Library RenovationDos & Don’ts

Paul Glassman

Felician College

How to Design Functional, Flexible, & Forgiving

Library Spaces

Why build?

Reasons to buildExpanding useInsufficient spaceBuilding condition Deferred maintenance Antiquated physical infrastructure Support for technology Insufficient accessibility Appearance

Making the case Who benefits? How do we preserve the library as a

destination? Do we want to improve the library as

a place? Will there be economies of scale? Will services improve? Will the mission be served better?

Developing a proposal

Include a rationale for the project. Outline benefits. Improve odds for funding and

approval. Identify users. Suggest planning group. Identify the client(s).

Phases of planning

Programming Schematic design Design development

Infuse yourself into the process

Users know better than anyone else what they need.

Managers and practitioners will overlook you if you’re not assertive.

What is a program?

Tool to define project objectives & goals Device for decision making Guide for design team throughout the

design process Checklist for design team and users Provides scope and parameters Lists functional requirements States the problem, not the solution Quantifies rather than qualifies

Why is a program important?

Opportunity to evaluate Goals Site Service & operational concepts Staff and collection growth Adjacencies and internal

organization

What’s in a program? Summary of goals and objectives Identification of issues and assumptions Planning criteria

Space Collections Seating Staff Storage

Adjacencies Technical criteria, room by room

What a program is not

Contract Rigid set of

rules

Who creates a program?

User Architect Independent

consultant

What’s the process?Develop a management plan Who will be consulted? How will communications be

handled? Who will review drawings? Who will make decisions? How will the schedule be defined? How have other libraries done this?

Benefits of an interior architect Asks questions the client may not

think of Coordinates the construction

schedule Supervises construction Estimates cost with accuracy Is familiar with sources for

equipment and materials Can develop specifications for

equipment and materials

What architects forget Space for book trucks Sorting shelves Staff lockers Placement of light switches Bulletin boards and signs Closets and storage units Waste baskets

Technology consultants Talk to specialists, in-house or

consultants Scanners Copiers Vending machines for smart cards Change machines

Process, continuedMeet frequently to review project

needs & challenges Impact of technology Security Maintenance Furniture & equipment Special needs

Submission, review, & sign-off

Planning for change Growth & change

Collections Staff

Technology Wired Wireless

Multi-functional space

Space inventory Helps identify options and

possibilities Lists features, such as square

footage, geometry, structural and spatial intrusions, lighting, ceiling heights, level of HVAC, condition of surfaces

Types of spaces Quiet study Small group study Lounge area with periodical display Different sizes of seating for different

body types

Anthropomorphic data Developed by

industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss

Useful for grasp of human dimensions & ergonomics

Lighting Ambient Task Reflected ceiling

plan Placement of light

switches Rheostatic

controls Separate controls

for ambient and task lighting

Power Install outlets near each station and work

space. Customized furnishings often include

outlets. Power outlets and data jacks are usually

integral. Remember to provide power for all

peripherals.

Heating, ventilating & air conditioning (HVAC) Most spaces were

designed for lower heat loads.

Computer equipment more than doubles the heat load.

A dedicated thermostat is a welcome feature.

Maintenance

Keep in mind the needs of Technology services Housekeeping

Assume nothing! Review each drawing carefully. Develop paper mockups of desks and

service points. Learn to use an architect’s scale. Notify the architects in writing of

problems, concerns, and suggestions. Refer to the program as a functional

checklist.

Exploit the promotional opportunity Post “before and after” images at

entrances. Take lots of pictures of work in progress. Acquire digital images from the architects. Develop a Web site and blog with design

& construction updates.

Don’t let the architects or designers

Steamroll you. Choose the colors. Convince you that pearl gray silk is

durable.

Conclusion

Engage library staff in space planning & design

Gather & review information thoroughly Double the time anticipated for

Time you will spend Projected cost Time until completion