Better Library Design

Ideas from Library Journal

Edited by Rebecca T. Miller, Barbara A. Genco

Publication date:

28 December 2015

Length of book:

168 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781442239609

Few librarians build more than one library in their careers and renovating or building a whole new library is a very expensive investment. Thus, new or refurbished structures need to be fresh and up to date. While some librarians have the means to visit exemplary buildings as they develop their own library’s master plan, most library leaders and stakeholders won’t actually see the full range of potential projects. Hence, this unique book is both a resource and a brainstorm prompt. It helps library leaders and key stakeholders surface the ideal programmatic aspects that drive exciting design, and offer recent design solutions that have been effectively implemented.

Better Library Design: Ideas from Library Journal identifies and celebrates the top trends in library design, capturing current state and provides an authoritative overview for those planning their own projects. This is a colorful, high content survey of dynamic library building projects completed in the last five years, in both public and academic settings. Anchored by Library Journal’s New Landmark Libraries competition, here is the nation’s best examples of innovative, functional, appealing design --- all in glorious full-color so you’ll be both inspired and informed as you make important design choices.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Flexible Strategies: Pop-Up Libraries, Interim Spaces, and More
Chapter 2: Building Partnerships: Mixed-Use Buildings
Chapter 3: Classic Buildings Updated: Revitalizing Local Landmarks
Chapter 4: Green “LEEDers”: Environmentally Friendly and Affordable Strategies
Chapter 5: Kids & Teens: New Spaces and Places
Chapter 6: Strategies: Small Solutions for Small Budgets
Chapter 7: Top Trends: Iterative Space, Learning Commons, Maker Spaces, and More
Chapter 8: Keeping Current: Visioning the Future
Chapter 9: The Next Generation: New Landmark Libraries

Photo Credits
Institutional Index
Architect & Designer Index

This book provides a comprehensive view of what is happening as libraries redefine spaces. The photographs are plentiful and colorful. The writings underscore both libraries’ desire to change in order to enhance library services, and the ongoing funding challenges libraries are facing. The creative solutions to omnipresent challenges can inspire libraries that are interested in renovating spaces. Library directors, library community board members, and leadership teams will enjoy this book for its plethora of ideas, both large and small, on ways to invigorate spaces and breathe new life into existing libraries. Library planners will learn of many new ways that library spaces are being utilized, as well as creative ways to find partners to increase exposure and minimize costs. Also, it is such a visually appealing book that anyone with an interest in library design will enjoy thumbing through its pages.