provided a valuable and broad range of findings as
summarised above. However, if we were to distill these down to the essence, the absolute essentials
for planning and delivering a successful public library project are:
1. Know your community.
2. Clarity of vision.
3. Plan for people.
4. Understand the intended role/s of the library.
5. Keep abreast of new and emerging societal, information and technology trends.
6. Be very clear about the spaces that must be included and those that will not, including a rationale.
7. Build in flexibility and adaptability to respond to rapid changes and enable repurposing.
8. Ensure high levels of stakeholder engagement and involvement.
Showcasing 17 libraries is clearly not enough. An international focus and framework is needed to help
libraries meet the challenges of tomorrow. The development of an International Library Standards and
Guidelines document is recommended featuring best practice case studies of libraries around the
world. Such a document would be useful for planning and delivery of libraries, ideas generation,
advocacy information and evidence base for the public library sector. People Places: a Guide for
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Public Library Buildings in New South Wales. 3rd edition. 2012 is an exemplar. The authors are also
aware that the Danish Agency for Culture is currently leading a project focused on the development of
a model program for libraries featuring best practice library buildings that is due late 2013.
Finally we would like to recommend the establishment of an International Public Library Award/s
along the lines of the model in place in the United States undertaken by the American Institute of
Architects in conjunction with the American Library Association. Through our research we discovered
many excellent library building examples. The establishment of such an award would acknowledge
the excellent work undertaken, showcase best practice examples, provide increased awareness of
those projects and therefore best practice and evidence for public library industry to utilise for
information, planning and design and advocacy purposes in their respective local government areas.
6
Introduction
In an age of rapid social, economic and technological change combined with significant shifts in
population, the planning and delivery of new libraries is a complex process and business. This
dynamic landscape is impacting on public libraries around the world as they respond to changing
community needs and expectations and the challenges and opportunities these different and
sometimes volatile times bring. In conjunction with societal changes public libraries around the world
are undergoing significant transition in an age of ubiquitous technology. The way communities access
information, the globalisation of information and the rapidly changing technology environment can
result in much complexity in the development of physical space. The pressure to “get it right” has
never been felt more acutely.
The objectives of this project were to understand the trends impacting on public libraries, the building
design elements or criteria that the sector believes should be considered in the development of the
“perfect” library as understood by library managers and to increase awareness of the existing body of
knowledge and experience in order to assist the profession in building libraries of tomorrow that are
community responsive.
There were two distinct stages to the project. The first stage involved researching key library building
recommendations, guidelines and/or policies available locally and internationally. A literature review
document detailing the documents consulted for the first stage is available at Appendix 1.
The second stage involved engaging with the public library sector and learning from it directly. Two
methods were undertaken. The distribution and analysis of a survey and conducting an interactive
workshop as part of the Next Library Conference 2013 held in Aarhus, Denmark 16 – 19 June 2013.
The findings of the literature search assisted the development of the survey tool utilised in the second
stage. The survey was distributed to library leaders of recently built libraries that have been identified
as best practice. The survey used is reproduced in full at Appendix 1.
Identification of recently built (in past 5 years) best practice international examples for stage two was
undertaken by utilising the knowledge, expertise and opinion of the Mentors and Facilitators of the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation’s International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI). Our
aim was to have wide ranging responses from across the globe. Twenty five libraries were nominated
and approached for inclusion. Seventeen responses were received. Pleasingly the responses
represent several countries with many continents and regions of the world covered. Countries include
Australia, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, The Netherlands, United
Kingdom and United States.
An interactive workshop titled Reimagining Library Buildings was conducted by the authors along with
Kari Lamsa, Manager Library 10 Helsinki, Finland. The objectives of the session were to explore with
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participants what the future library building might look like. Information about this project and the new
proposed Helsinki Library were presented followed by an activity where participants explored with one
another the theme of reimagining future libraries.
Survey Construction
The survey (Appendix 1) was informed heavily by three documents:

People Places: a Guide for Public Library Buildings in New South Wales. 3rd edition. 2012.
Commissioned by The State Library of New South Wales, AUSTRALIA and undertaken by
Architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT)

The role of public libraries in urban development and culture led regeneration (Dec 2010) by
Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Henrik Jochumsen and Dorte Skot-Hansen Conference paper
for European public libraries today and in an historical context, Oslo Norway, 9-10 Dec 2010.

A new model for the public library in the knowledge and experience society. Henrik Jochumsen,
Casper Hvenegaard and Dorte Skot-Hansen. Centre for Cultural Policy Studies, Royal School of
Library and Information Science, 2012.

Sacramento Public Library Authority: Facility Master Plan 2007-2025. Sacramento Public Library
Authority Board, 2007.
As well as providing key information about library trends, design and models, they provided an
excellent range of trigger questions and a framework for the survey. The key aspects of public library
buildings explored by the survey are community factors, design factors and features, impacting trends
and types of spaces included. A range of aided multiple choice and free text response questions (21
in total) were utilised. These were developed by the authors and the final survey distributed utilising
Survey Monkey.
Survey Results (See Appendix 1 for full survey)
Participating Libraries were:

Southbank Library @ Boyd, AUSTRALIA

Biblioteka Viva Biobio, CHILE

Biblioteka Viva Sur, CHILE

Biblioteka Viva Tobalaba, CHILE

Hjoerring Bibliotek, DENMARK

Stadbibliotek Stuttgart, GERMANY

National Library of GREECE (in planning)

Deichmanske Bibliotek, Oslo Public Library, NORWAY (in planning)

My Tree House, SINGAPORE

Library @ Orchard, SINGAPORE (under construction)

Clementi Public Library, SINGAPORE

Library@Chinatown, SINGAPORE

Sture Bibliotek, SWEDEN

Umea City Library, SWEDEN (in planning)
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
De Niuewe Bibliotheek Almere, THE NETHERLANDS

John Gray Centre, Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

Anythink Wright Farms, UNITED STATES
The size of the libraries varied from a tiny 188m2 all the way through to 25,000m2 for the proposed
National Library of Greece with the average size being 6,456m2.
Demographic background information provided was varied. It included libraries specifically designed
for children and families (My Tree House, SINGAPORE), place based for residents and workers,
specialist in nature for example a focus on Chinese culture (Library@Chinatown, SINGAPORE),
addressing community disadvantage, reaching out to multicultural communities, diverse users of a
Metro station (Sture Bibliotek) and the general community. The responses demonstrate a change
from common past practice of focusing on the surrounding general community to a targeted and
specific community focus and development, problem solving and specialisation.
Catchment population size minimum was 10,500 all the way though to 2.5 million. Some libraries
services were not able to provide a detailed response because the catchment included visitors,
workers, tourists with detailed population data across the areas unavailable.
A free text question about the vision and strategic intent of the library building elicited a wide range of
responses which are provided in detail in the individual case studies but is it worth noting the diversity
of response including being the first library in the world to be “steered by green principles” at all
stages of the project, be an iconic and hip library, convenience and accessibility, cultural and artistic
focus, increasing democracy and citizen engagement, educational focus, informal activity space,
vibrant community hub and bringing library to users. This suggests that public library planning is being
undertaken in synch with wider objectives informed by local and national governments with emphases
determined by the priorities of the local area.
The intended role of the library building provided an interesting array of responses. The multiple
choice question provided 15 possible responses including “other”. No one particular role scored
100%. The top 3 responses were Community Living Room, Lifelong Learning Centre, and Community
Library all being selected by 88% of respondents.
This is a significant finding that illustrates and overwhelming a desire and intention for libraries to
provide safe space for people to interact with each other. Libraries seem to have embraced and
incorporated into their physical space the notion of the “third place” as proposed by Ray Oldenburg in
his book The Great Good Place. He argued that third places are important for civil society, democracy
and civic engagement. Third places act as "anchors" of community life and facilitate and foster
broader, more creative interaction. Typically these places are free, offer food and drink, are highly
accessible, involve regular attendances and are welcoming and comfortable. The increasing provision
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of cafes in libraries highlights this direction. Libraries as community living rooms signify a shift from
libraries of the past.
Public libraries have for a long time held a core belief in self-improvement through reading, learning
and discovery. This now acknowledges and encompasses that this learning is ongoing throughout
one’s life. Lifelong Learning as a role was also suggestive of an increasing trend to making the
collections, information and services available in libraries come alive with regular learning and cultural
programming. Public libraries are responding to the trend of ongoing learning throughout one’s life
and providing opportunities for individuals to access non-formal learning with a view to increasing
skills, knowledge and confidence and providing learning that stimulates, enriches and empowers. The
survey results also show that increasingly, libraries are supporting formal learning in partnership with
learning providers.
The next three most selected responses were Cultural Centre (82%), Information Technology Hub
(65%) and Leisure Centre and Civic Landmark both at (53%). Interestingly globalisation has been
accompanied by a rise in quest for local identity and colour. Libraries are tapping into this need for
local distinctiveness though for example local history collections and services, events and programs
that celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity and a greater awareness of the rich array of people living
in local communities. Public libraries are also increasingly developing their role as a centre for culture
through for example access to the narrative arts, oral history projects, poetry workshops, access to
works of the imagination and ideas, the provision of exhibition space for local artists and a range of
artistic and cultural workshops.
47% of libraries also chose “other” and elaborated with responses including Study and workplace,
Intercultural place, House of Literature, Multipurpose Hub and Digital Culture. This illustrates the
diversity of roles that public libraries can play and that the choice of specific roles being dependent on
the requirements in the local community or catchment. It also illustrates a shift to providing more
space not less for a multitude of roles. This multiplicity of purpose is resulting in great innovation as
evidenced by the information provided by the respondents and detailed in the individual case studies.
The trends impacting on public libraries and building design that achieved the highest rates were:

Public libraries as places of social capital for connecting communities and facilitating community
cohesion (88%)

Community living room or libraries as third place after home and work (also 88%)

New information and communication technologies (76%)
These were followed by three trends that scored equal 71%:

Cultural development and revitalisation

Programs and partnerships, including catering for a diverse range of users and partnering with
other organisations to deliver services
10

Collaborative learning environments and learning commons
The two least selected trends were:

Ageing community (24%)

Access for indigenous community members (12%)
Physical space design is clearly being impacted by a range of library trends demonstrating the
complexity of planning physical space to enable inclusion of a diversity and multitude of trends and
desired outcomes by the modern public library. The responses in this area are consistent, pleasingly,
with the expressed roles of public libraries. Interestingly the trends most chosen match the most
popular choices selected in the roles of public libraries section, that of inclusion and community. The
library’s ability to generate social capital and build opportunities for inclusion particularly among
vulnerable groups is recognised. Closely following community factors is Technology. Public libraries
are responding proactively to the rapidly changing technology environment and demonstrating that
this has an impact not just in online services but also in the provision of appropriate physical space in
which to use and experiment ensuring they lead in emerging technologies and continue to address
the digital and content divide. Public libraries are recognising the need to be proactive in provision of
space that is conducive and adaptable to the multiplicity of current and future technology equipment
and content and in turn enabling innovation in service provision, space and library usage.
The least two selected trends are surprising given the fact that populations particularly in first world
and/or Western Countries are ageing and many nations are making significant inroads in service
provision and engagement with Indigenous Communities.
The question about spaces included in the design of the new library presented 26 options including
other. Print collection and multimedia collection spaces scored equally at 100% followed by Children’s
area, Newspaper/Media area, Technology spaces, Wireless access spaces and Exhibition spaces all
selected by 94% of respondents. These were followed closely by Staff space (88%) Group learning
Space (82%) and Cultural activity space (82%).
The least selected spaces were theatrette (35%), Dedicated space for other services (eg Local
Government services, Local Government administration, visiting services, elections) (35%) and Other
(35%). Those selecting other described the inclusion of café/restaurant, tourist information space and
artist in residence studios. Though public libraries are clearly on a path to providing well for ecollections and technology, space for print collections continues to be important very important in
recently constructed and “in planning stage” libraries. The responses demonstrate a diversity of
spaces required that meet collection, cultural, learning and technology needs, The high rate of
selection of children’s area demonstrates agreement that young people and their reading literacy and
learning needs are a high priority for public libraries.
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Characteristics and design elements important to the design of the library provided 16 possible
choices. With equal ratings at 94% were Image and Identity, Furniture and Fittings and Lighting.
Following these at 88% were Accessibility, Collection layouts and Shelving and display. Marketing,
quality of furniture fixtures and fittings and positive physical experience were the top priority as
demonstrated by the responses. Surprisingly given the range of objectives and vision statements,
flexibility and/or multifunctional, was not included in the top responses. The least chosen elements
were Service desks, Order and orientation and Acoustics all scoring 59% followed by Public Art at
53% and Health and Safety at 47%.
Only 5 of the 17 libraries responded that standards and guidelines were used in the developing the
library and of those only 3 used recognised library related standards (People Places: a Guide for
Public Library Buildings in New South Wales and IFLA Library Building Guidelines). One library used
Paco Underhill's "Why we buy: the science of shopping" as a guide for creating comfortable space
reflecting a desire to provide a more retail oriented experience. Library planners relied on a number of
activities including the setup of committees. Pleasingly all libraries responded that multidisciplinary
teams including library staff were involved. This is strongly recommended by the literature and it is not
surprising that identified best practice libraries ensured staff representation. What is surprising and
contrary to existing library guidelines is the varying degree to which community members were
involved. Only five of the 17 respondents recorded any community representation in the planning
process even with community members listed as a prompter as part of the survey question. A range
of factors could be influencing this including political, cultural, project timeframes and the wishes of
the governing authorities.
Reimagining Future Library Buildings Interactive session – Next Library 2013 Conference
348 people from 38 different countries attended the Next Library Conference in June 2013.
Approximately 50 people chose to attend an interactive workshop titled Reimagining Future Library
Buildings conducted by the authors along with Kari Lamsa, Manager, Library 10 Helsinki, Finland.
The objectives of the session were to explore with participants what the future library building might
look like and/or contain. Information about this project and the new proposed Helsinki Library were
presented followed by an activity where participants explored with one another the theme of
reimagining future libraries. The discussion points that could be explored by the groups were:

What are the key societal, economic, environmental and design trends that will impact and inform
the future library buildings?

What are the main roles and philosophy of the future library?

In an age of ubiquitous and rapidly changing technology what are the important spaces that must
be included in future libraries?

Discuss and explore the characteristics and design elements important to successfully functioning
library buildings.
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Following a short presentation the workshop participants were asked to form into small groups and
discuss the 3 most important elements that must be included in a highly successful library of the
future. The elements could be spaces or characteristics eg staffing model. Participants were asked to
use photographs and pictures provided to develop a poster documenting the discussion and
conclusions. This was followed by a power pitch/reporting back to the whole group activity. The
interactive session was lively and generated some interesting, affirming and thought provoking
responses.
All groups discussed public libraries as being for people and that is was paramount to have people at
the centre of planning and practice. Libraries were described as being at the heart of the community,
putting people first, enabling empowerment and democracy and welcoming all irrespective of
background and circumstances for social connection or individual contemplation. Staff were
discussed as being part of the people equation and the quality and inclusion of staff as important.
In terms of physical library elements and trends participants spoke of the need for flexibility in spaces
so that they can be used for a variety of uses and functions whether it be learning, cultural or
recreational activities. Vibrancy and colour in design were highlighted as important for providing
people with a physical environment that can enable them to “blossom”, inspire creativity and
community meeting space. Flexible spaces were seen as vital to ensure sharing of knowledge,
connections with other and interaction in a variety of ways including gaming, cultural events such as
music. One group described this as hybridisation and spoke about spaces being used for the same
thing at different times or different things at the same time. The need to include environmentally
sustainable principles featured. Spaces for real time and people and virtual digital space for
interacting across the world was discussed. Digital Technology was highlighted as key by most
groups with recognition that less hardwired and more flexibility is required.
We were stunned and amazed that not one group of the seven focused on what could be termed the
more “traditional’ services such as collections. The workshop underscored the findings of the survey
in relation to libraries as the community living rooms where social capital is generated and where
innovation is encouraged and actively supported. What was also highlighted was the acceptance and
ability for libraries not only to embrace change but to be the instigators of change in their
communities. Examples were the discussions about leading the community in the provision of new
technologies such as 3d printers, providing spaces for experimentation such as maker spaces and
introducing lifelong learning programming across all ages as well as exhibitions. A high level of
innovative thinking was evident.
The interactive session provided the authors a great opportunity to explore the topic with library
professionals from many different countries. It was positive to experience the level of interest,
commitment and a willingness to explore change and innovation in the pursuit of best possible library
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services and experiences for their respective communities. We are very grateful to the organisers for
their inclusion of our project in the conference program.
Observations and recommendations
Based on our survey, interactive workshop and all our readings we offer the following observations
and recommendations:
Role of the library

Public libraries are responding to the increased expectations and roles they are required to fulfil
with great commitment and a high level of proactivity and innovation.

The role of public libraries has changed significantly from passive collection based institutions to
active, vibrant facilities offering easy access to collections, space to engage in meeting and
learning with others, reader development, cultural programs, content creation activity and
experimentation and digital era services.

The global increase in access to web-based information accentuates the need for a shift in focus
from collections to people.

The driver for successful library design must always be the intended community and the outcome
and impact of the library for its people.

Community engagement and consultation is essential to ensuring that library facilities meet the
needs of the catchment population.

The best outcomes both functionally and architecturally occur when all stakeholders are engaged
throughout the detailed research, planning and building process. This includes, very importantly,
library practitioners and community members.

Involvement in design and building processes strengthens the ownership by the stakeholders.

The most common themes of public library vision statements are community and cultural
development.

Public libraries are important and safe community facilities are one of the few, if not the only,
facilities that provide access across all age groups, backgrounds and personal circumstances.

Major cities are increasingly constructing new libraries to provide town centre, iconic architecture,
placemaker function and civic identity and space.
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Spaces and design

Public Libraries come in all shapes and sizes. There is no one size fits all template.

Even though hardcopy collections are decreasing, the need for physical space is increasing. This
is due to the recognised need for purposed designed and welcoming people spaces conducive to
people engagement with library resources, services, programs, technology and other people.

Best practice libraries are very flexible in design responding to rapid changes in societal trends,
multiplicity of needs, usage and services and especially in the way technology is used including
mobile technology.

Modern libraries are co-located with other synergistic facilities including community hubs, learning
centres, civic and cultural precincts, recreation and commercial/retail hubs.

Cafes are becoming an essential component of a modern library enhancing the visitor experience
and the duration of stay.

Designated spaces and technology attract young people and is particularly important in
communities experiencing disadvantage. Where this is well developed, libraries are an attractor
of young people.

Though still an emerging trend libraries are increasingly providing content creation spaces such
as maker spaces, workshops and other flexible programming spaces.

Best practice library buildings include significant Environmentally Sustainable Design features.

There is an emerging trend of developing whole libraries specifically targeted to particular
demographic groups or objectives.

While excellent architectural design is desirable and indeed essential it must never take
precedence over community needs and functionality.
15
Other Recommendations

Local history and Heritage Centres can be successfully integrated in libraries. There is an
increasing interest in all things Heritage including local history and family history.

Public art is used as an interpretative feature or design element and is becoming an important
component of a library project.

Hardcopy print and multimedia collections are and will continue to be a vital component of new
libraries into the short and medium term.
Concluding remarks
The research undertaken for this project has provided a valuable and broad range of findings as
detailed above. However, if we were to distill these down to the essence, the absolute essentials for
planning and delivering a successful public library project are:
1. Know your community. Detailed demographic research and extensive community engagement and
consultation will ensure that the library building reflects and responds to community needs,
expectations and aspirations.
2. Clarity of vision. Although our survey responses elicited a variety of eclectic responses, best
practice libraries were able to articulate a clear vision and strategic intent.
3. Plan for people. People and community and the variety of uses they will make of a library must be
the key driver for planning and design. Though it is ostensibly a building that is being designed it is
actually the community that must be front and centre of all the planning and design work. Design the
building from the inside out, not outside in.
4. Understand the intended role/s of the library. From community engagement and research should
emerge understanding of the new library’s intended roles. These can vary from placemaking though
iconic architecture, lifelong learning centre, through to community living room, Technology Centre,etc.
5. Keep abreast of new and emerging societal, information and technology trends. For example
rapidly growing populations will need a building than can expand to accommodate future growth,
programming responsive to sociocultural regeneration will require appropriate programmed and
unprogrammed spaces and emerging technologies will impact on the infrastructure/hardwiring as well
as the flexibility required for new technologies as they arise.
6. Be very clear about the spaces that must be included and those that will not, including a rationale
that is linked very closely back to the vision/strategic intent and the intended roles of the library.
16
7. Build in flexibility and adaptability to respond effectively to rapid changes and enable repurposing.
This is particularly important in the context of the digital revolution and continual radical changes ina
range of technologies as well as being able to respond to community priorites and needs as they
arise.
8. Ensure high levels of stakeholder engagement and involvement including library practitioners and
community members.
Showcasing 17 libraries is clearly not enough. An international focus and framework is needed to help
libraries meet the challenges of tomorrow. The development of an International Library Standards and
Guidelines document is recommended and featuring best practice case studies of libraries around the
world. This is useful for both planning and delivery of libraries, ideas generation, advocacy information
and evidence base for the library sector. People Places: a Guide for Public Library Buildings in New
South Wales. 3rd edition. 2012 is an exemplar. The authors are also aware that the Danish Agency
for Culture is currently leading a project focused on the development of a model program for libraries
featuring best practice library buildings that is due late 2013.
Finally we would like to recommend the establishment of an International Public Library Award/s
along the lines of the model in place in the United States undertaken by the American Institute of
Architects in conjunction with the American Library Association. Through our research we discovered
many excellent library building examples. The establishment of such an award would acknowledge
the excellent work undertaken, showcase best practice examples, provide increased awareness of
those projects and therefore best practice and evidence for public library industry to utilise for
information, planning and design and advocacy purposes in their respective local government areas.
17
Appendix 1 - Library Survey
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19
20
21
22
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Appendix 2
Individual Case Studies. Information directly from survey answers content.
Southbank Library @ Boyd, 207 City Road Southbank, Victoria, AUSTRALIA 3006.
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/MELBOURNELIBRARYSERVICE/Pages/SouthbankLibrary.aspx
Project Cost: $10m AUD / $9.2M US for whole community centre redevelopment including the library
Year Opened: 2012
Library size: 250 m2 / 820 ft2 (library), 2000 m2 / 6560 ft (entire community hub)
Catchment population: Currently 10,500 catchment population growing to just under 20,000 by
2031.
Demographics: Highly educated with workforce comprising Managers, professionals and Arts &
Recreation employees. Highest rate if internet connectivity in all of Melbourne. Ethnically and
linguistically diverse community. Characterised predominantly by young adults aged 20 to 34 years
usually living alone or as a couple. Many international students. Vast majority live in high-rise
apartments.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Transform an existing heritage building, formerly a school into a vibrant
new community hub for Southbank. Preserving the original heritage character of the building, the
design has improved its sustainability and created new spaces to accommodate a range of
community services and exciting new possibilities for the Southbank community. At Boyd you will not
only find Southbank Library, but also Artist studios, Maternal and Child Health Services, Meeting
rooms, outdoor spaces, a café and more. The remainder of the Boyd site is being redeveloped in the
coming year and will include a 2500 m2 urban park plus a residential and commercial building.
Role of library includes: Civic Landmark, Iconic building, Placemaker/Attractor, Community Living
Room, Lifelong Learning Centre, Cultural Centre, Public Information Centre, Information Technology
Hub, Community Library, Multipurpose Hub.
Impacting trends: Population growth and changing demographics; Public Libraries as places for
social capital connecting communities and facilitating community cohesion; Cultural Development
24
and revitalisation; community living room/third place; breakdown of hierarchy; urban and social
regeneration; whole of life value and design excellence; Environmentally and ecologically sustainable
design; Programs and partnerships; youth culture; New technologies; Collaborative Learning; Access
for Indigenous Community members; Competition and marketing.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Print collections; Multimedia collections;
Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural
activity space; Magazines/Newspaper; Returns; Technology spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed
flexible space; Events room; Market/Retails Space; Dedicated space for other services; Other – Artist
in Residence studios, Social enterprise café, Literary magazine.
Three Must haves included: Innovative collection arrangement informed by retail and reader
development principles. Collaborative service model supported by flexible custom designed service
pods. RFID Technology enabling Customer Self Service.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity: Flexibility/Multifunction; Order
and orientation; Accessibility; Smart technology; Collection layouts; Shelving and display; Furniture
and fittings; Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; marketing and branding; Ecologically
Sustainable Design; Lighting; Health and Safety.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: People Places: a Guide for Public Library
Buildings in New South Wales
Space working most successfully: Collection layout including gentrified non-fiction.
Space working least successfully: Community lounge area is located in a thoroughfare
Do differently next time: Integrate community lounge into the library rather than current location in
foyer.
25
Biblioteka Viva Biobio, Carrere Poniente Local 301 T-113 Concepcion, CHILE
http://www.bibliotecaviva.cl/noticias/2012/11/20/descubre-biblioteca-viva-biobio/
Project Cost: $796,000 (USD)
Year Opened: Nov 2012
Library size: 300 m2 / 984 ft2
Catchment population: 967,757 in Province of Concepcion (2012 Census)
Demographics: Industrial zone designed for middle income families.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Offer a cultural public space in high demand areas such as shopping
centers. Provide meeting place, encourage people to read and participate in all kinds of cultural
activities.
Role of library includes: Community Living Room, Lifelong Learning Centre, Cultural Centre, Public
Information Centre, Information Technology Hub, Leisure Centre, Joint Use/Partnership Library,
Community Library
Impacting trends: Public Libraries as places of social capital connecting communities and facilitating
social inclusion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community living room/third place; urban
and social regeneration; whole of life value and design excellence; Environmentally and ecologically
sustainable design; Programs and partnerships; Ageing Community; Youth culture; New technologies;
Collaborative Learning; Access for Indigenous Community members;
Spaces included: Entry Foyer/Lobby; Children’s Area; Teenage/Youth area: Print collections;
Multimedia collections; Meeting rooms; Group learning space, Cultural Activity Space; Magazines
/Newspapers/Other media; Returns area; Technology spaces; Wireless access; Exhibition spaces;
Staff spaces; Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room.
Three Must haves included: Children’s and youth areas and the Multipurpose Room.
26
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and identity; Flexibility and/or
multifunctional; Accessibility; Smart technology; Collection layouts; Shelving and display; Furniture
and fittings; Signage and wayfinding; Ecologically sustainable design (ESD); Lighting; Acoustics.
Other comment: “To provide our users and attractive and functional space where they can feel
comfortable like in their homes”
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: None
Space working most successfully: Children’s and Youth area and spaces with wireless.
Space working least successfully: Need more shelving for collections. Better conditions for cultural
activities.
Do differently next time: Wouldn’t change much as current design is cosy and comfortable. More
shelving.
27
Biblioteka Viva Sur, Avenida Jorge Alessandri No. 20040, A San Bernardo, Santiago, CHILE
http://sur.bibliotecaviva.cl/
Project Cost: $552,000 US
Year Opened: 2009
Library size: 220 m2 / 721 ft2
Catchment population: 430,570 in Province of Maipo
Demographics: Low income families who live in the suburbs and away from cultural centers.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Provide access to literature, reading and culture for the working class
who generally do not have contact with these goods and services.
Role of library includes: Community Living Room; Cultural Centre; Leisure Centre; Neighbourhood
Library; Community Library.
Impacting trends: Population growth; Public Libraries as places of social capital connecting
communities and facilitating social inclusion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community
living room/third place; Urban and social regeneration; Multicultural society and community diversity.
Spaces included: Children’s area; Teenage/youth area; Print collections; multimedia collections;
Meeting rooms; Cultural activity space; Magazines / Newspapers / Media space; Local History
Studies / Heritage; Returns area; Technology spaces; Exhibition spaces; Events Room.
Three Must haves included: Children’s and youth because they give a huge variety of possibilities to
young readers. General collection for adults.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and identity; Order and orientation; Shelving
and display; Furniture and fittings; Service desks; Lighting.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: No
28
Space working most successfully: Children’s area because it is visually attractive and the
collection was selected very carefully.
Space working least successfully: All spaces successful.
Do differently next time: Bigger youth area to expand range of youth specific collections such as
sages and comics.
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Biblioteka Viva Tobalaba, Avenida Camilo Henriquez 3296 Local A-171 Mall Plaza Tobalaba,
CHILE http://tobalaba.bibliotecaviva.cl/
Project Cost: $464,000 US
Year Opened: 2012
Library size: 291m2 / 955 ft2
Catchment population: 490,000 in Puento Alto.
Demographics: Low access to reading and cultural resources. Located in a mall surrounded by
many villages. Mostly middle income.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Promote reading everywhere there is low interest in books. Increasing
reading activity in the community with an attractive designed place able to develop different cultural
and artistic workshops.
Role of library includes: Community Living Room, Cultural Centre, Joint use/Partnership library;
Joint use / School Library; Neighbourhood Library; Community Library; Other – Study and Work
space.
Impacting trends: Public Libraries as places of social capital connecting communities and facilitating
social inclusion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community living room/third place; Urban
and social regeneration; Youth Culture; New information Technologies; Multicultural society and
community diversity.
Spaces included: Children’s Area; Teenage/Youth area: Print collections; Multimedia collections;
Meeting rooms; Group learning space, Training/Teaching Space; Cultural Activity Space; Magazines
/Newspapers/Other media; Local History/Studies/Heritage; Returns area; Technology spaces;
Wireless access; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces; Events room; Theatrette; Market/Retail Space.
Three Must haves included: Study and work area with comfortable chairs and tables in WIFI
connection area; Children’s area; Increase reading area seating; Youth area and its identity.
30
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity: Flexibility/Multifunction; Order
and orientation; Accessibility; Smart technology; Collection layouts; Shelving and display; Furniture
and fittings; Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Marketing and branding; Public Art; Lighting.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: None
Space working most successfully: Children’s area because its design is thought to be a huge
colored bookshelf, mini theatre and painting blackboard.
Space working least successfully: No space is least successful but we think that the youth area
could have more identity using more colors and more book shelves.
Do differently next time: The youth area and more natural light in reading areas.
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Hjoerring Bibliotek, DENMARK. Metropole 30, 1. 9800 Hjoerring, DENMARK
http://www.bibliotekerne.hjoerring.dk/
Project Cost : No building costs as located in Shopping Mall and rent payable. Internal fitout
including furniture, fixtures, fittings and equipment was 13M DKK / $2.3M US
Year Opened: 2008
Library size: 5,000 m2 / 16,404 ft2
Catchment population: 66,000 population serviced 4 libraries and mobile library. Local Hjoerring
catchment 25,000.
Demographics: Ordinary Danish town including some higher education such as the University
College.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Informal space for activity, a meeting place, a place for inspiration,
reflection and learning. Culture and playfulness are key words. Designed the library in cooperation
with an artist duo Bosch and Fjord combining art, design, architecture and knowledge about
interaction between space and people. Other inspirations are Ray Oldenburg’s The Great Good Place
and Jan Gehl’s theories about urban planning. Finally we worked with theories and inspiration from
the Danish Agency for library and media and their 10 recommendations for working with children’s
libraries.
Role of library includes: Town Centre; Civic Landmark; Placemaker / Attractor; Community Living
Room; Lifelong Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Leisure Centre; Neighbourhood Library; Community
Library.
Impacting trends: Public libraries as places of social capital for connecting communities and
facilitating community cohesion; Community living room or libraries as third place after home and
work; Community living room or libraries as third place after home and work; Ageing community;
Youth culture; Collaborative learning environments and learning commons; Competition and
marketing for community's leisure time.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Teen Youth area; Print collections; Multimedia
collections; Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space; Teaching training space;
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Lifelong learning space; Cultural activity space; Quiet study space; Magazines/Newspaper; Local
History/Studies/Heritage; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless access; Maker Spaces; Exhibition
spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room; Market/Retails Space; Dedicated
space for other services.
Three Must haves included: Our headline was “people meet people” and therefore it was important
for us to create and informal and welcoming atmosphere in a smashing design.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity: Flexibility/Multifunction;
Accessibility; Smart technology; Collection layouts; Shelving and display; Furniture and fittings;
Service desks; Marketing and branding; Lighting; Acoustics; Health and Safety.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: No.
Space working most successfully: We have designed library that is for everybody with its different
kinds of seating, lightning and design.
Space working least successfully: The placement of the reading room close to the children's
section.
Do differently next time: Only minor details
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Stadbibliotek Stuttgart, Stadbibliothek am Mailander Platz 1, D-70173 Stuttgart, GERMANY
http://www1.stuttgart.de/stadtbibliothek/
Project Cost : 79M € / $105M US
Year Opened: 2011
Library size: 20,225 m2 / 66,355 ft2
Catchment population: 2.5M
Demographics: Stuttgart is the capital of the region Baden-Württemberg. Stuttgart is very
multicultural and has important automobile industries.
Vision and Strategic Intent: The opening of the City Library at Mailänder Platz fulfils a dream that
the Stuttgart Public Library has had since 1997. As early as the beginning of the 90s, it was clear that
the central library in the Wilhelmspalais, once one of the most modern libraries in Germany, was
straining at the seams; there was no room for its development as a community public library. In 1997
the opportunity arose to erect a new building on the site of the former goods station, at the future
Mailänder Platz. The State Capital Stuttgart wanted to develop an intensively-used educational and
cultural institution as a lively centre for the new district, which could make the area an attractive
proposition for investors on the basis of the number of visitors, and one that would act as an
intellectual counterpart to the commercial areas developing all around. The City Library was always
proud of this special role in the development of the City.
Role of library includes: Civic Landmark; Iconic Building; Placemaker / Attractor; Community Living
Room; Lifelong Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Public Information Centre; Community Library. Other – Centre for digital culture and intercultural library. All age Library and Centre for innovative
learning.
Impacting trends: Changing demographics. Public libraries as places of social capital for connecting
communities and facilitating community cohesion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community
living room or libraries as third place after home and work; Breakdown of hierarchy, including
collaborative learning and roving staff; Urban and sociocultural regeneration; Whole of life value and
design excellence; Environmental and ecologically sustainable design; Programs and partnerships;
Ageing community; Youth culture; New information and communications technologies; Collaborative
learning environments and learning commons; Multicultural Society and community diversity.
34
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Teen Youth area; Print collections;
Multimedia collections; Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space; Teaching
training space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural activity space; Quiet study space;
Magazines/Newspaper; Local History/Studies/Heritage; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless
access; Maker Spaces; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room;
Other – Roof Terrace and Gallery.
Three Must haves included: The library as physical space; The library as "expanded library" and
promoter of digital literacy; The intercultural and all-age library and center of innovative learning.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity: Order and orientation;
Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Public Art; Ecologically sustainable design; Lighting;
Acoustics; Health and Safety.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: Yes German Public Library Standards. Standards
were fulfilled but the core of the success are the innovative concepts.
Space working most successfully: It is difficult to say which space is the most successful! The
interaction between the different spaces and offers and the spectacular architecture makes our library
successfully.
Space working least successfully: More learning rooms for small groups.
Do differently next time: Our meeting place MAX-Bense is too small.
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National Library of GREECE (in planning), Delta Faliriou
Project Cost : Not known as yet
Year Opened: In planning stage
Library size: 25,000 m2 / 82,020 ft2
Catchment population: 300,000 plus entire nation as is a National Library.
Demographics: The national library will be part of a complex which will include the new opera and a
park the demographics of the community varies from low income to middle class families
Vision and Strategic Intent: the new national library building will be state of the art facility that
will fulfil the traditional mission of a National library but through the development of a public
library space (on the ground floor and part of the 1st floor, total of nearly 6000 m2 will also
offer educational and cultural programming to children and adults, creating the new
generation users of the national library.
Role of library includes: Civic Landmark; Community Living Room; Lifelong Learning Centre;
Cultural Centre; Public Information Centre; Information Technology Hub.
facilitating community cohesion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Environmental and
ecologically sustainable design; Programs and partnerships; New information and communications
technologies; Collaborative learning environments and learning commons;
Spaces included: : Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Teen Youth area; Print collections;
Multimedia collections; Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space; Teaching
training space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural activity space; Quiet study space;
access; Maker Spaces; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Dedicated
space for other services.
Three Must haves included: Wireless access; Training Space; Lifelong Learning Space.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity; Flexibility and multifunction;
Accessibility; Collection layouts; Ecologically sustainable design; Lighting; Acoustics.
Space working most successfully: the library is still under construction but we do hope that
the public library space focusing more on the idea of creating experience than on the
collections could be an attraction for the community.
36
Space working least successfully: Do not know really hope there will not be such space!
Do differently next time: at the moment we are in the situation of making the last revisions to
the plans of the public library space on the ground floor. it is important changes which
hopefully will help to develop a more attractive and innovative space.
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Deichmanske Bibliotek, Oslo Public Library, (in planning), Arne Garborgs plass 4, 0179 Oslo,
NORWAY http://www.deichman.no/
Project Cost : 2.6 billion Norwegian Kroner / $440M US
Year Opened: Will open in 2016/17
Library size: 20,000 m2 / 65,617 ft
Catchment population: 630,000
Demographics: The main library for the city of Oslo, the capital of Norway, ca 630.000 inhabitants.
Characteristics of the city is rapid growth, 20 % immigrants, multicultural, but a divided city: wealth,
good housing, good health in west, multicultural and lower standards of housing and living in east.
some schools with more than 90 % children with other ethnicity than Norwegian.
Vision and Strategic Intent: The main library in Oslo is an important move towards transforming the
library services and functions into the present and future development of digital techniques and
resources. Digitally published material is easy accessible if you know where to search for it, if you
know the possible existence of interesting and inspiring sources in the world of information, and if you
know how to operate the varied devices like computers/Ipads/phones and can afford to buy it. One of
our statements is: what you cannot see does not exist. This is true both for digitally published and for
traditional physical material. The library will have to unwrap and unfold both sources and expose them
in a tempting way in the physical frame of the new library space. The digital content will have to be
combined with the physical representation of information: books. We foresee that books will still be an
important carrier of information in future, but it will not have the dominant role. The library as an editor
and curator are key words to describe our strategy. Another statement is: the library is a space in the
city attracting citizen attention and increasing their awareness and alertness. The public library is a
fundamental building block in modern democratic societies. To attract citizens and engage them in
dialogue, debates, sharing experiences and opinions, the library space and the library organisation
must prepare for and make a priority of facilitating the meetings between citizens and between
citizens and the published content available in the library. The main library project in Oslo will take on
this challenging task of merging the physical with the digital, exposing the resources in new and
tempting ways and combine them in a space organised for citizen dialogue, sharing and democratic
debate. To manage this, the project develops a new typology for library buildings and functional
rooms. We structure the floors in the library according to user activities and the processes we shall
38
facilitate: learning, sharing and curiosity. Varied topics will need visualizing and book shelving as
structuring elements is replaced by an intended mix of exhibition surfaces, tools for working and
interactive interfaces. Varied seating for all purposes and varied and strong identities in the different
zones in the library will meet the different needs and enhance the use of the library as an exciting and
inviting hub for learning and personal growth. These are principles for designing the library room and
new services, both in the new main library and the branches.
Role of library includes: Town Centre; Civic Landmark; Iconic Building; Placemaker / Attractor;
Community Living Room; Lifelong Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Information Technology Hub;
Neighbourhood Library; Community Library. - Other – House of Literature – competence centre and
activities concerned with literature as art.
Impacting trends: Population growth; Changing demographics; Public libraries as places of social
capital for connecting communities and facilitating community cohesion; Cultural development and
revitalisation; Community Living Room; Breakdown of hierarchy; Urban and socio-cultural
regeneration; Whole of life value and design excellence; Environmental and ecologically sustainable
design; Programs and partnerships; New information and communications technologies; Collaborative
learning environments and learning commons; Multicultural society and community diversity.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Print collections; Multimedia collections;
Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space; Teaching training space; Lifelong
learning space; Cultural activity space; Quiet study space; Magazines/Newspaper; Local
History/Studies/Heritage; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless access; Maker Spaces; Exhibition
spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room; Theatre/Theatrette; Market/Retail
space; Dedicated space for other services eg local government; Other – Food and beverage
café/restaurant.
Three Must haves included: Exhibition areas - to unfold and make information sources visible and
attractive is central elements in our strategy collaborative spaces for users - to inspire to use the
sources, be creative and share event rooms - for active involving of citizens, free debate, freedom of
speech is fundamental for democracy.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity: Flexibility and multifunctional;
Order and orientation; Accessibility; Smart technology; Collection layouts; Shelving and display;
Furniture and fittings; Signage and wayfinding; Marketing and branding; Ecologically sustainable
design; Lighting; Acoustics; Health and Safety.
Other - A big new library for the future addresses several of these issues. Building a library is
complex. Some issues are important for the city planners, some for the architects, some for the library
functions, and some for staff. To combine is difficult, and the importance of library functions up
against architecture can be a struggle.
39
Space working most successfully: Still not opened. But what we see as the greatest success in this
planning phase is the ground floor. The main entrance area will be an immediate meeting with lots of
activities including real library activities, expositions, cafe, seatings. - not a traditional lobby.
Space working least successfully: Envisaged it will be the closed stacks. Due to lack of space and
difficult priority during the planning process.
Do differently next time: The closed stacks.
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My Tree House, World’s first Green Library for kids. Central Public library, National Library
Building, 100 Victoria Street, B1-00, SINGAPORE 188064. http://www.pl.sg/
Project Cost: Not available
Year Opened: 2013
Library size: 500 m2 / 1,640 ft2
Catchment population: not available. Serves an average 105,000 visitors per month.
Demographics: Mainly families, children up to the age of 12 years and their caregivers.
Vision and Strategic Intent: My tree House is the first library in the world to be steered by green
principles in all facets from design, infrastructure and use of sustainable materials to collection and
programming.
Role of library includes: Iconic building; Placemaker / Attractor; Lifelong Learning Centre; Joint
use/Partnership Library; Community Library. Other – world’s first green library for kids.
Impacting trends: : Public libraries as places of social capital for connecting communities and
facilitating community cohesion; Community Living Room; Environmental and ecologically sustainable
design; Programs and partnerships; Collaborative learning environments and learning commons;
Competition and marketing for community’s leisure time.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Print collections; Multimedia collections; Group
learning space; Individual study space; Lifelong learning space; Magazines/Newspaper; Technology
spaces; Wireless access; Exhibition spaces. Other – Tree House for children.
Three Must haves included: Collection area; Tree House and performance area. Collections were
key in encouraging children to read and learn more in line with the environmental awareness theme
while the tree house provided a different learning experience for children.
Accessibility; Collection layouts; Furniture and fittings; Marketing and branding; Public Art;
Ecologically sustainable design. Other – These design elements were important in creating the
41
intended features and look and feel for the Green Library for Kids. The use of sustainable and
recycled materials was a key design element and feature.
Space working most successfully: The various features to encourage awareness about the
environment and learning are working well as it has intrigues the interest of children and we have
seen them interacting with these features.
Space working least successfully: Library recently opened so too early to tell.
Do differently next time: Library recently opened so too early to tell.
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Library @ Orchard, 277 Orchard Road Orchard Gateway Shopping Mall, Levels 3 and 4.
SINGAPORE 238858 http://www.pl.sg/
Year Opened: Under construction and will open in 2014 replacing current library.
Library size: 1,700m2
Catchment population: Residents, workers and shoppers in the Orchards Road vicinity.
Demographics: The library is targeted to be a hip, trendy and happening library, reaching out to
young adults from 18-35 years.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping belt this
library is poised to be an iconic hip and happening library much like its predecessor, NLB’s first
lifestyle library in 1999.
Role of library includes: Iconic Building; Placemaker / Attractor; Community Living Room; Lifelong
Learning Centre; Information Technology Hub; Leisure Community Library.
revitalisation; Community Living Room; Breakdown of hierarchy; Urban and socio-cultural
regeneration; Whole of life value and design excellence; Programs and partnerships; Youth culture;
New information and communications technologies; Collaborative learning environments and learning
commons; Multicultural society and community diversity; Competition and marketing for community’s
leisure time.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Teenage/Youth area; Print collections; Multimedia collections;
Group learning space; Individual study space; Teaching training space; Lifelong learning space;
Magazines/Newspaper; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless access; Maker Spaces; Exhibition
spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Theatre/Theatrette.
Three Must Haves included: Prior to the set-up of the library we set up a prototype exhibition to elicit
feedback from users so that we could refine the design further. In this prototype exhibition the key
43
spaces were that of the cocoon, the book tree and the memory bank which tied in to the overall user
needs and personas we had gathered.
Furniture and fittings; Signage and wayfinding; Furniture and fittings; Service desks, Marketing and
branding; Public Art; Lighting; Acoustics. The concept for the library was developed using design
thinking and NLB had partnered a local polytechnic (Singapore Polytechnic). NLB worked closely
with the students and lecturers through design thinking to capture user needs through in–depth
interviews and built user personas to brainstorm ideas for prototyping.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: No. Used multidivisional project team to design
the spaces, services, collections and layout.
Space working most successfully: n/a
Space working least successfully: n/a
Do differently next time: n/a
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Clementi Public Library, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, The Clementi Mall, SINGAPORE
129588 http://www.pl.sg/
Project Cost : Not available
Year Opened: 2011
Library size: 1,900m2 / 6,233 ft
Demographics: This library reaches out to residents, families, students and workers in the western
art of Singapore specifically the Clementi area as well as Clementi Mall shoppers.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Offering convenience and accessibility for users to shop and visit the
library as part of their daily routine to borrow library materials and attend programs.
Role of library includes: Community Living Room; Lifelong Learning Centre; Leisure Centre;
Community Library.
capital for connecting communities and facilitating community cohesion; Community Living Room;
Breakdown of hierarchy; Programs and partnerships; New information and communications
technologies; Multicultural society and community diversity.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Teenage/Youth area; Print collections;
Multimedia collections; Individual study space; Magazines/Newspaper; Returns; Technology spaces;
Wireless access; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Events room.
Three Must haves included: Collections; Transaction area and program zone were key spaces for
the library as these would tie in with the overall concept of the library and the idea of public libraries in
shopping malls.
45
Order and orientation; Accessibility; Collection layouts; Shelving and display; Furniture and fittings;
Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Furniture and fittings; Marketing and branding; Lighting;
Health and Safety.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: No. We set up a multidivisional project team to
design space, services, collections and layout.
Space working most successfully: The entire library is well used and the children’s sections is
particularly well loved by the children and parents as there are storytelling kiosks and supporting
collections.
Space working least successfully: Title recommendation kiosks.
Do differently next time: Larger library space in high traffic mall libraries.
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Library@Chinatown, Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge 04-12, SINGAPORE 059413
http://www.pl.sg/
Year Opened: January 2013
Library size: 1,000m2 / 3,280 ft2
Catchment population: Targeted at library users who want to cultivate a greater understanding of
Chinese culture and an appreciation of Singapore’s multicultural history.
Demographics: Students, teachers, seniors and families.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Offer a curated collection that caters to both general arts and culture
enthusiasts and the general public who are keen to learn more about Chinese arts and culture.
Role of library includes: Placemaker/Attractor; Community Living Room; Lifelong Learning Centre;
Cultural Centre; Information Technology Hub; Joint use/ Partnership; Community Library.
facilitating community cohesion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community Living Room;
Breakdown of hierarchy; Urban and sociocultural regeneration; Whole of life value and design
excellence; Programs and partnerships; Collaborative Learning environments; Multicultural society
and community diversity.
Spaces included: Entry foyer/Lobby; Children’s area; Print collections; Multimedia collections; Group
learning space; Individual study space; Cultural activity space; Magazines/Newspaper; Local
History/Studies/Heritage; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless access; Exhibition spaces; Events
room.
Three Must haves included: Collections, DIY services and spaces to enable volunteer run library.
Characteristics and design elements included: Image and Identity: Order and orientation;
Accessibility; Collection layouts; Shelving and display; Furniture and fittings; Signage and wayfinding;
Marketing and branding; Lighting.
47
Space working most successfully: The thematic focus on Chinese arts and culture has proven to
be successful as it provides a one stop shop for all things Chinese arts and culture for all ages in all
languages.
Space working least successfully: More programming required to keep the place lively.
Do differently next time: Consider having similar community supported libraries run by volunteers.
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Sture Bibliotek, Grev Turagatan 6, 114 46 Stockholm, SWEDEN
https://biblioteket.stockholm.se/en/bibliotek/sture-bibliotek
Project Cost: 6,344,000 SEK / $972,000 USD
Year Opened: 2009
Library size: 288m2 / 944 ft
Catchment population: Hard to tell because the library’s focus is travellers as well as people living in
the area.
Demographics: The library was not designed particularly for the surrounding community, but for all
the people using the metro station. The surrounding community is much of a business and shopping
area with a lot of people passing by every day. The metro station in which the library is located is one
of the central ones, and therefore used by far more people than the ones living in the area. For
example there are a lot of students passing by since the University of Stockholm and the Royal
Institute of Technology is on the same metro line.
Vision and Strategic Intent: The vision was to bring the library to its users rather than to force the
users to go to the library. At the metro station you can visit the library on your way to work, school,
shopping or other activities in the city centre. By establishing a library at the metro station we wanted
to make it easier for people to use our services and make ourselves visible to new groups of people.
Role of library includes: Civic landmark, Placemaker/Attractor, Community living room, Lifelong
learning centre, Cultural centre, leisure centre, Neighbourhood library, Community library.
Impacting trends: Population growth, Community Living Room, Youth culture.
Spaces included: Children’s area; Teen/Youth area; Print collections; Multimedia collections;
Individual study space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural activity space; Magazines/Newspaper; Local
history/Heritage; Returns; Wireless access; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible
space; Events room;
Three Must haves included: 1. Unprogrammed flexible space - since the library is very small and we
want to use it for a lot of different activities. 2. Display space - since many users only have minutes to
visit us the books and other media must be presented to them in an effective way.
49
Characteristics and design elements included: Flexibility and/or multifunctional; Smart technology;
Shelving and display; Furniture and fittings; Ecologically sustainable design (ESD); Lighting; Other –
Small library that many people can visit in a rush on their way to and from the metro.
Space working most successfully: The main book space with all the display options in the heart of
the library, and is working the way it was planned.
Space working least successfully: The study/reading space next to the café is the least successful.
The café is noisy and the seats are too few.
Do differently next time: The study/reading space would be located in a more silent area, with better
furnishing.
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Umea City Library, SE-911 78 Umea, SWEDEN (in planning)
http://www.umea.se/umeakommun/funktionsmappar/sprak/languages/english/culturalactivitieslibr
aries/libraryservices.4.bbd1b101a585d704800068167.html
Year Opened: Opening late 2014
Library size: 15,000 m2 / 49,212 ft2
Demographics: Focus is on cultural life that is open and accessible to everyone throughout the
municipality.
Vision and Strategic Intent: The new library building is a part of a big strategic development project
with the ambition to strengthen the role of culture as a driving force for sustainable city development.
With the help of culture, downtown development has been planned so that it will be characterized by
meeting places, cultural activities, experiences, small-scale businesses, eating-places and other
establishments that contribute to making the city safe and full of life all year round. The strategic intent
has been described more closely in three reports for the Cultural Board; 2008 Thinking ahead Moving forward is a basis for thinking strategically about Umea’s library activities. The future
perspective should be 25 years, which is impossible, so I started to look back 25 years. One
conclusion I made was that reflecting on the past is good, the library’s historical strengths are also its
potential for the future, but that which the library has accomplished or does is not always the best
guide for the future. Libraries must therefore find a balance between upholding that which is traditional
and keep pace with other developments in society. The report also includes a chapter about
sustainability. 2009 Explore - Discover - Be inspired is a report to the Cultural Committee's decision to
produce supporting data for the Central Public Library of the future. The title is from three banners
outside the Library of Congress which we saw at a study tour after we got the United Nations Public
Sector Award in the category Improving the delivery of services with the motivation. This award is
given in the recognition of the exceptional contribution of city of Umeå, Library 2007 Sweden, towards
improving the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of Public Service. 2010 It should be big enough so
that there is room for everyone who wants to get in. This report is on conditions for a prospective
Centre for Culture in or near an area called "City between the bridges". The report attempts to present
cultural activities as a new concept where the contents and cooperation are points of focus. The
various activities are grouped in the clusters e.g., cultural meetings, knowledge, creativity, know-how,
51
communication and information, competence, and film as a platform, along with commercial and
culinary platforms. The title is a quotation from a group of girls aged 9 to 12 who have expressed their
expectations for the future city library.
Community Living Room; Lifelong Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Public Information Centre;
Information Technology Hub; Leisure Centre; Joint use/Partnership Library; Community Library. Other – With the help of culture, downtown development has been planned so that it will be
characterized by meeting places, cultural activities, experiences, small-scale businesses, eatingplaces and other establishments that contribute to making the city safe and full of life all year round.
Impacting trends: Population growth; Public libraries as places of social capital for connecting
communities and facilitating community cohesion; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community
Living Room; Breakdown of hierarchy; Urban and socio-cultural regeneration; Whole of life value and
design excellence; Environmental and ecologically sustainable design; Programs and partnerships;
Youth culture; New information and communications technologies; Collaborative learning
environments and learning commons; Multicultural society and community diversity.
Multimedia collections; Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space;
Teaching/training space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural activity space; Magazines/Newspaper;
Local History/Studies/Heritage; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless access; Maker Spaces;
Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room; Theatre/Theatrette;
Market/Retail space; Dedicated space for other services eg local government.
Three Must haves included: Spaces for other cultural institutions and organisations that can support
and complement the library. Spaces that inspire and give the prerequisite for your own cultural
activities. General spaces for flexible usage.
Characteristics and design elements included:. Image and Identity: Flexibility and multifunctional;
Furniture and fittings; Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Marketing and branding; Public Art;
Ecologically sustainable design; Lighting; Acoustics; Health and Safety.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: Yes. IFLA Library Building Guidelines:
Developments and Reflections. Nan Dahlkild, university lecturer at the Royal School of Library and
Information Science, Denmark. Dorte Skot-Hansen and Marianne Andersson Ray Oldenburg: The
Great Good Place The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) has submitted an extensive
report that analyses the library of the future from a ten-year perspective, The future of the Dutch
public library: ten years on. Developments and reflections.
52
Space working most successfully: n/a
Space working least successfully: n/a
Do differently next time: n/a
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De Niuewe Bibliotheek Almere, Postbus 10284,1301 Almere, THE NETHERLANDS
http://www.denieuwebibliotheek.nl/
Project Cost: 30m € / $40m USD
Year Opened: 2010
Library size: 11,500m2
Catchment population: 195,000 growing to 325,000 over next 30 years.
Demographics: Multicultural, lower middle class, ambitious. Almere is a new town, built on the
bottom of the former Zuiderzee.
Vision and Strategic Intent: To build a very attractive library in the internet age; a library like a shop,
with many places for study and a lively program, of lectures, films, debates and other events; the
library as the place to be, the living and study of the city; the library is the public library for the city and
the school library for the polytechnic.
Community Living Room; Lifelong Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Public Information Centre;
Information Technology Hub; Leisure Centre; Joint use/Partnership Library; Joint use/ School Library;
Neighbourhood Library; Other – We wanted to build a very complete library.
Impacting trends: Population growth; Cultural development and revitalisation; Community Living
Room; Breakdown of hierarchy; Whole of life value and design excellence; Programs and
partnerships; Youth culture; New information and communications technologies; Multicultural society
and community diversity.
Multimedia collections; Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Individual study space;
Teaching/training space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural activity space; Quiet Study Space;
access; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room;
Theatre/Theatrette; Market/Retail space; Dedicated space for other services eg local government.
54
Three Must haves included: n/a
Furniture and fittings; Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Marketing and branding; Public Art;
Ecologically sustainable design; Lighting; Acoustics; Health and Safety. They are all essential for a
modern library.
Space working most successfully: All public spaces are of high quality and fine atmosphere.
Space working least successfully: The placement of the café is too far from the entrance.
Do differently next time: The Reading café.
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John Gray Centre, 15 Lodge Street Haddington, East Lothian EH 41 3DX, Scotland, UNITED
KINGDOM http://www.johngraycentre.org/
Project Cost: £5.4m / $8.4m USD for whole centre
Year Opened: 2012
Library size: 1,665 m2 / 5,462 ft2
Catchment population: 9,000 in local area of Haddington but as a county facility serving a
population of 100,000.
Demographics: The centre was designed for the local community in the area surrounding the county
town of Haddington, but also for the wider community in East Lothian. The library is aimed at the local
area, but has in fact become a central library for the county. The archive and local history section was
designed as a whole County service and also to attract visitors from both the rest of the UK and
abroad. The aim of the centre was to attract those who might not consider that libraries and heritage
were for them and there were certain groups that were particularly targeted.
Vision and Strategic Intent: The vision was to relocate the library to a central location with much
more space for borrowing, accessing IT and participating in reading activities. This was to be a shared
service which would also bring together the existing local history library together with a new archive
service. This together with creating museum and gallery space in the centre would provide seamless
access to heritage collections. This bringing together of heritage and information resources was not
just a vision for the building, but also through electronic means. A web site was designed to bring
together all the collections for East Lothian www.johngraycentre.org/. The use of existing listed
buildings was a key part of the vision, based in the centre of the town and which would draw visitors
to East Lothian and to the town of Haddington.
Lifelong Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Public Information Centre; Information Technology Hub;
Joint use/Partnership Library; Neighbourhood Library; Other – Heritage Centre and Visitor
Information.
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revitalisation; Whole of life value and design excellence; Environmentally and ecologically sustainable
design; Programs and partnerships; Ageing community; Youth culture; New information and
communications technologies; Collaborative learning environments; Multicultural society and
community diversity; Competition and marketing for community’s leisure time.
Multimedia collections; Meeting Rooms; Group learning space; Lifelong learning space; Cultural
activity space; Quiet Study Space; Magazines/Newspaper; Local History/Studies/Heritage; Returns;
Technology spaces; Wireless access; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Events room; Market/Retail
space; Other- Tourist Information space.
Three Must haves included: A separate room for events and activities so that a full programme of
reading and heritage events and activities could take place whilst others parts of the building were
available to the public. Through the business plan we planned to run a range of activities to
encourage people to visit and make use of all the facilities. This space is heavily used and is also
available for the community to book for events as well. A dedicated archive and local history space
which would have room to display all of the book collection, which could be on open display together
with a number of microfilm/fiche readers and PCs to provide access to collections held. Also a space
that would ensure the security and safety of archive collections being made available to the public so
a distinct search room is also included A dedicated area for teenagers with their own computers,
reading and studying space to encourage more young people to make use of the service. This has
certainly worked as we have had much increased use of the library by young people who are using it
as a place to meet. to study and to borrow.
Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Marketing and branding; Public Art; Ecologically sustainable
design; Lighting; Acoustics; Health and Safety.
Image and identity and marketing and branding were key areas and were very much integral to the
design. It was important that the signage and branding followed a theme throughout from on street
signage to the guiding through the building and a logo and colours for the signage were designed to
achieve this. Reader development principles were used for the layout of collections in the library with
lots of face out display and locating key collections in the entrance to the library. The centre is made
up of 3 listed buildings of different periods and these are brought together by a glass atrium as the
central point for accessing the building. Existing features have been incorporated into the building,
such as pillars, external windows becoming an internal design feature and a hoist being preserved in
the local history library ( this part of the building had been a former seed merchants)It was crucial to
provide an open and welcoming feeling and to encourage people to come into the centre. This was
57
achieved by the use of the glass atrium , extending out slightly into the street. As part of the atrium a
piece of glass artwork was commissioned. There is a % for the arts scheme in Scotland where a
percentage of the cost of the building will also include some art work. The artwork also adds to the
grandeur of the atrium and draws attention to the building, creating fabulous light effects in the
entrance due to the light reflecting on it. Furniture and fittings were chosen to blend the heritage feel
of the building and the modern concept of a library. So in the library traditional wooden shelving was
chosen, but given a modern feel with shelf ends with stunning scenes of East Lothian on them. This
then linked with the centre being for the whole of Haddington and also a destination for visitors to the
county. Ensuring that the centre is accessible to all was very important so the use of lifts, electronic
doors and the provision of a changing room toilet, as well as baby changing facilities etc. ESD has
been used where possible, such as the lighting system. Lights can dim when the natural light is good
and there is no one in a particular area. H&S is very important and was a key consideration in
designing the spaces.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: Apart from the Technical Standards and Building
Regulations, the Fire Authority recommendations (including L1 early detection fire alarm system),
there are: DDA related standards, with additional Guidances from Centre for Accessible Environments
and their Audit requirements, which affects all parts of the design fundamentally to cater for the
disabled, including the circulation, reception desk designs, heights of buttons, door handles, signage
colour contrast and layout of floor plan, is all based on various inclusive design recommendations.
Additional guidance for Changing Places was followed, to provide a toilet with body hoist and space
for care assistance to accommodate for different needs. BS 5454 Standards as well as National
Archive (NAS) standards for the archives with 4 hours fire rated walls and structural support, the
electrical controls and "dead zone" for the prevention of sparks within the archives when no one is in
the room, the temperature and humidity controls to a fine level within the archives and to adjustable
defined zones within the work room and the secure search room. Guidance for Security Design for
Libraries and Museums, helped to finalise the regimes for lock down, entry controls, surveillance,
secure search room arrangements, together with staff and user input. Multiple Sustainability
Guidances which relate to energy efficiency of the building, despite being a listed building it has been
upgraded to beyond regulatory standards where reasonably practicable, and where the listed status
allows. With the building management system, which controls the lighting (with light level and
presence detection and dimmable lights), ambient temperature and efficient system for electrical and
water consumption with effective controls. Where permissible, and certainly for the Library, there is
better than regulations required amount of insulation to the floors and walls which will give maximum
benefit for heating purposes i.e. minimum energy consumption. The windows are fitted with slim
double glazing with e-glass. British Standards for the lighting of work spaces and libraries, with
required lux levels at different heights and spread of light to illuminate all shelves in libraries, as well
as solar control to stop glare.
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Space working most successfully: the ground floor library is really well used and very busy space.
Due to the good open and spacious design which blends the historic building with a modern feel for
the library through the use of lighting and design of the furniture. The bay end shelves have stunning
photographs of East Lothian built and natural heritage attached.
Space working least successfully: The least successful space is that you have to walk through the
computer suite to get to the events room. This was due to the elongated nature of the buildings which
made best use of the spaces available.
Do differently next time: Create an additional smaller meeting space, which would allow more
flexible use of the events/training/learning space for larger activities. The demand for the events room
has exceeded expectations and there has been so much interest in using the centre for community
activities.
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th
Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 East 120 Ave, Thornton Colorado, UNITED STATES 80602
http://www.anythinklibraries.org/
Project Cost: $13.5m USD
Year Opened: 2010
Library size: 13,700 m2 / 44,947 ft2
Demographics: 70% of our population is under the age of 50, young families with children, moderate
to lower upper middle class.
Vision and Strategic Intent: Design space that supports interaction with content, learning and
content creation. Design space that is fluid and flexible as the role of libraries changes. Design the
library for hospitality and comfort.
Role of library includes: Town Centre; Placemaker / Attractor; Community Living Room; Lifelong
Learning Centre; Cultural Centre; Public Information Centre; Information Technology Hub; Leisure
Centre; Neighbourhood Library; Community Library.
facilitating community cohesion; Community Living Room; Breakdown of hierarchy; Whole of life
value and design excellence; Environmentally and ecologically sustainable design; Youth culture;
New information and communications technologies; Collaborative learning environments; Competition
and marketing for community’s leisure time.
Multimedia collections; Meeting Rooms; Training / Teaching Space; Group learning space; Lifelong
learning space; Cultural activity space; Quiet Study Space; Returns; Technology spaces; Wireless
access; Maker spaces; Exhibition spaces; Staff spaces: Unprogrammed flexible space; Events room;
Market/Retail space; Other-café, community garden, community park.
Three Must haves included: Studio space for digital content creation; flexible open space for
programs; creative community space. All of these spaces support our mission. Our key strategies are:
60
learning organization, participatory library, innovation, collaborating with our community and shifting
perceptions of libraries.
Service desks; Signage and wayfinding; Marketing and branding; Public Art; Ecologically sustainable
design; Lighting; Acoustics; Other - Creating beautiful spaces that are intended to make the customer
feel comfortable and empowered is critical. Our library is filled with touch points that support our new
image and brand.
Library specific Standards and Guidelines used: Yes. We created our own vision that inspired our
spaces. We used Paco Underhill's "Why we buy: the science of shopping" as a guide for creating
comfortable space.
Space working most successfully: We created our own vision that inspired our spaces. We used
Paco Underhill's "Why we buy: the science of shopping" as a guide for creating comfortable space.
Space working least successfully: Staff space allocation was minimalist. I would redesign/rethink
this option. (We created shared workspaces, which is still a good idea, but we need more individual
storage space.)
Do differently next time: Staff workspace and I would include more storage space.
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Appendix 3 - Literature Review
Literature Review
A literature review was conducted to understand the extent of the availability of standards and
guidelines that assist the planning and development of new library buildings and to inform the
construction of questions for the survey of selected library managers engaged in this project.
Parameters for the review were: a focus on public libraries; a mix of standards and guidelines; other
research focused on the future library roles, trends and challenges for library design.
1.
Biblioteket I byudviklingen – oplevelse kreativitet og innovation, 2011. Casper
Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Henrik Jochumsen og Dorthe Skot-Hansen.
PURPOSE/INTENT
Research project about public libraries in urban development.
The research project analyze and discuss the library’s future role on the basis of international, Nordic
and Danish best practice examples.
How can the library serve as a catalyst for change and urban development?
How can the libraries enhance the creative and innovative city as a space for experiences and new
meetings?
How can the library contribute to synergy, connections and transformations through new creative
partnerships?
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Identifies the librarys role as a place, as a space and in creating relations.
The modern library is moving away from collections and towards being the living room of the
community. A transformation from a passive collection of books to an active space of knowledge and
inspiration. Argues that libraries cannot act alone and that strategic partnerships are becoming more
and more common. The libraries of today are becoming part hybrid cultural arenas and as a result of
this are focusing more and more on the user and user generated content and interaction.
OTHER INTERESTING CONCLUSIONS/POINTS
Very focused on the library as a placemaker.
2.
Cuyahoga County Public Library Capital Projects. Cuyahoga County Public Library,
2013. Tracy Strobel and others.
PURPOSE/INTENT
A compilation of documents pertaining the different capital projects in Cuyahoga County Public
Libraries. The intent is to Show the different zones, technology and building aspects that should be
considered when building modern branch libraries. Covers the technological aspect and standards.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Contains very detailed building standards that are of interest to everyone that are involved in planning
processes. Also has an interesting section on technology standards.
The general design considerations under each branch is very interesting and is divided up in:
Accessibility, Flexibility, Sustainability, Efficiency, Safety and Security as well as public and non-public
spaces in the specific libraries.
Contains a very thorough list of different possible areas that should be considered when designing a
library.
Very focused on the technical aspects of the building and planning process.
WEB LINKS TO DOCUMENT AND SUPPORTING MATERIAL
http://cuyahogalibrary.org/capitalprojects.aspx
62
3.
DC Public Library Services and Facilities: A Framework for continuing success. DC
Office of Planning, 2010.
PURPOSE/INTENT
Based on a report created by a Blue Ribbon Task Force charged with assessing DC Public Library's
strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. The purpose of the paper is to condense the findings of the
report an analyze the strength, weaknesses an opportunities. A lot of the content can be applied to
libraries in general.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
While most of the report is interesting, the most interesting findings are in the relatively short chapters
2 and 3. Chapter 2 is about Library services in the 21st century and states that libraries today are less
about where to put stuff and more about providing access to tools and resources people need.
libraries need to be inviting places that emphasize and foster community connections and provide
places where the community can gather, learn and experience. Chapter 3 contains the framework for
future success: Libraries need to be where people are, Library buildings need to invite exploration,
Technology is an integral element of the future library, Libraries are offering spaces for shared
learning and collaborative creation.., Library buildings should still offer a place for reflection, Libraries
need to be flexible.
The recommendations are based on national and local data concerning behavioral patterns of library
use and the needs of the library user.
http://www.dclibrary.org/node/12174
4.
Designing Library Space for Children. Edited by Ingrid Bon, Andrew Cranfirld and
Karen Latimer. De Gruyter Saur, 2012.
PURPOSE/INTENT
Brings together articles/papers presented at the Open Session of the Libraries for Children and Young
Adults and the Library Building and Equipment sessions at IFLA World Congress 2009. Brings
together information on how librarians and architects around the world are rethinking library design.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
There has been a renewed focus on and interest in library architecture. Library buildings need to
change yet seems to be “business as usual” far too often. Greater understanding is required of media
convergence and media usage by children leading to a more dynamic library model. Greater
understanding required of children and youth, learning patterns and trends in education. It
recommends enabling children to participate in designing libraries and building libraries for children
that enable a wide range of uses and interests. Examples from around the world including place
making for specific age groups within the walls of the library at Jacksonville Public Library (USA),
shifting from serious and scholarly to spaces to fun spaces that make young people feel at home at
the Santiago Public Library (Chile), the provision of a range of experiences including play, creation
and reading based on Sven Nilssen’s pyramid of cultural needs at Hjorring Library (Denmark), a
philosophy titled the Library of 100 Talents based on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple
intelligences which enabled the inclusion of children as co-creators of library spaces.
Reiterates the importance of the 2 “A”s as covered in the IFLA Library Buildings guidelines, these
being Adaptability, Accessibility and Aesthetics.
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5.
IFLA Library Building Guidelines: Developments and Reflections. Edited on behalf of
IFLA by Karen Latimer and Hellen Niegaard. KG Saur, Munchen, 2007.
PURPOSE/INTENT
Provides trends information as well as guidelines on the process of planning and designing library
buildings. Guidelines and recommendations only, not rules, which can be adapted to local conditions.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Three major reasons for the publication:
Constructing a new library is an experience that is usually only experienced once or very
occasionally in a library directors/managers professional life
The need for a publication which brings all issues and information required in one place
Physical Library is undergoing massive transformation from collection dominated to user centric.
Divided into 2 sections. The first is developments and reflections which contains a number of articles
written by library managers from around the world and covering qualities of a library, trends impacting
on the physical library, space/floor area requirements, marketing, user centric planning, staff areas
and a case study of a new library development. The second part of the book provides a number of
“how to” chapters again written by a range of library practitioners as well as other professionals such
as interior designers and architects. Topics covered include choosing an architect, practical means of
estimating library space, interior design considerations, ESD, how to renovate historic
buildings/heritage considerations, choosing a site.
Found the first article the most interesting for our project as it detailed the 10 qualities of a library
being: functional, adaptable, accessible, varied, interactive, conducive, environmentally suitable, safe
and secure, efficient, suitable for information technology. In addition it states a new library should
have ‘oomph’ or ‘wow’ factor.
http://www.ifla.org/publications/ifla-library-building-guidelines-developments-reflections
6.
Library Space: Inspiration for Buildings and Design. Edited by Hellen Niegaard, Jens
Lauridsen and Knud Schulz. Danish Library Association, 2009.
PURPOSE/INTENT
To stimulate new thinking in library design through the provision of examples mainly from Denmark,
The Netherlands and other Nordic countries. The introduction acknowledges the incredible transition
underway in public libraries from Local Government Reform in 2007 in Denmark to the shift from
classical library to ”experimentarium” offering new learning and experiences.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
The first section comprises articles written by a diverse range of people including architect, library
manager, Local Government Director and Consultant. The articles present the current library in
transition including a move from “fortress” to flexibility and equality as posed by Rem Koolhaas, the
library’s key contemporary and future role of the provision of space for meeting learning and
experiencing, the library’s impact on the urban environment through the provision of democratic,
networking, partnership and staging space and finally Rolf Hapel articulating the ‘need for
reconstruction of public libraries to maintain relevance and succeed in supporting the important
values of inclusion, democracy, equality knowledge and cultural development.
The remaining substantial sections provide a range of case studies of recently built or in final planning
stage libraries including world class library buildings such as Amsterdam, Seattle and Oslo; libraries
that demonstrate transformation from traditional to new models including DOK library in Delft, Cerritos
Library in Los Angeles County and Hjorring Library; innovative children and teen libraries including
ImaginOn in Charlotte, Aarlong Library in North Denmark, Culture House in Stockholm. New types of
branch libraries such as Helsinki’s highly regarded Library 10, Citizen Services partnership with
libraries on Aarhus, Mind and Body Centres seeing pools and libraries hubbed together and the
transformation of Gellerup Library into a community centre.
64
3 small final sections provide recommended reading/tools for planning current at the time of
publication, an insightful look at the internal competition process through the experience of a Project
Director Building Consultant and a Private Public Partnership approach as experienced by the Kolding
library Project.
7.
A new model for the public library in the knowledge and experience society. Henrik
Jochumsen, Casper Hvenegaard and Dorte Skot-Hansen. Centre for Cultural Policy Studies,
Royal School of Library and Information Science, 2012.
PURPOSE/INTENT
To present a four space model for the new public library created by the authors and to demonstrate
how the model has been used in different ways in Nordic library
Design/methodology/approach – The paper is divided into three parts. The first part emphasizes
considerations regarding today's focus on both the virtual and the physical library. The second part
describes the four-space model, including examples of libraries as illustrations of the different spaces
and examples of how the model is being used in the Nordic library-world. The third part pinpoints
some critical questions in relation to the model.
Findings – The paper shows how the four-space model has been used in different ways in the Nordic
countries since it was presented for the first time in a Danish report on public libraries in 2010.
Practical implications – The four-space model can be a useful tool in relation to developing, building,
designing, arranging and rearranging public libraries. Furthermore the model can be a tool for
management and communication in connection with library plans and policy and not least a point of
departure for the discussion of the public library's overall role in society.
Originality/value – This is the first time that the space model is presented to the library world outside
the Nordic countries in a way where examples, usability and limitations are included.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Societal change requires that the public library transforms itself to better fulfill user needs. Public
libraries must change their goals in order to respond to trends such as globalisation, detraditionalisation and cultural liberation. The authors propose four goals: Experience, Involvement,
Empowerment, Innovation. The first two relating to individuals perception and quest for meaning and
the latter two about strengthening community ability to solve problems or develop new ways answers,
concepts or artistic expressions.
These key goals are then translated into a model for the public library that encompasses all following
4 spaces:
The inspiration space (underpins experience and innovation through the opportunity for a range
of transformative experiences that can occur though storytelling, artistic expression, cultural
events)
The learning space (underpins experience and empowerment by facilitating discovery and
exploration through access to information, play, artistic activities)
The meeting space (underpins empowerment and involvement goals though provision of the third
place between home and work for informal and formal meetings where topics and problems are
analysed and discussed.)
The performative space (underpins involvement and innovation by providing space for interaction
to create new artistic expressions and a range of creation and publishing tools such as games,
writing, video and sound workshops as well as means for distribution of content).
The model can be used in a number of ways or contexts including the development of a new library,
evaluation of existing library services, as a means to new services development.
65
http://www.kulturstyrelsen.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/dokumenter/bibliotek/indsatsomraader/U
dvalg_om_Folkebibliotekernes_rolle_i_videnssamfundet/A_new_model_for_the_public_library
.pdf
http://www.jbi.hio.no/bibin/nordic_conference/Skot%20Hansen,%20Oral%20presentation.pdf
8.
Nordic Public Libraries 2.0. Jonna Holmgaard Larsen (Editor). Danish Agency for
Libraries and media, 2010
PURPOSE/INTENT
A collaboration between the Danish Agency for Libraries and Media, Ministry for Education and
Culture in Finland, Norwegian Archive and Swedish Arts Council the document aims to introduce and
highlight examples of new public library services introduced in various Nordic libraries.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Though not strictly speaking a standards or guidelines document it poses some interesting ideas and
issues for modern libraries that can inform the development of new public library buildings. At the
heart of the document is the Nordic tradition for public enlightenment and a realisation of a shift from
provision of access to information to a more active role as facilitators of knowledge through services
such as meeting places, informal learning spaces, cultural activities and events.
The document proposes an agenda for the new library organised into 3 distinct components Web
services (the development of online services), The Physical Library (spaces no longer defined by
collections and information but by dialogue and responsiveness to community) and The Library
Moves with the people (libraries present wherever there are people eg self service, mobile libraries,
libraries in shops).
Key points for physical library development include:
Design should be influenced by local dialogue, focus groups and citizen needs.
Support move from supporting information competence to co-production.
Establish first class communication, active listening and readiness to change.
Emphasis is now on creating spaces for patrons rather than rooms for books.
Weeding now has a new purpose – to create space for new services such as multimedia devices,
reading, gaming stations, web surfing, coffee and flexible spaces to be used by patrons as they
wish.
Very interesting and wide ranging documenting exploring the future of public libraries. Main message
is the change from collections and information for facilitating content creation, lifelong learning and an
uncompromising support of user centred design of buildings and services. Offers several examples
including Central libraries proposed by Oslo, Stockholm and Aarhus; Self Service Open Libraries
(unstaffed hours) in Denmark; Use of colour, categorisation arrangement and display of collections;
Libraries as agora where people can meet each other and come into contact with different ideas;
Aarhus planning that new central library will be 70% people space and 30% materials; Garaget where
the “premises are under continuous development” thereby increasing useability and flexibility based
on the needs of users; open space and visibility from the street to draw people in as in Pohjois-Haaga
Library; the importance of providing gaming and associated space (Norway example); Entresse
Library where 50% of the library is focused on young people in response to demographics and need;
Discusses advantages and challenges of joint use facilities (eg community centres in Denmark).
http://www.kulturstyrelsen.dk/fileadmin/publikationer/publikationer_engelske/Nordic_public/N
ordic_Public_Libraries_2.0.pdf
66
9.
People Places: a Guide for Public Library Buildings in New South Wales. 3rd edition.
2012. Commissioned by The State Library of New South Wales, AUSTRALIA and undertaken
by Architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT)
PURPOSE/INTENT
Practical guidance in the planning of library buildings (new and refurbished) with the inclusion in the
rd
3 edition of benchmarked national and international projects as well as reading references. Can be
used as a resources tool for planning and can also be used as a step by step guide throughout the
project
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Though commissioned specifically for public libraries in New South Wales, Australia, the document
has broad applicability due to the wide-ranging research and benchmarking that has informed its
development.
Very comprehensive document that includes seven sections covering the overall building planning
process in great detail. These are: Identifying community needs, Understanding trends influencing
public libraries, Project establishment, Building Planning, Key design criteria, Post occupancy
evaluation and Appendices.
The library service and buildings need to fit into the bigger picture of what is happening around them
for example different service delivery models, community hubs, joint use and partnership
opportunities.
Recommends that 4 different methods are used to assess community need be utilised: Identified
need (qualitative), Normative need (statistical indicators), Comparative Need (comparing provision
with other like communities) Benchmarked based need (service model and population based).
Covers 16 trends impacting on public libraries including those relating to social capital, libraries as
community living rooms or the third place, Growth in NSW public libraries, socio-economic changes,
core library business from passive collection passive to active learning and content creation, concern
for environment, youth culture, emerging technologies, marketing and cultural development.
The key trends identified above are then discussed in detail as “upfront key design factors”.
In summary the key messages/recommendations: strong image and identity, flexibility to enable
responsiveness to constant change, promote equity of access, integrate technology, more people
space, beautiful and functional furniture, good acoustics for a variety of uses, successful youth areas
reflect values and attitudes and usage patterns of young people, children’s’ spaces need to cater for
different learning and developmental behaviours and inspire children to explore interact and learn.
 Very practical and useful document.
 Strongly points put that the most important aspects to a project are the needs and aspirations of
the local community that every project is unique and therefore not able to be replicated for all
communities.
 Local community needs and aspirations should always underpin the design.
 In an age of ubiquitous technology and competition of information provision public libraries are
experiencing an increase in usage and significance in communities.
For the document see:
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/docs/people_places.pdf
For a range of tools, supporting materials and case studies see:
http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/services/public_libraries/our_services/publiclibrarybuildings.html
67
10.
Queensland Public Library Standards and Guidelines: Library Buildings Standard
(Revised October 2009). State Library of Queensland.
PURPOSE/INTENT
Stated objective is to provide standards and guidelines for the development of physical library
facilities that service the needs of the community.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Flexibility is emphasised as is efficiency sustainability, accessibility and functionality.
Provides a list and links of relevant Queensland and Australian legislative requirements and
standards.
States that the minimum size of the library should be planned for a 10 year population projection for
the catchment including residents, workers, tourists as well as general population.
Advises that in addition to population forecasts planning should anticipate trends in library services
that may impact on size of library.
Provides a table of minimum areas by catchment population then a schedule of additional functional
areas including such things as Local/family history rooms, auditorium, meeting rooms, youth space,
café, etc. Then provides guidance in how to calculate floor area required with examples.
Provides standards for shared and co-located facilities, accessibility, lighting, shelving including
shelving heights, floor loads.
The guidelines section provides useful guidance for a number of key areas:
 Guidelines for siting libraries. Refers to accessibility, amenity, community gathering spaces
such as shopping, cultural or educational centres.
 Environmentally sustainable design. Points to energy efficient designs and resulting
reductions in operational costs and environmental impact. Recommends natural light and
ventilation though does stress the need for appropriate controls for special collections.
 Interior design. Emphasises the need to provide flexibility for ease of reorganisation as well as
furniture that caters to a variety of differing needs.
 Electrical, communications and computer needs. Must anticipate future technology needs in
anticipation of ongoing growth of digital services. Flexibility emphasised again.
 Floor surface. Must be able to handle high traffic, a variety of differing uses eg water tolerant
flooring in children’s areas.
 Security. Must ensure safety of users and staff and incorporate crime prevention through
environmental design principles. Also covers line of sight, placement of various spaces,
closed circuit television and alarm systems.
 Wayfinding and signage. States need for adequate external signs (directional and building),
attractive and functional internal signage. Internal layout can contribute to wayfinding
including layout, lighting, floor covering, colour and graphics.
Provides comprehensive list of Australian standards, codes, Acts of Parliament, library planning
guides and other standards and guidelines.
Provides good basic starting point.
Not very detailed on the design of future libraries.
Does not cover emerging or future trends and therefore library design elements required for a future
library.
http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/148290/SLQ_Building_standard__November_2009.pdf
11.
Sacramento Public Library Authority: Facility Master Plan 2007- 2025. Sacramento
Public Library Authority Board, 2007.
68
PURPOSE/INTENT
A complete master plan for the whole Sacramento Library system. The purpose of the plan is to cover
both planning processes, trends, building blocks and recommendations.
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
A very thorough and complete master plan, but especially the chapters with the building blocks and
the recommendations are of relevance to other readers. The building blocks cover: Service guidelines
and philosophy as well as guiding principles for facility design and operation.
The guiding principles for design and operation are divided into 8 guiding principles:
1. Libraries recognize the different needs of the community (and are designed based on the
needs of the community.)
2. Libraries recognize the needs of a diverse population (and should have different zones for
different groups)
3. Libraries add value to the community. (The design should reflect the community’s culture,
history and values.)
4. Libraries are prime real estate. (libraries should be built centrally in the community.)
5. Libraries are easy for customers to use.
6. Library space is flexible. (Versatile rooms or zones that can be used for different purposes.)
7. Libraries recognize the values of community partners. (Spaces for learning and spaces for
partners.)
8. Library design promotes staff efficiency and effectiveness.
The building blocks also cover: Planning standards and guidelines, qualitative design guidelines, and
Service facilities structure.
The qualitative design guidelines are:
Exterior aesthetics, interior layout designed for customers, distinct spaces for diverse groups,
multiple-use spaces, flexibility, operational efficiency, sustainable design and life-cycle costs.
The recommendations cover site selection and facilities costs and funding.
Embraces a key strategy that one approach, one size and one concept does not fit all libraries, but
identifies several priority service areas; Children’s/Preschool services, large and varied collections,
community living room activities, support for formal education and lifelong learning, extensive
technologically-based tools and resources, young adult and teen services.
http://www.saclibrary.org/About-Us/Facility-Master-Plan/
http://www.saclibrary.org/About-Us/Facility-Master-Plan/Master-PlanDocuments/fmp_buildingblocks.pdf
http://www.saclibrary.org/About-Us/Facility-Master-Plan/Master-PlanDocuments/fmp_recommendations.pdf
12.
The role of public libraries in urban development and culture led regeneration (Dec
2010) by Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Henrik Jochumsen and Dorte Skot-Hansen
Conference paper for European public libraries today and in an historical context, Oslo
Norway, 9-10 Dec 2010.
PURPOSE/INTENT
To examine the relationship between urban planning, culture led regeneration and library
development through three particular strategies:
1. The Library as icon
2. The Library as a placemaker
3. The Library as contributing to community vitality.
69
SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Explores the relationship between urban development and the development of new library concepts
and functions. New developments are cognizant of that fact that cities are facing global competition
for visitors and therefore include objectives to attract tourists, inhabitants and businesses. Utilising
culture and related concepts to re-establish city centres and waterfront areas. An example of this is
the ‘Ëxperience City’ blending entertainment and development, shopping and entertainment,
education and entertainment to create experiences. Cultural institutions become a blend of many
rationales at once including for performance, for learning and for experience. Creative cities is another
concept that has gained much traction and has had a lot written about the subject. Essentially the
argument is that cities have to be creative in order to innovate and to cope with technological and
structural change.
The library as icon.
Recent worldwide trend for architects to create iconic buildings for cities to elevate their image and
especially cultural buildings eg Bilbao Guggenheim. Defines icons as building which are different and
unique, famous, of symbolic and aesthetic quality and part of urban brandism. Global iconic libraries
include Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Seattle Public Library. Some forthcoming include Aarhus Media
space and Birmingham City Council in the UK. Local level icon example is Peckham in South London.
The Library as placemaker
Increasing trend to develop new libraries as placemakers or kick-starters in transformation of
industrial areas and to attract people to new urban developments. Vancouver Library and Salt Lake
City Library are listed as examples of libraries which have brought new life to city centres. OBA or
Amsterdam Library is the most prominent placemaker library in Europe.
The Library as contributing to community revitalisation
Community identity and social cohesion are at the centre of this concept. Public libraries are
contributors as agents of change by supporting empowerment and social mobility and thereby
boosting what the authors have termed ‘community vitalisation’. Example libraries are the Garaget in
Malmo, Idea Stores In London and Norrebro Library and Community Centre in Denmark.
There are not many examples yet of libraries as icons though growing. Placemaker is a natural for
libraries. Community vitalisation is the area that libraries have and continue to excel in. That public
libraries are finding their place in overall urban strategies but is strongest in the area of community
vitalisation at the present time. Also makes the point that libraries continue to deliver on their core
mission through reinvention as part of creative and innovative cities.
http://www.pure.iva.dk/files/31012071/Oslo_paper_chr_hjo_dsh.doc
http://www.jbi.hio.no/bibin/nordic_conference/Hvenegaard%20Rasmussen,%20Oral%20presen
tation.pdf (slideshow)
http://www.kulturstyrelsen.dk/fileadmin/user_upload/dokumenter/bibliotek/indsatsomraader/U
dvalg_om_Folkebibliotekernes_rolle_i_videnssamfundet/A_new_model_for_the_public_library
.pdf
70
Appendix 4 Reimagining Public Library Buildings Interrative Workshop Next Library Conference, Aarhus Denmark 16-19 June 2013
Reimagining Future Library Buildings
Jakob Laerkes, Director, Gladsaxe Libraries, DENMARK
Kari Lamsa, Department Head Library 10 Helsinki FINLAND
Patti Manolis, CEO, Geelong Regional Library Corporation AUSTRALIA
Agenda
1. Introductions
2. Short presentations
 INELI Collaborative Project – Building Libraries
for Tomorrow
 Helsinki Project and international inspirations
3. Workshop / Discussion
4. Conclusion 12:30
International Network of Emerging Library Innovators (INELI)
• Established by Global Libraries initiative (GL) of the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation
• Result – An international network of leaders with shared vision of public
libraries in the 21st Century and skills to implement that vision
Building Libraries for Tomorrow INELI Project
Purpose
 Understand the building elements and criteria in the
development of a perfect branch library
 Increase awareness of existing body of knowledge
Southbank Library, Melbourne AUSTRALIA
Biblioteca Viva Biobio, Concepcion CHILE
Biblioteca Viva Sur, San Bernardo, Santiago, CHILE
Biblioteca Viva Tobalaba CHILE
Hjorring Bibliotekerne, DENMARK
Deichmanske Bibliotek, Oslo Public Library NORWAY
Stuttgart Library, GERMANY
My Tree House, Green Library for Kids, SINGAPORE
Library@Orchard, SINGAPORE
Clementi Public Library, SINGAPORE
Library@Chinatown, SINGAPORE
Sture Library, Stockholm, SWEDEN
Umea Library, SWEDEN
De Nieuwe Bibliotheek, Almere, NETHERLANDS
John Gray Centre, Haddington East Lothian, SCOTLAND
Anythink Wright Farms Thornton, Colorado
Interactive Workshop
• Please break into groups of up to 8 people
• Discuss “What are the 3 most important elements or functions that must
be included in the design of a highly successful Library of the Future.” The
elements can be spaces or characteristics (eg. staffing model).
• Using the pictures, post it notes and other materials create a mood board
that illustrates the essence of your discussion and elect a spokesperson
who will power pitch/report back.
• Ideally the mood board should prioritize and illustrate the functions the
group find most important that should be part of a library.
• 25 minutes for discussion cutting and glueing and then each spokesperson
will report back for any discussion that is generated.
Must have spaces characteristics and design elements
•Lobby/marketplace
•Childrens area
•Teenage/youth area
•Print Collections
•Multimedia collections
•Meeting rooms
•Group learning spaces
•Individual study spaces
•Training teaching spaces
•Lifelong learning spaces
•Cultural activity spaces
•Quiet study spaces
•Magazines/newspapers area
•Local history space
•Technology spaces
•Maker spaces
•Exhibition spaces
•Staff areas
•Unprogrammed/flexible areas
•Events room
•User to user areas
•Events room
•Theatre space
•Retail space
•Dedicated space for other
services/partnerships (local
government, citizen services
etc),
•Other spaces
Building Libraries for Tomorrow INELI Report available October 2013
Thank you for attending and participating in

Building Libraries for Tomorrow

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