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 and lobby, passenger elevator, reading and study areas, conference or meeting rooms, restrooms, administrative offices, staff lounge, bookstacks, shipping and receiving areas, work area, freight elevator, storage room, computer room, machine repair room, machine storage room, and audiobook production center. These descriptions include: floor plans or drawings; factors to be considered in planning, such as space requirements, number of patrons to be served, and staff needs; and types of furniture and equipment appropriate for the area. A review of the role of the architect through each phase of the project includes drawings and suggestions for meeting the specific needs of patrons with visual impairments or in wheelchairs. A final section discusses the renovation of existing buildings to provide barrier-free access. Appendices present data on minimum space and personnel requirements for such libraries, diagrams showing additional restroom requirements, a flow diagram for the library, a suggested revised accessibility check list, and diagrams showing the approximate time schedules for both new construction and building renovation. (ESR)