Library Renovation Dos & Don’ts

Paul Glassman Felician College How to Design Functional, Flexible, & Forgiving Library Spaces

Why build?

Reasons to build Expanding use Insufficient space Building 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, continued Meet 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