Library Space Planning and Design
Best Practices And Case Studies from Special, Academic, and Rare Book Libraries
- 1st Edition - March 19, 2025
- Imprint: Chandos Publishing
- Author: Alexander H. Cohen
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 9 1 7 6 - 0
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 9 1 7 7 - 7
Library Space Planning and Design discusses library planning methods to improve academic libraries, learning commons, undergraduate and graduate studies, special collec… Read more
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Request a sales quoteLibrary Space Planning and Design discusses library planning methods to improve academic libraries, learning commons, undergraduate and graduate studies, special collections, and archives. Often, these projects required difficult challenges. For example, how to integrate student success centers or create new learning commons into a library. The book shows how a library plan can be both sustainable and attractive to the users and how to integrate library functions, furniture, and equipment to enhance the learning environment. Case studies from the author's interactions with library staff, stakeholders, and community leadership in the planning process are also included for additional clarity.
- Takes a multidisciplinary approach to library services and space planning
- Includes case studies to act as unique learning opportunities, and offers a customized methodology to support libraries of every kind
- Covers comprehensive planning methods that will help improve libraries
Library directors and finance directors in academic, public and special libraries
- Library Space Planning and Design
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Foreword
- Acknowledgments
- Chapter 1 Academic library planning
- Abstract
- Understanding user needs in the academic library
- A guide to design and programming
- The physical space
- A guide to library design and programming
- Designing for diverse needs
- Beyond books: Embracing a holistic approach
- Interactive learning and personalized exploration
- Modernizing browsing for academic libraries and student success
- Challenges and opportunities in modernizing learning commons
- Strategies for optimizing the collaborative experience
- Future fusion: Museum and library displays
- The power of personalized learning and engaging demonstrations
- Think about the seating (Fig. 1.5)
- Key features/library workspaces
- Learning commons size
- Quiet space carrel size
- Technology integration
- Programming for academic success
- Workspaces
- Balancing the variables
- Learning behavior
- Learning styles
- Student user journeys and library design
- Information hubs to discovery centers
- Staff operations
- Specialized software
- Staff meeting rooms
- Printers and scanners
- Planning and designing learning commons
- Programming and designing academic libraries
- AI disclosure
- References
- Chapter 2 Library planning and data gathering
- Abstract
- Summary of planning process
- General considerations
- Examples of project research
- Analyzing current conditions
- Gathering requirements
- Inefficiencies and issues
- Collection and storage analysis
- Accommodating different modes of learning
- Detailed analysis in library planning and design
- Building technology integration
- Visual scan and data gathering viewpoints
- Relationships
- Illumination and acoustics
- Accessibility and security
- Data collection
- Service profiling and collection budgeting
- User perception and needs
- Understanding community needs
- How can these processes be effectively incorporated into library planning?
- References
- Chapter 3 Service needs assessment
- Abstract
- The role of service benchmarking in library planning
- What is the value of your services?
- Scope and time frame considerations
- Anticipating longevity
- Investment in alumni community
- Accountability
- Practical approaches to long-term projections
- Engaging with future trends
- Emphasizing the learning stage and third place
- Balancing flexibility with future needs
- Allocation based on forecasting
- Refreshing interiors/functional changes
- Strategic reallocations
- Ensuring that the learning stage is functional
- Embracing integration
- Focus on user-centric design
- Promoting building wellness
- Planning for inclusivity
- Long-term adaptability
- Cycles and guides
- Importance of systematic maintenance
- Case studies: Positive outcomes from effective planning
- Financial planning
- Embracing programming, design and planning
- The role of needs assessments
- Navigating political realities
- Justifications
- Adapting to the digital shift
- Embracing change and adaptability
- Leap of faith
- Designing a library for the future
- Addressing current needs
- A focus on users bubble
- Study seating (Fig. 3.5)
- Learning commons
- Meeting room, classroom, and study room
- Staff work areas
- Implementing the needs assessment
- Space allocation
- Learning stage integration
- Programming service development
- Embracing the learning commons (one student at a time; Fig. 3.6)
- Articulating the value of learning commons
- Develop a strategic service plan
- Advocating for funding
- The inadequate library: A case study in space constraints and resource limitations
- X State University library: Analysis of learning commons space
- Learning commons integration
- Recent construction or renovations
- Implementing the expansion plan
- Securing funding
- Library space program allocation
- Technology
- Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
- Staffing modeling
- Outreach
- Assessment
- Recommendations for X State University
- A cornerstone of modern library design
- User research
- User personas
- Participatory design
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- User evaluation
- References
- Chapter 4 Functional relationship analysis
- Abstract
- Functional analysis
- Categorize and define functional areas
- Steps in conducting knowledge relationship analysis
- Components of functional relationship analysis
- Needs assessment
- Functional areas identification
- Spatial adjacencies
- Traffic flow
- Intercommunication and collaboration
- Technology integration
- Knowledge collaboration in a library setting
- Approach
- Joint programming with community organizations
- Industry expert workshops
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Results
- Summary of assessment
- Conducting surveys to understand service functions and design requirements
- Hosting focus groups
- Observing user behavior
- Summary best practices in functional design and analysis
- Personalized spaces
- Accessibility and inclusivity
- Sustainable design
- Digitally organic
- Designing spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration
- Technology hub and collaborative spaces
- Reference desk and information resources
- Meeting rooms and event spaces
- Collection areas and display spaces
- Knowledge management/functional relationships
- Knowledge creation
- Knowledge capture
- Knowledge organization
- Knowledge sharing
- Knowledge utilization
- Knowledge preservation
- Knowledge evaluation
- Academic collaboration for study space enhancement
- Approach
- Results
- Functional analysis brings collaborative relationships
- Peer interaction and discussions
- Optimizing library operations through functional analysis
- Background
- Approach
- Implementation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- References
- Chapter 5 Modernizing the library program
- Abstract
- Reimagining collaboration in modern learning environments
- Strategic planning and collaboration
- Reimagining library management
- Effective project management in library reorganization, renovation, and construction
- Thriving learning commons
- Engaging library administrators and staff in project initiation and justification
- Organizational development
- Collaborative strategies for advocating library facility upgrades
- How can library administrators and staff support an environment conducive to successful planning?
- Appreciative inquiry in library planning
- What is the phased approach to library planning?
- Questions to enhance the discussion
- Artificial intelligence in library planning
- Application and adaptation
- Iterative review and feedback
- Enhancing capacity for change
- Importance of appreciative inquiry and AI
- Collaborative environment
- Forming strategic committees
- Interactive and positive engagement
- Supporting collaboration through regular meetings and feedback loops
- Community engagement and outreach
- Modernizing library spaces: The role of consultants in reorganization, renovation, and new construction
- Engaging library consultants early in the process
- Consultants’ role in complex and large-scale projects
- Advocating for strategic and informed partnerships
- Building a collaborative environment with consultants
- Leveraging consultant expertise for community engagement
- Enhancing library value through consulting partnerships
- Simplifying funding processes
- Preventing flawed designs
- Enhancing collaboration and communication
- Integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices
- Setting a foundation for future success
- Leveraging consultants in library design development
- Strategic engagement of consultants
- Phased consulting approach
- Maximizing impact through expert advocacy
- The strategic value of consultants in library projects
- Answering key questions with expert insight
- Optimizing library spaces for future needs
- Building collaborative relationships for success
- The expanding role of library consultants
- Categories of library consultants
- Integrating technology and infrastructure
- Library science experts
- Enhancing the user experience
- Facility planning consultants
- Expertise in design and implementation
- Consultant fees and service agreements
- Strategic bidding and proposal evaluations
- Fostering successful collaborations
- Enhancing library spaces through expert consultations
- Engaging local consultants
- Project oversight and evaluation
- Fee structures and financial planning
- Adapting to modern needs
- Navigating fee negotiations
- Strategic fee negotiation in varied market conditions
- Tips for effective negotiations
- Choosing the right firm for your library's needs
- Collaboration for large-scale projects
- Advantages of mixed firm collaborations
- References
- Chapter 6 Library architecture and service programming
- Abstract
- Integrating higher education, and interior design
- The specialized roles of designers
- Collaboration for enhanced library environments
- A comprehensive approach to library design
- Integrated efforts
- Advanced technology integration
- Harmonizing architecture and interior design in library planning
- Color and texture/flexibility
- Overlap, adapt, and design
- Optimizing collaboration for library projects
- Creating multifunctional library spaces
- Enhancing accessibility and inclusivity
- Integrating technology and food
- Sustainable design practices
- Community-centric design approach
- Embracing leadership
- Demountable walls and movable screens
- Enhancing functionality
- Integrating acoustic soundscapes
- The seven principles
- Advocating for universal design
- Integrating design expertise in architectural firms
- Cross-disciplinary benefits
- A cohesive approach to library design
- Addressing the needs of modern libraries
- Service responses
- Service responses in library design and construction
- Valuing higher education design expertise
- Encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration
- Positive interactions and mutual respect
- Clear communication channels
- Contractual clarity
- Building collaborative foundations
- Enhancing library spaces
- Utilizing design forms for enhanced space planning
- Tailoring spaces to specific need
- Integrating design into library service planning
- Advocating for comprehensive design approaches
- Elevating library environments
- Emphasizing the importance of functionality
- Utilizing technology for dynamic spaces
- Tailoring approaches based on project scale
- Streamlining decision-making and enhancements
- Product markup approach
- Percentage of cost fee structure
- Square footage rate
- Hourly or daily rates
- Ensuring best value through strategic fee negotiation
- Building strong collaborative partnerships
- Leveraging expert advice for long-term benefits
- The role of facility planners in modern design
- Diversity in facility planning roles
- Positive contributions of facility planning teams
- Adapting to evolving library needs
- Focus on sustainability and efficiency
- Inclusivity in design
- Engaging with stakeholders
- Expanding capabilities in facility planning
- Collaborative efforts in new constructions
- Integrating technology in design
- Sustainability and efficiency
- Strategic design for enhanced user experience
- Responsive design
- References
- Chapter 7 Library design and architecture considerations
- Abstract
- Library design and planning considerations
- The importance of understanding library space metrics in library planning
- Defining key library space measurements
- Avoiding common planning pitfalls
- Advocating for accurate library assessment
- Strategic factors
- Implementing Japanese design principles
- Balancing functionality with humanistic approach
- Leveraging technology for library space utilization
- Aligning digital value
- Clarifying library space metrics
- Optimizing library spaces
- Understanding variations in library space definitions
- Advocacy for standardized definitions
- Strategic planning and efficient use of library space
- Educating stakeholders on library space use
- Utilizing industry standards and research
- Collaboration with professionals all over the world
- Planning with clear definitions
- BOMA
- Implementing collection reviews
- Space for learning environments
- Finance and space measurements
- Leveraging standards
- Comparing types of space planning
- Addressing space miscalculations
- Advocating for strategic space planning
- AI-enhanced space utilization analysis
- Predictive analytics for future planning
- Enhanced personalization
- Optimizing environmental controls
- Exploring optimal use in library design
- Variability of space ratios based on building characteristics
- Impact of geographic location and design considerations
- Contemporary library design standards
- Inclusive design principles
- Leveraging technology for enhanced library experiences
- Architectural grandeur
- Sustainable practices in campus library design
- Notable architects
- Integrating libraries into campus plans
- Creating adaptable and inclusive spaces
- Campus engagement
- Supporting academic excellence
- Efficiency vs flexibility in design
- Considering architectural examples
- Implementing future-oriented design features
- Balancing aesthetics and functionality
- Advocating for a flexible approach
- Enhancing accessibility
- The strategic integration of design elements
- Incorporating code compliance
- Advanced planning tools
- Adaptable shelving systems
- Sustainability considerations
- Integration with library technology
- Aisle width standards
- Cross aisle requirements
- Shelving depth considerations
- References and guidelines from professional associations
- Technology integration for enhanced accessibility
- Sustainability in design
- Optimizing design
- Adapting design strategies
- Balancing cost and convincing others
- Enhancing spaciousness
- Addressing fire code regulations
- Enhanced design and safety
- Adaptive design approaches
- Educational and cultural hubs
- Nominal vs actual shelving depths explained
- International standards and measurements
- Design implications
- Utilizing ACRL standards for library planning
- Navigating metric and imperial measurements
- Ensuring compliance and stability
- Material and design considerations
- Vendor examples and resource recommendations
- Reference materials and standards for library shelving
- Implementing best practices from industry leaders
- Stability in nonearthquake zones
- Adapting to regulatory changes
- Special considerations for earthquake-prone areas
- Implementing best practices and code compliance
- Training and preparedness
- Importance of proper floor leveling for library stack installations
- Potential risks of uneven flooring
- Case study: Library shelving catastrophe
- Ensuring safety and stability
- Optimizing space with compact shelving in academic libraries
- Design considerations for diverse library materials
- Incorporating academic insights into library design
- Balancing functionality and aesthetics
- Futureproofing
- Incorporating diverse shelving sizes and advanced safety features
- Implementing advanced safety features in shelving installations
- Challenges with installation of safety features
- Recommendations for modern library storage design
- Ensuring the safety and functionality of preservation shelving
- Control options and system expandability
- Integrating safety and security enhancements
- Lighting and visibility
- Vendor recommendations
- Ensuring compliance and customization
- Futureproofing library storage
- Professional installation and ongoing support
- Modern standards for library floor loading capacities
- Standard floor loading requirements
- Special considerations for high-density materials
- Comparative standards and historical context
- Technology and infrastructure
- Collaboration and regulatory compliance
- Building for the future
- Reference to literature and case studies
- ASRS: Transforming library storage
- Sustainable building practices
- Engaging with technological innovations
- Building community through design
- Collaborative spaces and learning environments
- References
- Chapter 8 Library planning and design standards
- Abstract
- Rethinking library standards
- Challenges for libraries
- Adopting a linear footage or meters approach: A more accurate measure
- Modern considerations for stack space planning
- Combine a data-driven and user-centered approach
- Embracing the unexpected
- Traditional space standards
- Embracing a user-centered approach
- Considerations for display and half-high stacks
- Embracing a knowledge management perspective
- Modern space standards for carrels and workstations
- Library workplace standards
- Physical environment
- Psychological and social environment
- Technology and equipment
- International standards and guidelines
- A deeper dive
- Professional development and training
- Research and scholarly activities
- Workload and stress management
- Leadership and management
- Technology skills and expertise
- Integrating behavioral concepts into library planning: A new frontier
- Understanding human behavior
- Applying knowledge management to library study spaces
- Case studies and examples
- Case studies: Examining stack space utilization in Ivy League and UK libraries
- User-centered approach
- Beyond physical dimensions
- Programming stack access
- Prioritizing flexibility and adaptability
- References
- Index
- Edition: 1
- Published: March 19, 2025
- No. of pages (Paperback): 178
- No. of pages (eBook): 180
- Imprint: Chandos Publishing
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN: 9780443291760
- eBook ISBN: 9780443291777
AC
Alexander H. Cohen
Alexander is a Library Consultant, Facilitator and Engagement Specialist. Alexander is a librarian by training and has worked extensively with peoples all over the world to develop next generation libraries. For over 20 years, he has built strong relationships with the library communities and library leaders of the world. He has a deep respect for public libraries, knowledge centres, academic libraries, and historical knowledge archives.
Affiliations and expertise
Aaron Cohen Associates, USA