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2050: a Library Space Odyssey. Planning the Future Library

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2019

Karen Latimer
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Abstract

Embarking on a library space planning odyssey is exciting, terrifying and all absorbing. Planning a new library building or a major refurbishment is a challenging process requiring a strong strategic vision, attention to detail, excellent communication and an element of crystal-ball gazing. This article, written by Karen Latimer, examines the changing typology and current trends in library building design which help planners to envisage the future library and make informed decisions. These trends include the move from collections to connections, the need for varied and flexible learning spaces, sustainability, the impact of technological developments, and the need for scholarly research centres amongst others. Examples of recent library projects are cited to provide inspiration and illustrate the points made. The planning process required to brief the design team effectively and to achieve a successful outcome is considered as is the key role of post-occupancy evaluation in ensuring a continuous loop of improvement. To conclude resources available to provide support are described.

Keywords

library buildingslibrary designlibrary spacelibraries
Type
Selection of Papers from the 49th BIALL Conference 2018
Information
Legal Information Management , Volume 18 , Issue 4 , December 2018 , pp. 203 - 209
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2019. Published by British and Irish Association of Law Librarians 

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References

Footnotes

1 Schlipf, Fred and Moorman, John A, The practical handbook of library architecture: creating spaces that work. (ALA Editions, 2018) 9Google Scholar.

2 Andrew Macdonald, ‘Planning the digital library: a virtual impossibility?’ (2002) 15 (3) Serials 237.

3 Arets, Wiel, Living library. (Prestel, 2005)Google Scholar.

4 Latimer, Karen, ‘Collections to connections: changing spaces and new challenges in academic library buildings’. (2011) 60(1) Library Trends 60(1) 112CrossRefGoogle Scholar.

5 Watson, Les and Howden, Jan, ‘UK projects and trends’ in Watson, Les (ed) Better Library and Learning Space. (Facet, 2013) 5Google Scholar.

6 Hafner, Joseph and Koen, Diane (eds) Space and collections earning their keep. (De Gruyter Saur, 2016)CrossRefGoogle Scholar.

7 Schlipf (n1) 1.

8 Purcell, Jon, ‘University library staff accommodation : why space matters for the forgotten army.’ in Matthews, Graham and Walton, Graham (eds) University libraries and space in the digital world. (Ashgate 2013) 131Google Scholar.

9 Brian Edwards, ‘Sustainability as a driving force in contemporary library design’. (2011) 60(1), Library Trends 190; Hauke, Petra, Latimer, Karen, Klaus Werner, K. (eds) The Green Library. (De Gruyter Saur 2013)Google Scholar.

10 Brand, Stewart, How Buildings Learn. (Viking Penguin 1994)Google Scholar.

11 Macdonald, Andrew, How was it for you? The building process in practice in Latimer, Karen and Niegaard, Helen (eds). IFLA Building Guidelines. (Saur 2007) 96Google Scholar.

12 Karen Latimer, K and Sommer, Dorothea (eds). Post-occupancy evaluation of library buildings. (de Gruyter Saur 2015)CrossRefGoogle Scholar.

13 Ibid 206.

14 Designing Libraries CIC < www.designinglibraries.org.uk> accessed 14 September 2018.

15 LIBER Architecture Group <http://libereurope.eu/architecture-forum/> accessed 14 September 2018.

16 IFLA Library Buildings and Equipment Section <www.ifla.org/en/library-buildings-and-equipment/> accessed 14 September 2018.