Outlines the steps in the library building planning process, including (1) community, user, and staff analysis; (2) plan development; (3) design development; and (4) plan implementation. Guidelines for evaluating the architectural work as it relates to function are provided, and public self-service convenience and improved staff productivity are…

Of the 58 referenda held in search of capital funds for public library buildings in 1997, 49 were successful, and of the 67 referenda seeking operating funds, 55 were successful. Funding levels and voter approval rate are examined, and a sidebar describes a bond issue at the Topeka Public Library. (LRW)

Discusses acoustical demands in public libraries to consider during the design and construction process of new or renovated library space. Topics include intrusive noises; overly reverberant spaces; lack of speech privacy; sound transmission class; noise criteria; reverberation time and noise reduction coefficient; space planning; sound systems;…

Explains the role shift from an elementary school library into a public library after school hours are over. Topics include family literacy; role setting; circulation; facilities; security; patrons, including teachers and the general public; maintenance; bibliographic record quality; and public relations. (LRW)

This article discusses and illustrates selected changes and trends in the way academic libraries are programmed and designed in response to changes in teaching techniques in higher education. The author draws particular attention to the new requirements for collaborative study in technology-rich spaces and makes detailed recommendations for those…

Report on academic and public library facility construction (new buildings, additions, renovations) highlights academic library buildings and projects (1975-85), new circulation desks, public library buildings and projects, buildings not previously reported, funding, and a six-year cost summary. Individual project costs, square feet, volumes,…

Discusses the development of a research library at Rice University, whose first and only library building is less than 40 years old, highlighting the founding of the University in 1912, the Fondren Library building, library collections and cooperation, fee-based services, automation and the future, and problems and prospects. (EJS)

Discussion of problems and mistakes made in library facility planning highlights overemphasis of dramatic architectural elements; communications between architects and librarians; who is in charge of planning process; lighting (effect of library shelving, appropriate location of light switches); setting a schedule; furniture and equipment; and the…

Discusses the history, facilities, collections and services offered by the American Museum of Natural History Library. Also described are collection organization, work on preservation of materials, grant-funded projects, and the outlook for the future. Statistics provided include date founded, director, collection and staff size, and main subjects…

Profile of the British Library of Political and Economic Science (founded in 1896) notes scope of the library, library collections, growth and facility accommodations, aids to users (catalogs, guides), new tools for research, interlibrary cooperation, and library support for the curriculum of the school. Seven references are listed. (EJS)

Provides a form for administrators to evaluate school librarians' performance, including such criteria as general library administration skills, librarians' familiary with school curriculum and program goals, and their attention to students' needs. (JW)

This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Presents overview of state of Soviet Union library service comprising 350,000 libraries, including national, governmental department, and public group (trade unions, professional associations) libraries. Training of Soviet librarians, library cooperation, national planning and funding, cultural exchange and cooperation, supporting international…

A model based on storage and retrieval costs that determines efficient allocation of materials to different storage regimes in academic libraries is developed. An economically rational basis for determining role of several alternative storage methods which distinguish among materials by expected level of use is offered. Nineteen references are…

Recommends academic libraries consider cooperative storage of unused or little-used library materials to offset the proliferation of print materials and conserve financial resources. Mutually shared storage would retain collection integrity, expand collection availability, conserve library space for the active collection, and permit a no-growth…