New Library Buildings of the World, 2nd Edition

Citation

Layzell Ward, P. (2007), "New Library Buildings of the World, 2nd Edition", Library Review, Vol. 56 No. 9, pp. 851-852. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530710831437

The IFLA Library Buildings and Equipment Section has produced a second collection of new library buildings from around the globe, and, under the General Editorship of Dr Wu Jianzhong, a sumptuous volume of photographs has emerged.

The information was gathered by means of in excess of 200 questionnaires which resulted in responses from some 150 libraries and architectural firms. The editorial team prepared three lists – one from libraries included in the first edition, others selected by the editorial team, and recommendations made by the editorial committee. These lists were sent to members of the editorial committee for comment, and the editorial committee and the editors agreed that the second edition would contain a 100 libraries including 56 from the first edition. For each building there are photographs, some technical information and a brief narrative description. The Editor's note from the first edition has been included with that for the second edition.

Not all the buildings are new build – some present renovations of older libraries or the conversion of other premises. Although the publication date is given as 2003, six of the buildings have the date of completion as being post‐2003, 43 between 1998 and 2002, 42 from 1993 to 1995 and seven between 1987 and 1992. The country contributing most entries is China where the economic boom and the impetus of the IFLA conference held in Beijing probably stimulated library development. Whether certain countries failed to respond to the questionnaires is an interesting point, for the entries for a number of Western European countries and the USA were completed during the earlier period of time.

Reviewing the volume has been slightly frustrating, for, apart from noting that libraries today are people‐centred, there is no indication of any criteria that might have been used in the final selection. What was the rationale for the selection from the many new and renovated library premises that emerged between the first and second editions? Why are there no special or school libraries? These are points that might be taken into account when planning the next edition with perhaps an indication as to how the library fits into the surrounding environment. The photographs rightly focus on libraries themselves, but it is always interesting to see new architecture in its context.

However, the photographs are excellent and they well demonstrate local cultural approaches to design. This is reflected in the contrasts between, say, the new buildings for the National Library of Malaysia and those from China, with the Scandinavian libraries. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is superb.

The volume will make a starting point for those planning new premises for national, academic or public libraries, particularly for architects. Students studying library architecture will observe the influence of local design on the planning and presentation of the accommodation. Given the overlap between the first and second editions, the IFLA Library Building and Equipment Section might consider extending the range of services included and focus on new buildings opened since 2003 for the next edition. For there should be a third edition and encouragement for more countries to contribute the best of their new buildings.