Assessing Library Facility Needs in the 21st Century

Sarah HoughtonDirector, San Rafael Public Library

Let’s start with the messy questions

Is the Internet taking the place of libraries?

If we continue to need library service, why not plan a fully virtual library for the

future?

How do you start to assess your library’s future facility needs?

Evaluate limitations and constraints to

service

So where do you start?

Project your future population and service needs

Lot size vs. building size

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s “Public

Library Space Needs:A Planning Outline”

http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/files/pld/pdf/plspace.pdf

6 Types of Library Space

1) Collections2) Customer seating3) Staff work space4) Meeting rooms5) Special use space (for photocopiers, book

returns, displays, etc.)6) Non-assignable space (for vestibules, furnace

rooms, rest rooms, and the like)

10 Considerations for Renovations,

Remodels, and New Buildings

1) Ease of access

2) High visibility

3) Adequate parking

4) Convenience

5) Access for youth

6) Views

7) Sustainability

8) Landscaping

9) Expandability

10) Good neighbors

10 Things Our Customers Want

1) Attractive

2) Large

3) Bright

4) Civic-minded

5) Customer friendly

6) Technologically advanced

7) Environmentally sensitive

8) Flexible

9) Efficient

10) Cost Effective

Resources

Determining Your Public Library’s Future Size: A Needs Assessment & Planning Model.

Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space

Planning the Small Library Facility

Wisconsin Library Building Project Handbook

Libraries Designed for Users: A 21st Century Guide

Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations

Sarah Houghtonlibrarianinblack@gmail.com@TheLiB