Planning the Modern Public Library Building

by Gerard B. McCabe, James Kennedy

Overview

This collection of 22 highly informative essays offers important insight into current activities in the area of building planning. Written by recognized building experts from the United States and Australia, the essays discuss critical planning issues from a management perspective.

Topics include space design; collection marketing; furniture selection; landscaping; accommodating different age groups; hosting activities and events; seeking support from the community; and more. Technology is given a high priority. A bibliographic essay provides an abundance of suggested titles for further study.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313321559
Publisher:	ABC-CLIO, Incorporated
Publication date:	07/30/2003
Series:	Libraries Unlimited Library Management Collection Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	296
Sales rank:	916,550
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

GERARD B. MCCABE is retired Director of Libraries, Clarion University, Pennsylvania.

JAMES R. KENNEDY is University Librarian, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, Iowa.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgment

Introduction

Part I: The Planning Begins

Chapter 1: Early Planning for a New Library

Chapter 2: Before Sizing Your Building, Reinvent It: Think New Services, Collections, and Equipment

Chapter 3: Greening the Library: An Overview of Sustainable Design

Chapter 4: An Ounce of Prevention: Library Directors and the Designing of Public Libraries

Part II: Rallying Support

Chapter 5: Community Involvement in the Library Construction Process

Chapter 6: Getting to Yes: The Public Library Building Process in Henrico County, Virginia

Part III: Key Issues for Planning

Chapter 7: Retail Technology Applications and Their Role in the Modern Library

Chapter 8: A Guide to Selecting Library Furniture

Chapter 9: Landscape Design, Establishment, and Maintenance

Part IV: Joint-Use Libraries

Chapter 10: Joint-Use Libraries: The Ultimate Form of Cooperation

Part V: Services for Children, Young Adults, and Seniors

Chapter 11: Designing Library Space for Children and Adolescents

Chapter 12: Using Teen Patrons as a Resource in Planning Young Adult Library Space in Public Libraries

Chapter 13: Creating a Senior-Friendly Library

Part VI: Technology

Chapter 14: Wireless Networking in the Library: Creating Network Connectivitity Throughout the Library-A Decision-Making Guide for Planners

Chapter 15: Considerations in Planning and Managing Computer Services

Chapter 16: The Importance of Lighting

Chapter 17: New Concepts for Technology in Library Design

Part VII: Notable Buildings

Chapter 18: Pustaka Negeri Sarawak: Sarawak State Library and Multimedia

Chapter 19: Historic Libraries and Their Enduring Value: Brooklyn Public Library Renews Its Historic Buildings

Part VIII: Bibliographic Essay

Chapter 20: Annotated Bibliography: Planning, Designing, and Building Public Libraries

Editorial Reviews

If a new library is in your future, this is one of the books you will want to read as you plan. Building experts from the United States and Australia (both librarians and architects) contributed the 22 essays, whose topics include beginning to plan and key issues in planning, space, and building design; furniture selection; landscaping; services and accommodations for different age groups; rallying support for your library; and technology considerations. There is also an annotated bibliography. In the essay on library design, Valerie Meyer maintains that no one is better qualified than librarians to design a new library especially because of their experience and organizational and customer service skills. She outlines the various sections within the library and what to consider as part of the design. Robert W. Fetzer discusses advantages and disadvantages of ordering stock furniture vs. custom-made. He also covers different woods, how they are cut, their appropriate uses, and how this has an effect on furniture construction. Authors James Flott and Merri A. Hartse consider the importance of landscaping in ecological terms, as a matter of safety and security, and managing the plants after the initial installation. From inside to outdoors, all areas are given consideration. The essays all contain a current and helpful bibliography of other readings on the topic, which readers will find invaluable. Use this excellent resource in conjunction with Lee Brawner's Determining Your Public Library's Future Size: A Needs Assessment and Planning Model; William W. Sannwald's Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations, 4th ed.; Nolan Lushington's The Design and Evaluation of Public Library Buildings; and Anders C. Dahlgren's Public Library Space Needs. Recommended for public librarians.-Marie Bruni, Huntington Memorial Lib., Oneonta, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal