Describes the damage and salvage efforts resulting from the burning of the Los Angeles Central Library in 1986, and makes several recommendations for fire and arson prevention measures and contingency salvage plans. (CLB)

Review of trends in public library buildings covers cycles in building activity; financial support; site selection; expansion, remodeling, or conversion of existing buildings; size of buildings; and such architectural concerns as flexible space, lighting, power, accommodation of computer systems, heat and ventilation, fire protection, security,…

Begins with an overview of the basic principles of light and light sources currently utilized in building design. Case studies of several successfully lit library buildings are presented and specific recommendations for the various functional requirements of a library are provided. (15 references) (MES)

Discusses the need for cooperation between librarians and architects during the design of library facilities. The balance between the character of a building and its ability to adequately meet actual needs is discussed, and it is suggested that librarians should concern themselves with the smallest details of the design process. (CLB)

Discusses broad trends in planning academic library buildings: (1) greater differentiation between storage and user space; (2) retention of existing facilities; (3) incremental growth; (4) tighter programming; (5) increased protection of life and property; (6) dispersal of formats and equipment; and (7) accommodation of nonlibrary functions. (20…

Reviews four environmental design and environmental psychology concepts and summarizes their implications for library building planning: (1) privacy; (2) proxemics and personal space; (3) territoriality; and (4) ergonomics and human factors. (34 references) (MES)

This checklist is designed to provide librarians, architects, and other members of a building design team with a list of questions to ask during the design phase of a new or remodeled library building project. The purpose of the questions is to make sure that no element of the building is overlooked by the building design team in their programming…

Discusses the following aspects of the design of mechanical and electrical systems to meet the various requirements of libraries: (1) library planning teams; (2) raised floors; (3) lighting considerations; (4) air quality; (5) acoustics; and (6) climate controls. The importance of adaptability to meet future needs is stressed. (MES)

This extensive bibliography on library building includes 15 categories: bibliography; background; general; planning teams; building programs; alternatives to new buildings; academic libraries; public libraries; school libraries; special libraries; site selection; interior planning and equipment; maintenance; security; and moving. (MES)

This checklist outlines the basic steps to be followed from the time of the recognition of the need for a new building until the actual start of construction. (Author/CLB)

Draws some initial connections between library performance measures and library space planning and collection management. Output measure surveys are suggested for establishing hierarchies of use and appropriate design of environments for housing the collection. Four references are listed. (MES)

These guidelines are intended to orient the library/archives professional in New York to the common issues, language, pitfalls, and opportunities involved in dealing with the built environment and its impact on the conservation and preservation of a valuable collection. Although developed for the climate typical in New York State, many aspects…

This annotated bibliography of recent articles, books, and reports on library facility building and construction includes publications that discuss facility standards and requirements, preservation programs, guides to the building process, facility evaluations, and financial sources. (CLB)

This essay focuses on the impact of a bibliographic instruction (BI) program (primarily course-integrated instruction) on the design of an academic library building. Instruction areas, design of the reference area and reference desk, working space, and accommodating BI to the new technology are highlighted. (EJS)

Guidelines and sample designs for the construction or renovation of libraries providing services to blind and handicapped individuals are introduced by brief discussions of the responsibilities of members of the planning team, planning prerequisites, funding, and architect and site selection. Barrier-free designs are then suggested for the entry…