The practical handbook of library architecture: creating building spaces that work

Part I. Introduction : More than two hundred snappy rules for good and evil in library architecture

Part II. About library buildings : The library construction process : Motivations ; Building programs ; Building consultants ; Architects and design ; Construction options and site selection ; Dysfunctional design concepts ; Schematic designs ; Renderings and models ; Money ; Design development ; Bid documents, aka construction documents ; Bidding ; Construction management ; Design-build projects ; Groundbreaking ; The construction process ; Moving ; Ribbon cutting ; Ten-month post-occupancy evaluation ; Rewards for the stressed out librarian

Basic configuration of library spaces : External configuration ; Internal layout and room shapes ; Traffic flow ; Window placement ; Artistic ceiling shapes ; Curved walls ; Basements ; Snappy rules on the basic configuration of library spaces

Evaluating library buildings by walking around : Reasons for evaluating buildings on your own ; The problems with asking the staff ; Appearance ; Sense of welcome ; Staff services points ; Natural light ; Artificial light ; Acoustics ; HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) ; Furnishings ; Storage ; Fragile construction materials ; Flexibility ; Functional arrangement of rooms ; Ceilings ; Acrophobia ; Floor coverings ; Ornamental spaces ; Protection from the elements ; Security ; Expandability ; Water features ; Omissions

Dysfunctional designs : Common dysfunctional architectural design concepts ; In defense of designers ; The good news ; Snappy rules on dysfunctional design

Converting non-library spaces to public libraries : Planning conversions to non-library spaces ; Rationales for conversions ; Common problems in conversions ; Types of buildings that might be converted to libraries ; Snappy rules for converting non-library spaces to public libraries

Part III. Basic steps : Programming : Purpose of building programs ; Input on programs ; Typical contents of programs ; Methods of space estimating ; Who should write your building program? ; How to hire consultants ; Program-writing methods ; Two-phase building programs ; What to do when your architects ignore your programs ; Quick space estimates using formulas ; Snappy rules on programming

Design : The role of the architect in the building process ; Hiring an architect ; Design competitions ; Planning groups ; What can go wrong when you work with architects? ; Snappy rules on design

Site selection : Evaluating potential sites ; Special needs of various types of libraries ; Snappy rules on library site selection

Zoning, covenants, and codes : Zoning ; Covenants ; Codes ; LEED ; Snappy rules on zoning, covenants, and codes

Construction : Standard steps in the construction process ; Construction management firms ; Design-build projects ; Move-out vs. phased construction ; The librarian's role in construction ; Public ceremonies ; Punch lists ; Post-occupancy inspection ; Snappy rules on construction

Remodeling and expanding library buildings : Comparative costs ; Problems with the reuse and expansion of old library buildings ; Phasing expansion projects ; Snappy rules on remodeling and expanding libraries

Part IV. Money : Building costs : Capital costs ; Anticipating operating costs ; Snappy rules on building costs

Funding : Sources of money ; Snappy rules on funding

Part V. Library spaces : User seating : How much user seating? ; How library furniture is ordered ; Tables ; Chairs ; Placement of user seating in library buildings ; Snappy rules on user seating

Collection storage : Steel cantilever shelving ; Alternatives to steel cantilever shelving ; Shelving placement ; Other types of storage ; High-density storage ; Estimating required space for collection storage ; Snappy rules on collection storage

Public service desks : Typical functions of public service desks ; Placement of public service desks ; Essential features of public service desks ; Testing proposed public service desks ; Types of public service desks ; Public service desks and security ; Common problems in the design of public service desks ; Library supply company service desks ; Encouraging valedictory remarks ; Snappy rules on public service desks

Program and study rooms : General features of typical meeting rooms ; Types of program and study rooms ; Special problems and opportunities with program and study rooms ; Common errors in the design of program and study rooms ; Snappy rules on program and study rooms

Display and exhibit areas : Open exhibit areas ; Display cases ; Wall spaces for hanging artworks ; Pinnable surfaces ; Security issues ; Permanent works of art ; Exterior displays ; Combined libraries and museums ; Policies on displays and exhibits ; Snappy rules on display and exhibit areas

Restrooms : Building codes ; Fixtures and equipment ; Accommodations for children and infants ; Size and location of restrooms ; Security ; Lighting ; Planning for maintenance ; Snappy rules on library restrooms

Staff workrooms : General considerations for staff workrooms ; Individual workrooms ; Architectural features of workrooms ; Workroom furnishings ; Space with shared equipment ; Staff conference rooms ; Specialized workrooms ; Workspaces in otherwise public areas ; Required workroom sizes ; Snappy rules on staff workrooms

Staff facilities : Staff lunchrooms ; Staff restrooms ; Staff coat and purse storage ; Staff mailboxes ; Staff bike storage and showers ; Snappy rules on staff facilities

Storerooms : Locations of storage spaces ; Assigned storage spaces ; Shared storage spaces ; Meeting and program room storage spaces ; Mechanical equipment storage spaces ; Describing storage spaces in building programs ; Protecting storage spaces from looters who covet your space ; Snappy rules on storerooms

Part VI. Technical issues : Lighting : General lighting concepts ; Types of light sources ; Lighting strategies ; Energy-saving ideas ; Common lighting problems and how to avoid them ; An easy formula for multifunctional library lighting ; Coping with natural lighting ; A final word on lighting ; Snappy rules on library lighting

Elevators, staircases, railings, and ramps : Elevators ; Staircases ; Railings ; Ramps ; Snappy rules on elevators, staircases, railings, and ramps

Electrical systems : Nomenclature ; Electrical circuits ; Electrical outlets ; Electrical switches ; Emergencies ; Snappy rules on electrical systems

Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems : General complexity ; Temperature control and zoning ; Humidity control ; Ductwork ; Energy conservation ; Special HVAC problems ; Snappy rules on HVAC systems

Plumbing systems : Food preparation and service area ; Staff workroom plumbing ; Custodial workrooms ; Hose bibs ; Water "features" ; Storm drains ; Detention and retention basins ; Snappy rules on plumbing systems

Security : Security through building design ; Theft control systems ; Theft of library equipment and of personal possessions ; Entrance and exit control equipment ; Intrusion alarms ; Fire protection systems ; Humidity control ; Video surveillance systems ; Miscellaneous issues in patron and staff security ; Public relations implications ; Insurance ; Snappy rules on library security

Walls, floors, and ceilings : Health problems ; Walls ; Floors ; Ceilings ; Snappy rules on walls, floors, and ceilings

Appendix : Vocabulary.