The Library Renovation, Maintenance and Construction Handbook

Citation

Ormsby, R. (2012), "The Library Renovation, Maintenance and Construction Handbook", Library Management, Vol. 33 No. 3, pp. 201-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121211217270

This book, by Donald A. Barclay, Deputy University Librarian, and once journeyman carpenter, Eric D. Scott, now Director of Administrative Services and Head of Access Services, University of California, Merced, is offered as a “practical familiarization manual” for those involved in constructing a new library building, or renovating, remodeling or adding to an existing facility. No knowledge of construction is assumed. Readers will find that the book provides much help in learning about the planning of and construction of a new building as well as maintaining a building. This working knowledge of basic concepts and vocabulary will aid library staff in having a voice in decisions about the design and functions of library buildings.

The 11‐chapter book is divided into three parts; the first covers the basics of construction and renovation; the second is on library‐specific construction and renovation; and the third focuses on maintaining an existing library building. The appendix, the Art of the Request for Proposal (RFP), based on the 2004 University of California, Merced furniture request, can be a guide for writing other RFPs. The accompanying CD provides a glossary of building terms; common blueprint symbols; annotated photos that illustrate construction techniques and some construction problems; web sites for US state and Canadian provincial building code authorities; and sample building plans.

The authors summarize the first three chapters, focusing on the stages of a building project, an overview of building systems basics, and plans, codes and construction professionals, with the analogy if completing a library building project were a football game, the plans would be the coach's book of plays building codes would be the rules of the game, and construction players would be players. Library professionals are considered like team owners, not required to suit up and play, or to call the plays or interpret the rules but with much at stake in the outcome of the project. The next chapters concentrate on spaces within the library. The authors suggest that if a library staff member can have a solid grasp of only one element of a major building project, it should be furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) as it has great impact on the look and function of a completed building's interior (94). Chapter 6, “Library wayfinding”, is a strong chapter on explaining how building design and signage is essential to successfully accessing available information resources. Library security and safety in building design and construction provides an overview of design factors to consider, including security and safety systems, as well as suggestions for staff training, are covered in Chapter 7.

Chapter 8 discusses green libraries, and includes information about the US Green Building Council's LEED rating and certification, as well as the Canadian Green Building Council. Running a library during an addition, renovation, or remodeling (Chapter 9), discusses considerations for temporary relocations and communicating with the library's public. Chapter 10 details routine and annual maintenance needed to properly maintain a building – a cost, according to the authors, that over 50 years will be higher than the construction cost of a building (179). The brief Chapter 11 reminds readers that all library building projects must be undertaken with the future in mind.

This book provides a great deal of information to help any library staff member facing a construction or remodeling project, or maintaining a building. It is the type of work that one would likely refer to often. If the book has a second edition, this reviewer would recommend some minor revisions to the format of the text. The more generous use of small sidebars or boldface type will help important suggestions like, “If it is possible to make all aisles 44 inches wide, it is best to do so,” to be highlighted and easily located by readers. While the contents of the CD were helpful, it would improve the book if all phrases found in the plans were included in the glossary. For example, “Pittsburgh corner lock” was not found in the glossary. While the general building plans were of interest, this reviewer thinks librarians would be more interested in viewing library plans. Perhaps a comparison for a “green library” with a more conventional building would be of great interest and help in the goal of keeping the future in mind for any building project.