information center of the future: a resource guide

information center of the future: a resource guide

computer methods and programs in biomedicine ELSEVIER Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine44 (1994) 263-266 Building the library/information...

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computer methods and programs in biomedicine ELSEVIER

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine44 (1994) 263-266

Building the library/information center of the future: a resource guide Margaret

K . B l a i r * , M a r y A n n W i l l i a m s , P a m e l a S. R a n d ,

Michael T. Schanno

Health Sciences Library, University of Maryland at Baltimore, 111 South Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Abstract

For use in planning new or renovated library facilities, this list reviews 20 selected journal articles and monographs, dating from 1980 on. Works cited are in the following categories: the planning process, planning for new technology, interior design, planning the move, and special considerations. Key words: Library buildings; Planning process; Design features; Technology

1. Introduction

This resource guide provides a selected list of current literature which will be useful in planning a new library facility or renovating an existing one. Both journal articles and monographs are included in the guide, culled from searches of several databases (OCLC, Wilsonline, Library Literature, M E D L I N E , and others) from 1980 to the present. The majority of works are post-1987; a few older works are included, such as the classic text by Metcalf, and works which discuss general design principles or the planning process. The impact of technology on libraries is without question and forces library planners to reexamine the old principles of collection growth,

* Corresponding author, Tel.: 410 706 7760.

access points, and types of services as they relate to space planning in the new era. Some have even questioned the wisdom of building any new library building. Recent works are included on planning for technology, ranging from the theoretical to the practical. Other subjects cover the planning process, interior design, planning the move, and special considerations. 2. The planning process

R.E. Carroll, Building a library: the librarian/ architect relationship, New Zealand Libraries 45 (March 1987) 85-89. Carroll reflects on what a library really is and what libraries try to do. The library's purpose must be taken into account at every phase of the building process. He discusses various roles the librarian can play in the planning process, from

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advocate to critic. Carroll reminds the library administration to maintain statistics on staff and services provided as well as the collection, and floor space allocated to various functions. Be prepared to justify space needs, especially by comparing to national standards. He gives advice on working with your architect by developing a mutual understanding of each other's purpose. Briefly, the article takes the librarian through the entire planning process. J.L. Crocker, Building a new library: advice to the librarian, New Jersey Libraries 22 (Winter 1989-90) 16-19. Thorough advanced planning is crucial to the success of a library building project. Incorporating lessons from personal experience, Crocker outlines several factors to help anticipate users' needs and translate them into a viable building. S. Hitt, Administration: space planning for health science libraries, in: Handbook of Medical Library Practice, L. Darling, Ed. pp. 387-467 (Medical Library Association, Chicago, 1988). From the standard text for health sciences librarians, this chapter focuses on planning, constructing, and occupying a new library building. In addition to explaining and expanding upon planning principles and guidelines, Hitt has provided an excellent guide to the literature on planning libraries. This chapter is currently under revision for a new edition of the Handbook. Planning library buildings: a select bibliography (Library Administration and Management Association, American Library Association, Chicago, 1990). Both journals and books are covered in this bibliography. Most works cited were published since 1980, though a few are older. An author index is provided. The bibliography is arranged by subject and covers topics such as planning, mechanical and structural systems, automation, interior design, financing, and moving. It also cites selected case studies. J. Lucker, Negotiating the rocky shoals: the politics of building a library, in: Is the Library a Place? (Association of Research Libraries, l l8th Membership Meeting, Montreal, Quebec, May 15-17, 1991).

The building of a new library or the renovation of an existing building generally involves many key players (staff, architects, donors, etc.). Lucker creatively suggests ways to help balance the input of all those involved in facility planning. R.G. Martin, Ed., Libraries for the future: planning buildings that work (American Library Association, Chicago, 1992). Martin has edited the proceedings of a conference sponsored by the Buildings for College & Research Libraries Committee of American Library Association (ALA) and co-sponsored by the Architecture for Public Libraries Committee of ALA. Papers cover the roles of the consultant, the planning team, and outlines of the process. An excellent overview of the trends and issues confronting librarians approaching the building process is provided, with strong emphasis placed on understanding the mission and purpose of the library, and the functional requirements of the library, long before the building planning process actually begins. The building program statement is covered in 2 papers. Functional and technical requirements are discussed in relation to building criteria and space relationships. Suggestions are given on choosing an architect and on the composition of the design team. All of the papers presented are thoughtful and useful to anyone involved in planning a new building. K.D. Metcalf, Planning academic and research library buildings, 2nd Ed., P.D. Leighton and D.C. Weber, Eds. (American Library Association, Chicago, 1986). The classic text on planning library buildings, Metcalf covers all aspects of planning a new library building, from the beginning stages of planning through interior design, selection of the architect through moving into the new building. The appendices contain examples of programs, equipment lists, formulas and tables for calculating seating, shelving, etc., a bibliography, and a glossary. E. Mount, Creative planning of special library facilities (Haworth Press, New York, 1988). This book describes itself as "an introductory text for those who have had little or no experience in ... designing a facility". It is intended primarily for smaller, more specialized libraries. All aspects

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of planning a library are covered including preplanning suggestions. There is an extensive, annotated bibliography and 4 libraries recently renovated or newly built each have a chapter. W.W. Sannwald, Ed., Checklist of library building design considerations (American Library Association, Chicago, 1991). Questions on every aspect of space and function in a library are provided, including communications equipment, electrical requirements, shelving, etc. Each section has one or more questions relating to accessibility for the disabled. This is a very straightforward, easy-to-use approach to planning, covering the specific needs (e.g., coat closets) to the broad (e.g., the exterior of the building). 3. Planning for new technology Aaron Cohen Associates, Designing and retrofitting libraries for technology: course outline (Aaron Cohen Associates, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 1991). This course outline contains floor plans, worksheets, tables, and exploded diagrams. Budgeting figures by total cost and by square footage are included for different aspects of the project, i.e. architectural, mechanical, etc. R.J. Bazillion, Personal computing and academic library design in the 1990s, Computers in Libraries 12 (March 1992) 10-12. Bazillion discusses the effects of the 'notebook' computer or portable computer on library design. New buildings must be more 'intelligent', since libraries will need to be able to link these 'notebooks' to the library's system, to the Internet, to various other databases, etc. W.S. Dix, Library space planning for new technology, New Jersey Libraries 22 (Winter 19891990) 4-16. To facilitate incorporating new technologies when planning a library building, the author examines five major issues: The impact of electronic publishing, the computer room, the card catalog versus the online catalog, area allocations for readers and staff, and new methods of storage. H.M. Edwards, Ed., Planning for new technology, in: University Library Building Planning (Scarecrow Press, Metuchen, N.J., 1990).

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This chapter discusses new technology and its impact on planning the library of the future. It considers various environment and design problems relating to the computer room such as security, power supply, space requirements, etc. A very complete checklist for computer installation developed by B.G. Toohill is provided. P.D. Leighton and D.C. Weber, The influence of computer technology on academic library buildings: a slice of recent history, in: Academic Librarianship, Past, Present, and Future, J.V. Richardson and J. Davis, Ed. pp. 23-29 (Libraries Unlimited, Inc., Englewood, Colo., 1989). This is a theoretical overview of the technological changes that have occurred during the past 3 decades and that will occur in the 1990s. Although mainly theoretical, Leighton includes practical ideas on integrating traditional functions with emerging technologies. K.E. Marks, Planning for technology in libraries, North Carolina Libraries 49 (Fall 1991) 128-131. For over 30 years, libraries have made use of state-of-the-art technologies, integrating new developments into the library environment. Today, electronic technology is seen as indispensable and must be fully integrated into the work and service of the library. In order to assist in planning for present and future technological development, 5 areas demand serious consideration: electrical power, conduits, lighting, furniture, and air temperature/quality.

4. Interior design C.R. Brown, Selecting library furniture: a guide for librarians, designers, and architects (Oryx Press, Phoenix, 1989). This book is intended as a tool to guide decision makers through the selection process for freestanding furniture such as chairs, tables, shelving units, etc. (Carpets, floor coverings, lights, etc. are not covered.) Brown begins by discussing the process for determining furniture requirements and provides examples of applying the process to particular items. Background information about construction follows with discussion of particular

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kinds of furnishings and shelving available. The final chapters address the bid procedures and the library market. A bibliography and a list of manufacturers are included. A. Cohen and E. Cohen, Designing and space planning for libraries: a behavioral guide (R.R. Bowker Co., New York, 1979). This text concentrates on the interior design elements of planning the library, especially how these elements affect users and staff working in the library. The authors offer many helpful suggestions on how functionality, usability, and attractiveness can be treated to arrive at the best combination in your circumstances. Throughout the book, discussions of design elements are illustrated by photographs and diagrams. In addition to shelving arrangements and furniture, there are chapters devoted to color and signage, lighting, power, and acoustics.

5. Planning the move

R.A. Fraley and C.L. Anderson, Library space planning (Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., New York, 1990). An invaluable, practical guide for the library faced with moving, whether it be into a new building or a reorganization of current space. Fraley and Anderson explain in detail all the steps involved in moving a collection from one place to another in clear language so that everyone can understand it. There are suggestions about publicity, measuring the collection, estimating the time involved and the people needed, and how to keep the library running during the move. Many excellent diagrams and illustrations accompany the text. The appendix contains a sample bid document and a bibliography. This is one of the best sources for planning a move into a new building.

6. Special considerations

L.G. Dunn, The reference librarian and privacy and accessibility at work, in: Mountain Plains Library Association, Enter Save Delete ...: Libraries Pioneering into the Next Century (Proceedings of the Mountain Plains Library Association Academic Library Section Research Forum, Emporia State University Press (Emporia Kans., 1989). In this paper, Dunn considers ways to increase the reference librarian's satisfaction with the job environment. Various solutions t o the conflict between the librarian's need for privacy and the job requirement of accessibility are discussed, including private time, personal space, visual access, and territory. M. Trinkley, Preservation concerns in construction and remodeling of libraries: planning for preservation (Chicora Foundation, Inc., Columbia, S.C., 1992). The goal of this publication is to help libraries incorporate preservation concerns in such building activities as new construction, renovations, and routine maintenance. The text provides a variety of techniques which allow preservation concerns to be integrated into site selection, the design of the building envelope, the library interior, floor coverings, selection of roofing materials, electrical and plumbing features, etc. Trinkley discusses cost considerations and explains the various cost analyses provided. The relationship between preservation and maintenance and why preservation costs provide long-term benefits are covered as well. The various phases of architectural design and construction are outlined to help librarians avoid common pitfalls in working with architects, engineers, and contractors. The author includes essential reference materials, sources for additional programming information, and a list of preservation considerations in the building process.