Resources

Planning the public library

Public libraries are facing up to the challenges of reinventing spaces and services to reflect changing demographics, public perceptions and usage.

Websites

Articles and reports

  • Better public libraries
    2003 report from CABE and the then Resource (MLA) organisation. ‘Design is not just about the big iconic building, it is also about the small branch libraries and thoughtful refurbishments and conversions. Design is about the functionality of the building, as well as how it looks.' This report outlines current thinking about what a twenty first century library is; it then considers how we deliver these quality environments.
  • From awareness to funding
    OCLC was awarded a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to explore attitudes and perceptions about library funding and to evaluate the potential of a large-scale marketing and advocacy campaign to increase public library funding in the U.S. The findings of this research are now available in an OCLC report downloadable from the website. Though this study was based on data from the United States, there are findings in the report that are applicable to any library seeking to understand the connections between public perceptions and library support.
  • Libraries must also be buildings? New library impact study.
    Centre for Public Libraries and Information in Society (CPLIS) Department of Information Studies University of Sheffield, 2003. Aimed at assessing the impact of a new library buildings on local communities, questioning the institution as a physical space and the role it plays in the wider community.
  • 21st century libraries: changing forms, changing futures
    With an introduction by Ken Worpole. Published by CABE and RIBA, 2004. What is a library, and what should be its design ethos?

Books

  • Books, buildings and social engineering
    A socio-architectural history of early public libraries in Britain from their beginning in 1850 to 1939. Ashgate, 2009.
  • Designing space for children and teens in libraries and public places
    ALA Editions, 2010. Providing tips, suggestions, and guidelines on the critical issues that surround designing spaces for children and teens, this how-to book covers how to select an architect or design professional, the importance of including YA librarians in the design and implementation, and information on how children and teens view and use space. With 20 colour photos of example spaces. (US)
  • Libraries designed for kids
    Facet, 2008. Get the 'inside story' from an experienced library design consultant on creating those special spaces in your library that promote and encourage children’s and young adults’ curiosity, learning, and reading – and support their lifelong love of books and information.
  • Planning the modern public library building
    Greenwood, 2003. This collection of informative essays offers important insight into current activities in the area of building planning.
  • Planning public library buildings: concepts and issues for the librarian
    Michael Dewe, Ashgate, 2006. Examines the challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries, their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding.
Canada Water interior Credit: FG

Designing Libraries Essential Design Guidelines

 
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