Planning Public Library Buildings: Concepts and Issues for the Librarian

Citation

Layzell Ward, P. (2006), "Planning Public Library Buildings: Concepts and Issues for the Librarian", Library Review, Vol. 55 No. 9, pp. 639-640. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530610706860

Michael Dewe is well qualified to write this text having worked in UK public libraries, held membership of the judging panel for the Public Library Building Awards and as a consultant. His interests extend outside the UK and have included active membership of the International Association of Library Associations (IFLA) Section on Library Buildings together with overseas consultancies. His experience of lecturing and writing produces a good style for the reader.

The volume is divided into ten chapters. The first considers the mission of the public library and the role that it plays in the lives of its community. Trends in terms of changes in the composition of the community and the changing nature of communities are described together with competition and new forms of democracy. It sets the challenges in a broad and changing context. Chapter 2 focuses on renewal and innovation making good use of examples from the UK and overseas. Urban regeneration, politics and sources of funding are reviewed. There is a good discussion of suitability for purpose which can change over time and the difficult question of looks versus functionality. The third chapter reviews the different types of service point ranging from central to kiosk libraries together with services, shapes and space. In chapter 4, location is discussed and factors to consider including shared buildings. The question of alternatives to new buildings including extensions and conversion is well covered in chapter 5. Chapter 6 introduces the issues of legislation and regulations that affect design, both external and internal. This leads naturally into planning, design and construction indicating the various stages that precede the preparation of an architect's brief. This is a strong chapter that indicates the need for clear thinking and formulation of points that will need to be considered by the architect. The process of construction has a limited coverage, but moving into the building is reviewed.

Chapter 8 notes the key qualities in design and evaluation listing the “ten commandments” for the design of large libraries, seven “key issues” for library design and “seven deadly sins” together with the vital matter of post‐occupancy evaluation. The next chapter discusses identity, communication and style and perhaps more logically should precede chapter 7, with the same comment applying to chapter 10 which focuses on interior layout and design. The title of the final chapter sums up public library design in “anything it needs to be?” discussing change indicating a number of role models for the UK and overseas.

It is a very practical volume offering much information, experience and advice. Managers involved at any stage in the process will benefit from closely reading the text cover‐to‐cover.

The preface provides a useful guide to sources of information. Two appendices list winners of the UK public library buildings awards from 1995 and US library buildings awards from 1991. A number of case studies illustrate points made by the author. There is a bibliography and an index.

The author's aim was to provide a guide for librarians and architects embarking on a public library building project for the first time, to save their time and help thought processes believing that a better building will result. His aim has been achieved.

However, there are some quibbles about minor points. In terms of design, it is helpful to have the headings for figures above the photograph or box – readers like to know what they represent before, rather than after. Some photographs are better than others, although they are an essential part of the volume. Out of interest, some of the URLs were followed up. The date they were accessed is not given (which the publisher should have picked up) and a number no longer exist.

In spite of these niggles, the volume is informative and well written. Although it is targeted at public librarians in the UK, it will have value for librarians planning other types of library and in other parts of the world. Planning and building new premises is a major undertaking – this will give every librarian a good start.