This article discusses the importance of designing a library media center that engages students in constructing new knowledge. The author describes the planning stages of a new library facility. In the early planning stages, the author focused on the expectations of the administration. She soon realized that they had included all the…

For years, patrons have been able to access library services from home and in the library building, but in the world of Google, Yahoo, YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook, library web sites and catalogs are too often not the first place people go to look for information. The innovative use of toolbars could change this. Toolbars have been popular for…

Describes the method and criteria for hiring a consultant when new library facilities are planned. (LS)

The history of the New York State Library is traced from its inception on 1818 to the present, and includes a picture and mention of the future home of the library, the Cultural Center which is scheduled for completion in 1972. The narrative history is accompanied by various photographic illustrations. (SJ)

Presents guidelines for improving the appeal and effectiveness of library space, including consideration of color, lighting, traffic patterns, noise problems, planning, and costs. Since librarians have to work through school administrators, it is important for them to be precise about what they want and how much it will cost. (JPF)

Suggests that extra-wide aisle widths recommended for handicapped access are amenities libraries may not be able to afford today. (Author)

Commercial card catalog trays are unrelated to actual in-use wear. Specifications for card catalog trays for the new Elemer Holmes Bobst Library at New York University, detailed in this article, are designed to meet the most demanding of actual needs. (1 reference) (Author)

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Pictures and brief descriptions of the libraries receiving awards for architectural design are given. (SJ)

Map librarians, faced with the task of planning new quarters for the map collection, are advised to avoid temporary answers by creating a Master Plan. Seven major elements are listed as essential to the Master Plan. Although all elements interlink, the Statement of Objectives" can reveal the direction of the entire plan. (Author/NH)

Presented is a satirical description of the perfectly designed library that has something for everybody. (SJ)

New principles followed in technical planning and architectural design of libraries in the Soviet Union are described, along with the innovations incorporated in the plans for such buildings. (AB)