RCLS Professional Collection: Construction

"Exceptional library design is the result of effective collaboration. A successful design comes about through a productive exchange of ideas among the stakeholders and the architect. These participants define objectives, evaluate alternatives, and make the choices that can lead to a successful library"

Sustainability Coordinator, Mid-Hudson Library System, author Aldrich delivers an exciting, groundbreaking pitch for sustainable thinking in libraries. The author draws on principles of environmental sustainability (such as green building) not only to make libraries more ecofriendly but also to strengthen and preserve the buildings themselves. Featuring lively prose, splashy concepts, and writing exercises evocative of Seth Godin (Linchpin; All Marketers Are Liars), Aldrich's book is refreshing and required reading for library leaders and advocates.

Part I. Introduction -- Introduction -- Two hundred [plus?] snappy rules for good and evil in library architecture -- Part II. About library buildings -- The library construction process -- Basic configuration of library spaces -- Evaluating library buildings by walking around -- Dysfunctional designs -- Converting non-library spaces to public libraries -- Part III. Basic steps -- Programming -- Design -- Site selection -- Zoning, covenants, and codes -- Construction -- Remodeling and expanding library buildings -- Part IV. Money -- Building costs -- Funding -- Part V. Library spaces -- User seating -- Collection storage -- Public service desks -- Program and study rooms -- Display and exhibit areas -- Restrooms -- Staff workrooms -- Staff facilities -- Storerooms -- Part VI. Technical issues -- Lighting -- Elevators, staircases, railings, and ramps -- Electrical systems -- Mechanical systems -- Plumbing systems -- Security -- Walls, floors, and ceilings -- Appendix: vocabulary

Tighter budgets and the complex demands of both library users and staff call for careful preparation now more than ever. Whether you're building from the ground up or simply remodeling, the success of your project hinges on planning, coordination, and communication. This new update of Sannwald's classic guide will help you stay prepared and organized for every phase of your undertaking from conception through the dedication ceremony. Using a popular checklist format that ensures no detail is overlooked, this planner covers crucial considerations like Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) factors, structured to match the federal code; sustainable design features, including sensors that save energy and water; designing makerspaces, digital media labs, or leased library enterprises; disaster and recovery planning; creating quiet spaces; collaborative collections and materials-handling efficiency; and important virtual presence aspects to bear in mind during physical space decisions.

Take care of your library and it will take care of you! In this practical, concise volume, authors Lynn M. Piotrowicz and Scott Osgood provide a tour of the library building from foundation to roof. In a time of rapidly inflating energy prices and tight public budgets, many libraries are faced with older physical facilities that are not up to modern standards of efficiency. Designed for libraries where construction of a whole new building is not feasible, this book offers step-by-step instructions for

Expert author McCarthy is an architect with in-depth expertise in building libraries as well as an 18-year veteran library trustee. This authoritative overview is filled with practical advice to understand key relationships and manage a complex process. Checklists and sample construction documents provide hands-on insights into the best practices in library construction and tools to do the job. Library directors, professionals, administrators, and trustees will get expert guidance on creating a realistic budget for new library construction and determining the responsibilities on both sides.

Using hands-on tools and real-life insider stories from librarians around the country, this is a must-have crash course in planning and building todays' libraries!