Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations (4th ed.)

Citation

Peare, T. (2003), "Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations (4th ed.)", Library Review, Vol. 52 No. 4, pp. 182-183. https://doi.org/10.1108/lr.2003.52.4.182.4

This is a book that could be well described as being “fit for purpose”. As a checklist it certainly covers a very high proportion of the topics that any librarian embarking on a building project should be aware of and while it makes specific reference to American standards for a variety of situations, it does have general application. There is also a useful bibliography that includes about 50 library journal articles on aspects of building, along with references to official standards referred to in the text.

Laid out as a list of questions under a variety of topics, each with a space for a checkmark under “Yes”, “No” or “N/A” and a line or two for “comments”, this format falls down with the juxtaposition of questions that can be answered by a checkmark with those of broader philosophical content. So, for instance, in the same section, one will find: “Is the architect or architectural firm registered to practice in the state?” with “Will the architect place library needs before design considerations?” and “What is the architect’s design philosophy?”. Each of these questions are vital before the decision is made to choose an architect, but perhaps the questions that are a matter of fact should be separated out from those that are a matter of judgement. This is a minor criticism of a volume where the breadth of its scope is demonstrated by section headings that include: Library Site Selection; Interior Organization of Library Buildings; Compliance with ADA Accessibility Guidelines; Interior Design and Finishes; Building Occupancy and Post‐Occupancy Evaluation and finally; Groundbreaking and Dedication Ceremonies.

When a library building is being planned there can be a burst of enthusiasm among all staff for the project, as the opportunities for increased space for both materials and services are seen together with the chance to review operations in general. Priorities are established and a chosen few are involved in the detailed work of preparing a brief, organising the selection of the design team and perhaps working on the layout of the spaces. Such activity gives a welcome break from the routine of running services in cramped conditions and perhaps a sense of relief that at last a building project is underway! However, to see the project through so that the built structure really delivers for the library service and its users, it is essential that there is constant contact between the architects, the building contractors and the library staff. The devil is truly in the detail!

This book is particularly useful for preparing library staff, or the individuals charged with liaising with the construction team, in anticipating the questions likely to be asked of them, and also in suggesting questions to be posed to the constructors. Everything from the locations of signage, telephone and data points to the number of filing cabinets is included. Architects do not always think of everything and do not necessarily empathise with librarians’ priorities. A new library building is usually a once‐in‐a‐lifetime activity for most staff and this book is a valuable contribution in making up a lack of previous experience.