This assessment of the library profession's response to technological innovation focuses on the handling of nonprint collections. Highlights include definition of nonprint materials; basic considerations in conservation and environmental concerns (temperature, dust, light exposure); the problem of security and storage procedures; and circulation…

Presents interviews with Fred Kent, founder of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and Phil Myrick, PPS's assistant vice president, about transforming libraries into desirable public spaces. Discusses qualities people value in public spaces; great library buildings and what they are doing right; the first thing library directors should do when…

Because community libraries are becoming centers of suburban and "exurban" activity, quiet study rooms are being constructed for customers intent on concentrated study. Discusses functional (size, location, furniture) and physical (acoustic, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, electronic support) considerations of quiet…

Renovation, addition, and adaptive reuse of existing facilities offer many advantages over new construction: savings, preservation of historical or architecturally significant buildings, preservation of traditional location, and faster relocation to a more desirable location. Discusses building criteria: structure, hazardous materials, siting,…

Answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to planning for renovating or building school library media centers (SLMCs). Topics include the role of the school library media specialist, advance planning, importance of a written long-range plan, library consultants, courses on planning, design compromises, planning resources, professional…

Discusses participants' roles in the policy formulation, planning, design, and construction of the new library at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (Nigeria). The importance of input from librarians is emphasized; the library's objectives and their influence on the new library are explained; and planning for the move to the new building is…

Outlines the problems of the National Museums of Canada libraries that led to the decision to implement a preservation program and describes the program and its impact. Areas discussed include policy formation, disaster contingency planning, storage monitoring, collection cleaning, binding and restoration, rare book identification and…

This special report on library facilities and furnishings focuses on restoration and renovation. Areas discussed include the status of the Carnegie libraries, the earthquake protection design of the new Alameda County (California) library, a successful effort to restore a historic library in Franklin, Massachusetts, and function and beauty in…

Describes the possibilities for research in the holdings of two Quaker colleges in the United States. Materials described include college archives, manuscripts, published works, yearly meeting archives, genealogical collections, maps, pictures, and reference resources. The facilities and policies of the libraries are also discussed. (eight…

Examines liability issues for academic libraries=FE student workers. Discussion includes staff training; hiring practices; supervision; negligence; emergency procedures; the use of reasonable care; and knowledge of library rules. Specific nonlibrary liability cases are cited as examples of the importance of employee screening, training, and danger…

Of the 53 referenda held in search of capital funds for public library buildings in 1994, 38 were successful, and of 54 referenda for public library operating funds in 1994, 50 were successful. Funding levels, voter approval rate, elections, competing ballot items, sources of taxation, and major campaigns (capital and operating levy) are examined.…

Describes the Danville Public Library's (Illinois) planning and implementation of a groundbreaking ceremony and provides guidelines for the process. Highlights include early planning, the planning staff, publicity, videotaping, selecting a convenient time, decorations, invitations, knowing individual responsibilities, commemorative items, and a…

The bookmobile remains a feasible service option for both rural and urban libraries with about 1,000 currently in service nationwide. However, there is a growing need for professional attention to areas such as purchasing, evaluating, automating, and delivering bookmobile services. (LAE)

Three articles provide tips for remodeling or building a school media center. Topics addressed include computer workstations; furnishings; packing, moving, and reshelving books; handicapped accessibility; advisory committees; documentation; design elements to increase the comfort of librarians and students; and miscellaneous considerations such as…

Presents the annual review of library building projects that includes statistics for new buildings, additions, and renovations. Highlights include information for academic and public libraries, including costs, funding, and size; a six-year cost summary; and a listing of architects. (LRW)