Research on Designing a Library
A. General Information in Library Design
According to National Institute of Building Sciences, a library is a type of space where
bound paper documents, film, or magnetic media are stored. There could be open or
closed storage systems and moveable shelving systems, and be applicable to file rooms
and other dense storage of material in conditioned office environments. Libraries are
assumed to be general purpose, and may include display spaces and reading, meeting,
and electronic workstations, as defined by the desired level of access to materials being
stored.
There are designated spaces
for collaborative workspaces,
which bring people together in
a shared environment. Having
such spaces consolidate the
amount of physical space
needed to individually
accommodate employees
which in turn reduces cost,
maximizes available workspace, and encourages better use of floor space. Working in a
collaborative environment has its benefits especially in productivity. It enables users to
get more things done faster because they are working/studying with group of people
who constructively explore their ideas and power to look for a way out that is far more
extended than one’s limited vision. That’s the idea of a 21st Century libraries – to
provide a welcoming common space that encourages exploration, creation, and
collaboration between students, teachers, and a broader community. (Beth Holland,
Edutopia)
The Nesconset Library in New
York was a conversion of a
formal armory into a library
and technical services center
for the Smithtown Special
Library District. The armory’s
“drill room” was converted
into a soaring open plan
library space with
unobstructed clerestory
windows that allow natural light into the interiors. Finishes, millwork, furniture,
casework, and lighting created an inviting and dully accessible community environment
for library patrons. (Architect: BBS Architects & Engineers)
Space Attributes
A library should be a flexible space to accommodate and provide variety of
functions and integrated technologies as well as to properly store, handle, and
articulate printed and other media types.
There are seven broad types of library space:
o Collection space
o Public electronic workstation space
o User seating space
o Staff work space
o Meeting space
o Special use space
o Non-assignable space (including mechanical space)
Accessible – the first and foremost thing that should be considered in the
early process of planning a library is the accessibility and inclusivity. It should
be made to accommodate different types of users such as those with visual,
learning, mobility, speech, and learning impairments. There should also be
staff that are educated and informed about providing an appropriate service
or accommodation that might be requested or required.
- Physical features to address in the library space include:
a) Doorway openings at least 32 inches wide and
doorway thresholds no higher than ½ inch.
b) Aisles kept wide and clear for wheelchair users.
Remove or minimize protruding objects for the safety
of visually impaired users.
c) Connect levels of the library via an accessible route of
travel, or provide procedures to assist patrons with
mobility impairments in retrieving materials from
inaccessible locations.
d) Provide ramps and/or elevators as alternatives to
stairs. Install elevators with both auditory and visual
signals for floors. Elevator controls should be marked
in large print and Braille or raised notation. People
seated in wheelchairs should be easily able to reach
all elevator controls.
e) Wheelchair-accessible restrooms with well-marked
signs should be available in or near the library.
f) Make service desks and facilities such as book returns
wheelchair accessible.
g) Provide ample high-contrast, large print directional
signs through out the library. Shelf and stack
identifiers should be provided in large print and Braille
formats. Mark equipment with large print and Braille
label.
h) Provide telecommunication devices for the deaf.
i) Provide hearing protectors, private study rooms, or
study carrels for users who are distracted by noise and
movement around them or who need special
equipment or support.
j) Provide adaptive technology for computers.
Aesthetics – considering the general theme of the library for aesthetic choices
is very crucial. It could be formal or traditional or more modern and open.
Determine how it will provide connections to the local community, ideals, and
traditions, cultural connections, and or nature.
- provide natural daylighting where possible but consider the
effects on light collections in the process to reduce damage.
Lighting levels should be even. Surfaces should not be too shiny
or glossy and keep reflections, shadows, and glare to minimum.
- Provide visual contrast and use differences in colors, textures,
and patterns to create an engaging experience and differentiate
spaces.
- The Germantown, Maryland Public
Library incorporated large expanses of
windows an extensive material and color
palette to create inviting, light-filled
spaces that enhance the visitor
experience.
Functional/Operational
o Integrated technology – begin the
design process with a thorough
understanding of the technological requirements of the space, including
anticipated future needs.
o Shelving systems – depending on the particular needs of a library space,
shelving systems can be integrated into the design of the room or
installed as modular and adaptable units.
o Heavy floor loads – library stacks and records storage are typically
designed for a 150 LB/SF live load.
o Acoustic and Visual privacy - Library space types will typically include
reading and private work/study areas that require acoustic and visual
separation from general circulation and work areas. Program these
spaces in relation to public access to shelving for self-service.
o Special Lighting - Establishing lighting zones at the beginning of the
design process. Differentiate between the lighting needs for shelving,
circulation, reading, and workrooms. Include energy efficient lighting.
o Occupancy - Occupancy Group Classification for the Library space type is
Assembly Occupancy for libraries of 5,000 SF or greater, and Business
Occupancy B2 with sprinklered protected construction, and GSA
Acoustical Class C1 for spaces smaller than 5,000 SF and for enclosed
offices.
Historic Preservation – it is crucial for any building to adapt on changes
especially technological needs and user needs and patterns. Every historic
building needs to be upgraded to meet today’s HVAC, energy, lighting, and
other sustainability standards or requirements in such a way that the historic
qualities will be preserved. Future should be embraced but also the cultural
heritage should be taken into account.
- Originally
constructed in
1895, the Boston
Public Library
underwent a
Central Library
Renovation that
embraces the
concept of a
library as a big urban room. It provides immersive and engaging
learning experiences for patrons inside as well as pedestrians
who pass by. The greatest benefit to patrons is the much more
fluid connection between both wings of the library, the original
building and the 1972 addition. The design team redefined the
library's usefulness by transforming the second wing from a
solid stone bunker to an inviting light-filled space that honors
the historic landmark building while redefining its use for a new
era. (Architect: William Rawn Associates, Architects Inc. Photo:
Robert Benson Photography)
Productive – a library space should be flexible to allow all different types of
users and functions to execute their purposes, especially for the sole purpose
of productivity.
Secure/Safe – a library should be planned in accordance to safety standards,
fire protection, and general welfare of the public.
Sustainable – take into account the materials, operations, and health & well-
being of the users so that environment and the user comfort won’t be
compromised.
- Natural daylight and ventilation can be used to advantage by
appropriate placing of windows.
- Insulation in roofs and walls can reduce heat gain.
- Take into consideration the use of cooling techniques for indoor
air quality.
- Minimize waste by using durable products.
B. Design Standards for Library
Minimum Standards for Philippine Public Libraries
Rationale
o Formulation of public library standards reflects the fresh concept of
public library service and organizational goals to stimulate new
developments and focus attention in the field
o Standards are used as guide when implementing goals for development
and setting directions for the future
o The foregoing minimum standards shall serve as guide to people who
are tasked to organize, develop, and maintain/sustain public libraries
and their services
o To provide library and information service responsive to the needs of
the community
o To build within each library an information center about its respective
community
Standard 1. Goals and Objectives
o To develop nationally, a network and linkages among public libraries
with The National Library as the center in order to facilitate research and
reference needs patrons
Standard 2. Organization and Management
o Each library shall operate under the administrative supervision of the
local government unit and under the technical supervision of The
National Library
o A public library shall be managed by a professionally trained, competent
and licensed librarian
o The public library as a local government entity shall have, as its
immediate superior, the local chief executive or any legally designated
local official in accordance with the local official in accordance with The
Local Government Code
Standard 3. Staff
o The public library shall be manned by qualified or professionally trained
librarians and shall be supported by competent support services staff
o Sufficient number of personnel shall be hired to attain quality service
o The size of staff in a public library shall depend on the population served
and the size of the collection
- Regional, congressional district, provincial, and city libraries
shall have at least four professional librarians; three support
services staff excluding those holding non-classified positions
like utility workers, etc. Public libraries of first class
municipalities shall have at least two professional libraries and
adequate support/non-professional staff as needed and for
lower class municipalities including barangay reading centers,
there should be at least one full time library staff; and if fund
allows, one clerk and one utility worker.
- The increase in the number of library staff depends on the
increase of population of the community served.
- Librarians shall be appointed to any of the following position
titles depending on their qualifications and educational
attainment:
a) Librarian ISG 10
b) Librarian II SG 14
c) Librarian III SG 18
d) Librarian IV SG 22
e) Librarian V SG 24
f) Other designated titles
- Support Services Staff
a) Technical staff shall possess a diploma/certificate of at
least two-year computer education or its equivalent
and with the required civil service eligibility
b) Clerical staff shall have finished special studies in
Secretarial Science or its equivalent and with the
required civil service eligibility
c) Library aides should have at least finished two years of
college education or have had at least two years
library work experience
d) Other staff. A library should have, depending on its
size and availability of funds, the following personnel:
- Maintenance personnel
a. Library equipment operator for the
photocopying machine; microfilm
reader/printer; overhead projector;
b. Bindery personnel;
c. Messegerial/liaison personnel
d. Utility worker
Standard 4. Budget
o The public library shall be provided with adequate and reasonable
budgetary appropriations to carry out effectively its plans and programs
o The library equipment shall cover the following items:
- Personal service
- Maintenance and other operating expenses
- Capital outlay
o The library budget shall be adjusted annually to make it relevant with
the time
Standard 5. Collection
o The collection must reflect the objectives of the library and the needs of
the community served
- The collection shall include books, multi-media and other non-
book materials such as those in the state-of-the-art
technologies, periodicals, maps, pamphlets, and other visual
materials
o The library shall maintain the local history collection
o The size of the library collection is dependent on the allocation from The
National Library and from the budget/funs provided by the local
government unit in the annual appropriations
o A minimum or initial collection of 3k volumes of books is deemed
appropriate for public libraries in the regions, provinces, cities, and first-
class municipalities regardless of their population
o For libraries in municipalities lower than the first class, an initial book
collection of 2000 volumes is recommended while for the barangay
reading centers, 500 volumes is recommended.
o Selection and acquisition of books and other library materials shall rest
on the librarian with the assistance of er professional staff. Materials for
acquisition recommendations by the library clientele shall be considered
o A provision for at least 10% annual increase of the collection must be
provided each of any public library category
Standard 6. Physical Facilities
o Building
- Site
a) The library shall be centrally located within the
community. It shall have provision for expansion for
future growth
b) The library shall be accessible to all library users by all
means of transportation
c) In the development plan of the local government unit,
the library shall be a component of an integrated
cultural complex
d) The building shall provide access to physically disabled
individuals
- Size
a) Size of the public library shall consider the following:
community population; the growing library collection;
size of library staff and services rendered
b) Each library shall provide adequate space for reading
areas; stack area; work room; staff lounge; toilets for
the library staff and for the public; and space for the
other facilities
c) Provisions shall be made for a minimum seating
capacity of 48-60 people at any one time for regional,
provincial, city, and first-class municipal libraries and
at least 12-24 for barangay reading centers
d) Equipment and furniture shall be adequate to
generate an environment conducive for the pleasant
and effective use of the materials and services
e) Furniture shall be functional and in harmony with the
architecture of the building
f) Equipment shall be selected properly in such a way
that they will help in the efficient operation of the
library to keep abreast with the time
g) Layout of equipment and furniture shall allow the
smooth mobility of readers and materials
Standard 7. Library Services
o Library services shall be provided with the highest degree of efficiency
and integrity
o The library shall reflect and answer the library and information needs of
community
o Open shelves system shall be promoted to give users the free access to
all materials
o The library shall provide materials for the wholesome development of
the community regardless of age, creed, religion, and cultural affiliation
o The library shall organize and maintain local historical and cultural
materials for preservation and conservation
o The library shall observe library hours for the maximum benefit of the
community
o The library shall initiate the organization of groups or volunteers to
handle fund raising to financial support the library and handle activities
o For library promotion activities, the following services shall be
encouraged:
- Reference and research services
- Circulation of books for home use
- Organization and maintenance of children’s section
- Reading guidance for children and out-of-school youth
