HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-04-19; Library Board of Trustees; MinutesMINUTES
Meeting of: LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Time of Meeting: 3:OO p.m.
Date of Meeting: Aprl I 19, 1989
Place of Meeting: Councll Conference Room
CALL TO ORDER:
Presldent Cooper calied the Meeting to order at 3:OO p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Present - Presldent Cooper, Llbrary Board Trustees Martln, Wood and Trigas.
Llbrary Board Trustee Grosse. Absent -
Also Present Were:
Cllfford Lange, Llbrary Director
Geoff Armour, Asslstant Library Dlrector Carolyn Ayars
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The Mlnutes of the Meeting held March 15, 1989, were
approved as presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. Bulldlnq and Grounds
Trustee Trlgas reported the I lbrary project Is
scheduled to be before the Coastal Cmmlsslon In June.
The RFP's are due back Aprll 27, 1989, for the consultants. Councll approved the project and the zone
change.
b. Budget
Trustee Martln reported the budoet has been reviewed by the analyst and was approved, with the only thing
removed belng the electronic equlpment.
c. Personnel
Trustee Wood reported that as of May 1, 1989,
Rhoda Kruse, Llbrary Assfstant I, wlll replace Geraldine Spangler, who retired.
d. Youth
Geoff Armour reported the annual Easter Egg Hunt was the blg event In March. The Summer Reading Club wit
have as Its theme, "Monster Manla".
The Llbrary Board of Trustees off lclal ly thanked Geo Armour for hls excellent work on the Budget.
OLD BUSINESS:
f
a. Agenda Bill to Clty Councll Regardlng Name Change
of the Existing Llbrary Bulldlng to The Georgina Cola
Library and Reafflrming the Offlcial Name of the
L I brary.
Director Lange explalned that thls Agenda Bill will be
on the Councll Agenda May 2.
? TRUSTEES
Cooper
Mart In
Tr I gas Wood
\
MIN.UTES
April 19, 1989 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Page 2
OLD BUSINESS: (Continued)
b. Agenda Bill for an lnformatlon Kiosk to be
constructed outside the Library Entrance - approved
by City Council 4/4/89.
Director Lange stated thls was the Agenda BI I I for the
kiosk, whlch was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
a. California State Llbrary Newsletter Propositlon 85
Update.
Director Lange reported that the City would only have
one chance to apply for this mney, and that wlll be
for the new library.
b. Public Meetlngs Scheduled for Aprll 26 and 27 at
the Branch Library and City Council Chambers
Respectlvely. Purpose of the meetlngs is to inform the public about the recently completed planning
process and to give a progress report on the p lans for the new library building.
Director Lange referred to the Agenda for these meetlngs, copies of which were dlstrlbuted to Board Members prior to thls meeting.
c. Georgina Cole Memorlal Book Collection Book Plate
for Review
Director Lange referred to the sketch of Georgina
Cole's grandch i I dren distr I buted to Members today to be
used for thls item.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR'S REPORT:
Geoff Armour reported on the income tax service
provlded by the Library and extended thanks to Milt
Cooper for all the work he did on this project. The Library provided over 50,000 State and Federal Income
Tax forms. The operation was mostly self-service,
whlch then mlnimized the impact on staff, wlth the
exceptlon of the impact on the Periodical Desk.
Director Lange added that this service could not be
done wlthout the help of the volunteers.
Library Board of Trustees authorized sending a letter
to the volunteers expressing this Board's appreclation
for the work done In provlding the income tax service.
Director Lange reported work is being done on obtaining
storage for books for the new library. Work is being
done on the online catalog development, wlth a target
date for completion at the end of thls year.
Geoff Armour called attention to the statistlcs, stating the totaf circulatlon for March was 77,000,
which Is the highest ever in the history of the L I brary .
Cooper
Martin
Tri gas Wood
MINUTES
Apri I 19, 1989 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Page 3
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY:
Board Trustee Wood reported the Frlends are mving
forward wlth the Book Fair, May 21, 1989, and Roger
Greer is the Chairman.
GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY:
President Cooper reported that Bee McWiIliams has been
re-assigned, and the new Representative wlll be
Virginla Watterson.
SERRA ADVISORY BOARD:
President Cooper reported the Advlsory Board meetlng will be tomorrow.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There were no reauests to address the Board.
LIBRARY BOARD WORKSHOP:
Director Lange reported that there were coples of
articles attached to the packet to lnform the Trustees of what wlII be happenlng over the next three or four
months wlth the llbrary bulldlng program and the
library bulldlng consultant.
ADJOURNMENT:
By proper motion, the Meeting of Aprli 19, 1989, was
adjurned at 3:53 p.m.
Respectful ly ,submitted,
Harriett Babbltt
M i nutes C 1 erk
\ TRUSTEES
.. .
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY * 4'
' NEWSLETTER
Gary E. Strong, State Llbrarian ISSN 0276-6973
March 1989
LEGISLATM ANALYST'S REPORT
SUPPORTS 1989190 STATE LIBRARY BUDGET
The Report of the Legislative Analyst to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee
released on February 22, recommended approval of State Library funds that were
proposed in the 1989/90 Governor's budget. The analysis supported increases of
$680,000 from the General Fund for transaction-based reimbursements to local libraries
for the costs of loans to patrons from outside their jurisdictions; increases of $268,000
from federal funds to preserve historic photographs in the State Library collection; and
$156,000 from the California Library Construction and Renovation (CLCR) Fund for
administration of the CLCR program. The analysis specifically highlighted the CLCR
as a project approved by the voters in November and described its features to the
TLegis!ature.
For more information on the Legislative Analyst's report, contact David Price,
Assistant State Librarian at (916) 445-3831.
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY P.O. BOX 942837 SACRAMENTO, CA 94237-0001
88 50696
PROPOSITION 85 'UPDATE
A draft schedule outlining the
implementation of the California Liirary Construction and Renovation Bond Act
of 1988 (Proposition 85) appeared in
the December 1988 issue of this
newsletter. Since then a number of
developments have taken place.
Change in Schedule
It now appears the entire $75 million
appropriated in the bond measure in
matching grants for public library
construction and remodeling under
Proposition 85, less administrative costs,
will be awarded at the end of calendar
1989 or beginning of calendar 1990.
This is a change from the December
1988 schedule, when it was expected the
moneys would be awarded in two
application cycles, each for half the
funds.
The reason for this change is to
minimize administrative costs by
reducing the number of times
applications will be invited, evaluated
and approved, as well as to minimize
the loss in value of Bond Act grants
due to annual increases in construction
costs. Application materials are still
expected to be mailed late this summer.
Bond Act Board Appointments
The California Ljirary Construction
and Renovation Board, the body
responsible for approving applications
for funding, consists of five members
including Treasurer Thomas Hayes,
Director of Finance Jesse Huff, and
State Librarian Gary Strong. The two
legislative members were just recently
appointed. They are Senator Barry
Keene and Assemblyman Steve Clute.
Status of State Bond Sales
Many have inquired about a recent
article in the Sacramento Bee, which
said state officials will delay marketing
bonds for various programs. According
to Director of Finance Jesse Hue the
article misstated the situation. The
state used to market bonds in advance
of need, because it could earn more
interest on the proceeds than it paid to
the bondholders. Such interest "arbitrage" became taxable under the
federal Tax Reform Act of 1986. The
state is now altering the timing of
already-scheduled bond sales so they are
not so much in advance of need that
they run afoul of the arbitrage
provision. Proposition 85 bonds have
not yet been scheduled, and hence are
not affected.
First Library Bond Sale
The first sale of library bonds will
probably be rnid-calendar 1990, when it
is expected the first claims would need
to be met from the few projects having
working drawings at the time of
application. Those claims would not be
submitted until after the state-local
contract and of the working drawings
have been approved, followed by the
local bid and award and beginning of
construction. It is likely library bonds
will be sold in several offerings of $5 or
-2-
$10 million to meet anticipated claims;
each amount would be within a much
larger offering that included bonds from
many programs.
Rulemaking
As indicated in the December 1988
Newsletter article, it is anticipated that
rulemaking will not be completed until
this summer. Rulemaking will be under
the provisions of the Administrative
Procedure Act, which requires 45 days
of opportunity for comment prior to
adoption, hearing, and similar public
involvement. All libraries and other
interested parties will be mailed any
proposed regulations.
There are two agencies whose
approval is required for the regulations
likely to be needed. The first is the
Office of Administrative Law, which is
responsible for review and approval of
administrative rules and regulations.
The second is the Building Standards
Commission, responsible for approval of
any building codes or standards to be
required of the facilities to be built or
remodeled with Bond Act funds.
IdentiQing Building Standards
To help identify appropriate building
standards, the State Library is meeting
with representatives of stakeholder
organizations such as libraries, the
building industry, municipal officials, and
architects to discuss what standards
might be appropriate. The State
Librarian will then decide which
standards should be "noticed" for
comment prior to formal adoption as
regulations.
Bond Act Board to Consider Loan
The Bond Act Board will soon briefly
meet to consider requesting a loan from
the Pooled Money Investment Account, as authorized in the Act. The loan will
pay for the costs of staff and operations
needed to prepare and process regulations and applications.
Repayment will be from the bonds.
Those wishing to be notified of the
meeting should contact the State
Librarian.
KZ.P. WORKSHOP LOCATZONS
ANNOUNCED
The V.I.P. Series is designed to give
library staff at all levels exposure to
high quality presentations at an
affordable cost. V.1.P stands for Very
Important Presentations. In its third
year, it is a program supported by LSCA (Library Services and
Construction Act) funds.
The approach to the choice of topics
and presenters has been to focus upon
practical and experiential learning opportunities. The topics and
presenters are chosen by State Liirary
staff with suggestions from the
California library community. Emphasis
is given both to library specific concerns
and general skill building programs.
The locations for the V.I.P. Series
have now been established and are
indicated in the schedule listed below.
Strategies 2000: Anticipating and
Coping With Change with
Carolyn Corbin
Tuesday, June 13, Long Beach
Thursday, June 15, South San
Francisco
Cutting Deals With Unlikely
Allies: Gaining Internal and
External Political Clout with
Kare Anderson
Tuesday, July 11, Pasadena
Thursday, July 13, South San
Francisco
Peak Performance: Maximizing
Individual and Team Skills with
Jennifer James
Tuesday, August 29, Long Beach
Thursday, August 31, South San
Francisco
All sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m.
and end at 3:OO p.m. Fees will be $30
per session. Registration will be
accepted by mail only. To receive a
registration form write to:
Gini Bennetsen
Metropolitan Cooperative
Library System
2235 North Lake Ave., Suite 106
Altadena, CA 91001
PUBLIC LIBR&UES
DOING MORE WITH LESS FOR
ANOTHER XMR
Public libraries are valiantly doing
more with less, managing higher budgets
but employing fewer staff and
purchasing a lesser number of materials. The state’s population continues its
increase causing per capita measures of
library service to decrease, yet in
absolute numbers these few staff
members are circulating more scarce
books and answering more reference
questions than ever before. State and
federal aid have been of significant
help, but they cannot resolve the
continuing crisis of eroding local support
for public services.
These conclusions are based upon
preliminary totals of library statistics for
Fiscal Year 1987/88 compiled from
public library annual reports to the
State Library.
California’s population rose to
28,019,000 this year, a 2.7% increase
compared with last year’s 2.5%. Total
operating expenditure of public libraries
is up 7.7% to $411,034,173, representing
$14.67 per capita, a decline from last
year’s $14.97. Expenditure for materials
is up to 10.4% to $56,438,366, or $2.01
per capita. Despite the funding
increases, the total book stock held
remains almost static at 52,430,151, or
1.87 per capita, about the same as last
year and below the 1.94 per capita of
two years ago.
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Public libraries provided a NATIONAL, CONFERENCE
cumulative 2,052,482 hours of service ON STATEW’E from 2,885 outlets (libraries, branches
and bookmobile stops). In the more- PRESERVATION PLANNING
On March 1-3, 1989, a National Conference on the Development of
Statewide Preservation Programs was
with-less pattern, service hours are up
7% from last year but the number of
service outlets is down 6%.
The number of public library staff
members in full-time equivalent was
9,606.31, again virtually the same as last
year. These workers accounted for a
circulation total of 138,939,462, up
5.396, and 4.96 per capita. The
reference count of 36,517,453 was up
4.7%, or 1.30 per capita. The growth in
volunteerism would seem to have
slowed, up only 1% to 674.35 in full-
time equivalent.
Figures in the millions look
impressive, but comparing the current
year public library statistics with those
of 1977/78, the year before Proposition
13 and the great revolution in local
services funding shows a continuing
decline in service measures. Ten years
ago California’s public libraries had 2.05
volumes per capita, circulated 5.71 items
and answered 1.57 reference questions.
They employed .44 staff members per
thousand, where we are now down to
-34, a decline even from last year’s .35
employees per thousand population.
held at the Lirary of Congress. The
goal of the conference was to provide a
national forum to describe and discuss
ongoing efforts in individual states to
preserve collections important to
American cultural and intellectual
heritage held by archives, libraries, and
historical societies. The conference
coincides with increased funding for
preservation and statewide projects
by the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
Thirty-five speakers including the
Librarian of Congress, Archivist of the
United States and Chair of the National
Endowment for the Humanities
described the challenge faced by all
states, the types of materials at risk and
statewide programs already in place.
Representatives from the states of New
York, Illinois, South Carolina and
Florida spoke of their efforts to create
statewide participation, planning
statewide preservation projects,
development of a statewide disaster
plan, the benefits of statewide/regional
information, consulting and workshop
services, and the benefits of institutional
planning. Bartan Gregorian, outgoing
President of New York Public Library,
gave an inspirational talk on the New
York Public Library preservation
program, fund raising and efforts to
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influence authors to use alkaline based
paper.
Representing California were State
Archivist, John Bums, Joseph Rosenthal
and Barclay Ogden from the University
of California, and Gary E Kurutz from
the State Liiraxy. All agreed, after
discussing California needs, to meet to
the feasibility of formulating a statewide
program that would address ways and
means to preserve material unique to
California and to assist librarians and
curators of public, academic, museum,
and historical society collections in
assessing needs, developing disaster
planning and working together in such
areas as preservation microfilming.
CLSB PRESIDENT PRESENTS
ANNUAL REPORT
At the California Library Services
Board's first meeting of the year on
February 16, 1989, CLSB President
Nancy King gave her annual report in
which she described the Board's
accomplishments during 1987. The full
text of the report is attached to this
newsletter.
1989 CATALOG
OF CALIFORNIA STATE
GRANTS ASSISTANCE READY
The new edition of catalog of
California Stcrtc Grants Assistance is now
available from the California State
Library Foundation. This edition
contains information describing over 125
California state government programs
which offer state and/or federal "pass-
through" grants. All entries have been
updated by the administering agency.
Each entry states the purpose of the
grant, limitations, authorization, type of
assistance (grants, loans, subventions,
and the range of funding), who may
apply, examples, comments, deadlines,
and contact within the agency.
Information has been supplied by the
28 state agencies that offer grants
assistance to local governments, special
districts, colleges and universities, and
nonprofit or community-based
organizations. Subjects range from
grants for the aging to transportation,
criminal justice planning to water
resources, education to parks and
recreation. The C'atubg is the most
comprehensive listing of its type.
The catalog is an invaluable reference for anyone looking for grant funding
from the state of California. First
published by the State Agency Grants
Exchange in 1985, this is the third
edition of the Catalog and covers twice
as many grants as the first and second
editions. This edition includes a
complete table of contents and an
index.
The 1989 coiolog of Calfomirr State
Grants Assistance (ISBN 0-929722-32-9)
sells for $17.75 plus 6.5% sales tax for
California residents and $2.00 for
shipping and handling. There is an
additional $2.50 charge for billed orders.
Requests should be addressed to the
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California State Library Foundation,
P.O. Box 942837, Sacramento, CA
94237-0001.
In other developments in the
Foundation’s program beginning with its
January 1989 issue, the Cal~omia State
Library Foundation Bulletin will be
indexed in Library Literature. Copies of
the January issue which contains a
special section on the California
Literacy Campaign are available from
the Foundation for $5.00 each.
Libraries may subscribe to the Bulletin
for $15.00 per year. Write to the
Foundation for subscription and backfile
information.
The Foundation has issued its first
series of note cards. Picturing the
Embarcadero of Sacramento and
Sutter’s Fort, the colored note cards
measure five by seven inches and are
blank on the inside. Envelopes are
included. Cards are $1.25 each, $5.00
for six, or $9.00 for twelve. Specify
which view or if a mixture of both views
is desired. Add $2.00 per order for
shipping and handling and 6.5% sales
tax if ordering within California.
TRENDS AND ISSUES
FOR LIBRARY PLANNERS
The four-part series of highlights from
the “Rand Report” concludes this month
with the report’s recommendations for
action. All citations are from Public
Libraries Face California’s Ethnic and
Racial Diversity, by Judith Payne and
others from the Rand Corporation, May
1988.
This series began in December 1988
with highlights of basic demographic
information in the Rand report,
continued with data about usage of
libraries, and last month provided
information of special consideration in
responding to California’s rapidly
changing population. This part focuses
on recommended actions for libraries
responding to California’s Ethnic and
Racial Diversity.
PARTN
RECOMMENDED
ACTIONS
A. Recommendation 1: Answer a Number
of Questions About your Community.
We sumst five sets of questions [to determine if and how ethnic and racial
diversity affect an individual library’s
services and collections].
*First, what are the community’s
socioeconomic characteristics, .. .
educational achievement; age ...; income; ... employment characteristics.
*Second, what are the cultural
characteristics of the community’s
residents: How stmng is their desire to
maintain their cultural i&nt$y and
pmficiency in theu native Language? ...
what are their cultural tmditiom
toward reading, government, and
libraries?
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*,
*The third set of Questions deals with
language proficiency: ... do the
community’s residents ... rely on Engiish
as their primary language? How does
this vary by age, location, or other
characteristics?
*Fourth, given the answers to these
questions, what barriers to library use-
temporal, geographic, cultural,
psychological, educational--& minorities
in the community face?
*The final set of questions deals with what
roles the library plays for its community
residents ... what do residents want from
their public library? ... public libraries i n
California [should] emphasize in this
role-setting process two questions: ...
Considering accessibility to the entire
community, do the service delivery models
now being used need to change? Would
direrent delivery mdls be appropriate in
different sections of the library’s service
area?
B. For libraries needing to ahpt to ethnic
and racial diversity ... we suggest five
sets of actions:
*Engage the community in the process of
determining the library’s mksion and
des and inform it of !be library’s
potential; then turn to it regularly for
feedback.
*Clan& and limit robs and set
measurable goals, then concentrate on
them.
*Measure and evaluate pe$otmance and
take action or stop action where
indicated.
*Work with other libraries and
oqanimtions to share scarce resources,
tap others’ expertke, maeh potential
users, and try new techniques.
The Rand Report provides
recommendations and eurmples of how to
un&rtake each of these actions.
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Dorothy Sanborn, who has been director
of Auburn-Placer County Library for
more than 23 years, has announced her
retirement effective May 1, 1989.
Craig Conover, System Director of South
Bay Cooperative Library System,
resigned from his position on March 6,
1989.
Robert S. Ewing was named new city
librarian for San Bernardino Public
Library. He assumed his new position
on January 30, 1989.
*Focus on service: informing the public,
improving accessibility, focusing on youth.
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THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CALIFORNIA LIBRARY SERVICES BOARD
The California Library Services Board was established with the adoption of SB 792
'The California Library Services Act" in October 1977. The Act sets forth various
legislation, funds, declaration, and purpose to encourage and enable the sharing and
coordination of library resources and services between libraries.
The duties of the California Library Services Board include adopting rules, regulations, and general policies relating to the implementation of the California
Library Services Act. The State Librarian, the Chief Executive Officer of the State
Board, administers the provisions of the Act.
The Board set specific yearly objectives to meet the three-year goals which were set
in 1987. Many of those objectives are ongoing, especially the effort to achieve
adequate funding €or all of the components of the California Library Services Act.
One specific objective accomplished this year was the setting of a new direction for
statewide reference services, a component of the California Library Services Act.
Board members have participated both regionally and at the state level in the
discussion of developing a proposal design for State Reference Centers. The objective
is to adopt a policy statement for the design by February 1989.
The California Library Services Board adopted a policy for providing state financial
assistance to local California Literacy Programs beyond the fifth year. We celebrate continuous and growing support for the California Literacy Campaign on both local and
state levels. The California Literacy Campaign is a program funded under the Special
Service Component and in the fiscal year 1987/88 over 9,700 adult learners were
receiving basic skills instruction, a 19.9% increase over the previous year. By the end
of the year over 8,300 volunteer tutors were contributing their time and energy to
improving the literacy skills in Californians - an increase of 30.6% over the previous
year.
The funding of the Families for Literacy (SB 482) program allowed the granting of
funds to 21 libraries to begin working with children of illiterate adults who are learning
to read in the library literacy program.
As another objective, the Board examined service to the underserved. In March
1988, an ad hoc committee was established and has been working diligently throughout
the year on three model programs which will be reviewed by the library community as
possible programs to be adopted as a plan of service under the Special Services
Component of the California Library Services Act. The Board continuously encourages
the 15 library systems to review their plans of service for services to the underserved
population in the state.
The Board also set an objective to promote Board effectiveness and thus established
an ad hoc committee on Board policy. The Committee reviewed the policies and
responsibilities for each Board officer, committee chairperson, committee member, as
well as Board membership. This report is scheduled to be presented to the full Board
by February 1989.
The California Liirary Services Board members continue to support California
Library Services Act activities to promote efficient and progressive library services in
the State of California by participating in or representing the Board at conferences,
such as the "State of Change" where the !ibrary community exposed how the changing
demographics in the state will effect library services; the California Networking
Conferences; retreats and taskforces to help in the efforts to develop a program for
implementing multitype library networking service.
Board members along with the library community advocated and celebrated the
passage of the Public Library Construction and Renovation Act, (Proposition 85), which
garnered over 52% of the vote in the November 1988 general election. Members of
the Board were also elated by the victories across the state, such as in Modoc County,
San Francisco, Berkeley, etc. Unfortunately, in Los Angeles voter turnout of 62.7%
was not enough to pass the Bond Construction Measure, and, in Shasta County
libraries were closed due to lack of funds and defeat of a utility tax election.
The California Library Services Board wil1 continue to pursue excellence in library
services, and to encourage as a second goal California Library Senices Act participants
to cooperate in directly equitable services to all of its citizens in the State of California.
'lyn Stevenson, Vice President
Charles Monell Larry Pierce
Effie Lee Moms Richard Smith
Board Members
Nancy King, President
John Armstrong
Lois Clark
Barbara L. Davis
Janice Koyama
Adelia Lines
Mane Logan
1.
LIBRARY PROGRESS REPORT
AGENDA
April 26, 1989, 7:30 P.M., LA COSTA BRANCH LIBRARY
April 27, 1989, 7:30 P.M., CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Introductions.
2. Review of library master plan and the planning
process.
3. Library surveys - results.
4. Overview of Plaza Paseo Real.
5. Questions and answers.
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY APRIL 1989
QUARTERLY REPORT FOR JANUARY-MARCH 1989
The Children's Division sponsored a number of special programs on whales during the month of January. Programs included presentations by staff from Sea World and South Carlsbad State Beach rangers, as well as craft projects on whale themes.
Additional shelving was installed at both the branch and main libraries during the quarter. The periodical
collection in the children's area was relocated to new shelving to permit expansion of the easy readers. large reorganization and shelving project at the branch provided room for future growth in the children's collection and reference and gives the public better access to materials.
A
The new library cooling tower was installed in late January and has resulted in greatly improved tempera- ture control. Utilities/Maintenance staff are inves- tigating a more efficient relamping program to replace the dozens of fluorescent lights that constantly burn
out. New types of reflectors for the lights are also
being tested as a way of saving energy.
The branch celebrated its fifth anniversary of service
on February 27. The collection has grown from about
7,000 volumes on opening day to over 28,000 volumes.
Circulation has increased from 68,032 the first year to 157,836 in the fifth year.
Several library staff members were interviewed in separate segments of local radio station KVSD's "Night
Talk" program. Topics included the library's Adult
Learning Program; video and compact disk trends; and
general information about library services, resources
and future plans.
Reference staff analyzed and tried out different
telefacsimile (FAX) machines during the quarter and ultimately selected the Canon FAX350. The machine has
been installed in the reference area and is being used primarily for interlibrary loan transactions but also for transmitting to and receiving information from other city departments and anyone else with the equip-
ment.
Other Reference Division activities included adding Silverplatter's Government Documents Index to their CD- ROM holdings as well as further investigating CD-ROM periodical control files.
Learners from the Adult Learning Program organized a pot luck dinner and program that was attended by over
100 learners, tutors, families and friends, as well as Mayor Lewis, Councilmembers Larson and Pettine and other library and city officials. The Adult Learning Program Coordinator, representing the San Diego Literacy Network, was interviewed on ABC-TV's IIInside San Diegoll show.
In other literacy news, two learners from the program are now organizing a local learner support group. In addition, United Way has selected literacy as a
priority nationwide focus. Local commitments of sup- port with space needs and publicity were received from the La Costa Hotel and Spa, Eldorado College and North County's United Way office.
Media Services produced new segments of Library Video
Magazine for broadcast on local cable TV and also
developed a video program on the city by city officials
to Carlsbad's sister city, Futtsu, Japan. The program
was presented to the public in the Cultural Arts Center
in January.
The four surveys conducted as part of the library's long-range planning process were finalized and printed by SANDAG. One result of the staff survey was follow- through with recommendations for improving in-house
communication by distributing a new monthly staff
newsletter. Other improvements included the installa-
tion of staff lockers and coat hangers and a more
formal orientation for all new staff.
Plans continued to go forward during the quarter for a new library in south Carlsbad.
authorized staff to complete negotiations for the purchase of a site as well as to invite proposals from
library building consultants.
will be asked to program both the new library and the existing library.
The City Council
The consultant hired
The library sponsored 16 adult programs during the quarter and presented 12 exhibits of arts, crafts and collectibles. There were a total of 101 children's programs this quarter; 23 at the branch and 78 at the main library.
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARY
STATISTICAL SUMMARY FOR JANUARY-MARCH 1989
1988
TOTAL CIRCULATION 211 , 440
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE 5 , 749
FILM AND VIDEO BOOKINGS 30 , 338
REFERENCE QUESTIONS 26 , 686
ILLs SENT BY CARLSBAD 213
ILLs RECEIVED BY CARLSBAD 502
ONLINE SEARCHES 119
HOLDS PLACED 2 , 254
REGISTRATIONS 3 , 608
BRANCH CIRCULATION 38 , 902
BRANCH REFERENCE QUESTIONS 2 , 349
BRANCH VIDEO CIRCULATION 4,320
PEOPLE COUNT (daily average) 2 , 157
COLLECTION HOLDINGS:
BOOKS 194 , 020
RECORDS 2 , 686
TAPES 5 , 965
COMPACT DISKS 725
MICROFORMS 121 , 150
VERTICAL FILE ITEMS 84 , 797
GENEALOGY ITEMS 18 , 593
1989
221 , 714
5,201
36 , 327
28 , 797
335
510
80
2 , 831
3 , 516
40 , 467
2 , 529
4 , 323
2 , 214
195,707
2 , 200
5,847
1,315
141,936
86 , 800
19 , 965
% CHANGE
+5
- 10
+ 20
+8
+ 57
+2
- 33
+ 26
-3
+4
+8
+1
- 18
-2
+ 81
+ 17
+2
+7
I THE LIBRARY BUILDING PROGRAM:
KEY TO SUCCESS
LANCE C. FlNNEY
Specialist in Library Planning and Facilities, Baltimore, Maryland
A little library, growing larger every year. . . is not a luxury, but one
of the necessaries of life. (H. W. Beecher) Were he allowed to peek in upon us today, Henry Ward Bee- cher, the sometimes fiery nineteenth-century clergyman, would
no doubt be amazed to see the remarkable growth in both the
number and size of public libraries. At the turn of the century,
the operations that a perceptive chronicler might consider to be
true public library systems numbered fewer than ten. As of 1983 there were more than eight thousand public library sys- tems in the United States, and within those systems, approxi-
mately fifteen thousand facilities were operational.
During the late fifties and early sixties, America’s major cit- ies experienced the sometimes frenetic flight of their more af-
fluent citizens to suburbia, and the staid metropolitan public li-
brary systems had to retrench and rethink service patterns.
While the exodus from the cities went on, suburban public sys-
tems grew at an astonishing rate, with new branch libraries ris-
ing simultaneously with sprawling shopping malls and acres of new tract housing. The Library Services Act and later, Library Services and
Construction Act, Title II (1964-73), added federal construc-
tion funding incentives to local spontaneous initiatives; the
combination created a surge in library building activity. Ap-
proximately 3,500 remodeled, expanded, and new library facil-
ities were opened during those years.
Library construction activity slackened after 1973; however, a quick calculation of new, remodeled, and expanded facilities
as recorded in the annual December 1 architectural issues of Li-
brary JoumI shows that an amazing total of 2,086 public li- braries opened for service during the past decade. More recently, limited funds have been appropriated for pub-
lic library construction grants under the Emergency Jobs Bill
(Public Law 98-8). Calling for emphasis on access and energy
improvements, and aimed at carrying out the provisions of Title II of LSCA, these funds are creating another noticeable wave of
library planning across the United States.
But this continuing account of good news has to bow to a bit of recent bad news: public library administrators and trustees are finding that the facilities constructed during the 1955-70 boom
era are beginning to show their age. Operating at lowering lev-
els of efficiency, these facilities have a lengthening list of inade-
quacies, foremost among them being progressive spatial limita-
tions, ascending energy costs, and cumulative disrepair. And now a self-evident truth: new or expanded libraries are built to replace old ones whose inadequacies become too apparent, and the new or expanded buildings must be planned to compensate for the deficiencies of the old.
While a few librarians feel their libraries are performing at
the best possible service levels and others seem to feel that the
future will take care of itself, the majority knows that neither
assumption is true and is anxious to do something to better ser-
vice levels.
Since a library building program (LBP) represents the key to
shaping a future building, we need to ask who should prepare it.
Experience shows that the library administrator, who in most
instances also chairs the library building planning committee,
should do so. While the document will ultimately come to repre-
sent the collective thinking of the committee as well as convey input from members of the staff and public, single authorship is best.
So, today we find a number of uneasy library administrators
who must find an answer to the question of how the library
building can best fit the community’s needs.
If you are like most administrators, you’ll turn to anyone for help. If you are that leader who has faced unsettling oversights in approved plans before, you’ll seek out an expert. Niels Bohr
defined an expert as “one who knows some of the worst mis- takes which can be made in his subject and how to avoid them.”
That wisdom should be indelibly stamped in your mind as a
safeguard against future headaches. Chances are you already
know what works. Now is your chance to go a little further and learn what works best. You’ll do well to seek out librarians and
architects who have been through library building projects within the last three or four years. Ask what they did right, and ask them what they did wrong. You may have to come back to
the latter question several times, but your persistence can pay
.big dividends. If they never confess to having done anything
wrong, ask them what they would do differently if they had the
chance. Once you know the mistakes, jot them down on paper.
Also note alternative paths you and your building planning com-
mittee might explore in order to avoid repeating them in your program.
It makes little difference whether you are a first-time building
planner or the veteran of many construction projects; you must
know that you have a demanding piece of work ahead of ycu,
and you’ll need all the help and support you can muster. Listen
to anyone who wants to talk “new building,” reacting responsi- bly and responsively to each idea and suggestion. If anything
beneficial to your project surfaces, add the information to your file. And whether you are adapting a storefront or revitalizing and expanding an ailing structure or building, approach the ex- perience with determined optimism; there can be a rejuvenating effect on all who become involved. Let enthusiasm prevail in all
things. But keep in mind, as a professional about to set down a
written library building program-and to marshal a group in
which preconceived notions may abound-you face a set of de-
mands that in all likelihood will cause you to speedily acquire
and exercise new skills, among them restraint when your own emotions and “I’d rathers” scream for expression at inoppor- tune times. But you are in for a learning process that can be in- tensely enjoyable. Now that you have contracted new-building fever, continue
to commit all of your thoughts about the new facility to paper. A
half-day getaway helps. If you have an office door, close it;
hang out the Do Not Disturb sign; get yourself comfortable and
become deliberative. You will do well to think at length about
the library, where it fits into the system, its resources, its
present users, its potential users, its strengths, its weaknesses,
its friends within the community, its cooperative efforts with
other institutions, its programming or lack of programming,
79 Fall 1984
and its relationships with funding agencies. All salient points,
both negative and positive, should find their way into your
notes. Your mind will wander serendipitously over many li-
brary concerns, your file becoming a mix of the real and the
ideal, but these notes will prove invaluable. You may find that
your store of knowledge is wondrous, but chances are you will
find that you still need to learn a great deal more in order to plan
with more certainty of purpose.
Let us assume that this mental exercise leaves you uneasy. As
a result you call for a comprehensive survey of the library and
information needs in the service area. Analyses of survey
results allow you to discern present and future needs; set down
the problems to be solved; look into alternative ways to meet the expressed needs. Interlibrary loan and/or other interagency co- operation, new contractual arrangements for services to be pro-
vided by other agencies, and formation of new or expanded li-
brary systems are among the possibilities you will explore.
Within the framework of this new knowledge, you, appropriate
staff, and members of your library board feel confident enough
to rethink library goals and objectives. You take further steps and outline strategies whereby the library staff can best work toward meeting the expressed library and information needs of
the greatest number of users and potential users at the highest
feasible levels. You and your staff, after making an in-house assessment of the library’s present resources and levels of service, develop an
expanded plan of service that now includes the necessary addi-
rionaf resources, including the staff required to fully implement
it. The board approves this plan of service. In short, you have
the overall picture and have come to grips with most of the ele-
ments that will shape the spatial and operational requirements.
At about this point the reader is probably muttering, “When
is this guy going to tell me what a ‘Library Building Program’
is? I’m ready to draft one!” Your impatience is understandable,
but let us first look at some of the names the LBP has been called
in the past:
The functional program
A library improvement program
A feesibility study with “recommendations” presented as
A project development program A building planning program An obsolescence report in which the difference between
The facility specifications
Building program statement
If you recognize any of these titles, chances are you know
more about a library building program than you thought at the
beginning of this piece.
Most facility planners agree that a carefully prepared LBP is
the cornerstone of a successful client-architect relationship.
With that aim in mind, let us not get caught up in what an LBP is called, but do let us define it. The LBP is a comprehensive, written document fully describ-
ing all that a proposed library facility must be, contain, repre-
sent, and make provision for. The LBP represents the consen-
sual thought of the library building planning committee,
trustees, and administration.
The occasional doubting Thomas or Thomasina who ques-
tions the need for an LBP is reminded that what works is infi-
nitely preferable to what doesn’t work. Even an inept planner
hopes the library building will work in every respect. Only a
carefully prepared LBP can lead to a building that will work.
an LBP
the “have” and “need” becomes the architectural “add-on”
Here is how the LBP benefits the library in other arcas:
1. The preparation activity causes the library adrniristratcr, other members of the library building planning committee, and the governing body to formulate, approve, and record a
philosophy for the expanded plan of service to be carried out
through the new facility.
2. There are coordinated analyses of library operations and
functions that must fit into the building. Blaise Pascal was
dead right when he said, “We are more easily persuaded, in
general, by the reasons we ourselves discover than by those
which are given to us by others.” (As chair, the library ad-
ministrator can lead as many or as few of these explorative
expeditions as they wish along the cutting edge of service,
sensing the hour of minimum discontent.) 3. The completed LBP communicates ideas to the architect and
members of the design team in understandable language.
Specific, detailed requirements are enumerated. In order to
pass as a success-in-the-making, the design must accommo- date each of them.
4. The document serves as a reference tool for building plan- ning committee members when they come to review sche-
matic, design development, and preliminary architectural drawings. Members can easily verify and compare what is required by the LBP and what has been provided in the facil- ity design. Keeping in mind that the architect must translate the LBP into
the desired functional building, you will readily grasp the full
communication potential of this document. The comprehensive
outline below has been used with varying degrees of success in
Maryland public library capital improvement programs:
Library Building Program
Aim: To realize a library building specifically designed to meet
the library and information needs of the clientele of the
I. Concise History of the Library (or library system when
planning for a headquarters, area, or regional library).
11. The Philosophy of Library Service (purpose statement). III. Library Goals, Objectives, and Strategies (as planned to
meet the present and future library and information needs
of all citizens within the library’s service area; expanded
plan of service: what the library will be doing in the fu-
ture).
This section must contain a breakdown of spatial needs to
accommodate the provision of expanded resource collec-
tions and service areas necessary to reach the objectives
outlined above. This section should have a list of every
area in the proposed facility (see Appendix A. “Public
Library Areas Checklist”). The following questions
must be answered for each area:
A. Required, usable square footage?
B. What happens in this area? C. How does this area relate to other areas? D. How many members of the staffipublic will be
housed or accommodated in this area? E. What are the environmental requirements? F. What are the utility requirements? Telephone? Wa-
ter? Communications cable for terminals? Electrical
outlets? Other?
G. What furniture and equipment must be present in this
area?
public library.
IV. The Proposed Faciliry
80 Public Libraries
H What library materials are to be housed in this area?
In addition to print resources, make provision for
films, filmstrips, recordings, audiocassettes, vid-
eodiscs, videocassettes, microforms, and any other
nonprint collections. I. Are there special programs or items requiring built-in
equipment and/or furnishings? I. What floor covering should this area have? K. Are there other special requirements? Lighting? Se-
curity? Humidity control? Visual Supervision?
Other?
V. The Project Budget A. There should be some discussion of funds for the
project including a breakdown of fund sources.
B. An estimated project budget in which you have delin- eated as far as possible estimated amounts for plan- ning and consultant work, architect fees, site prepara- tion, construction, furniture and equipment, and contingencies.
VI. General Statements
Under “General Statements,” the author of the LBP should list all of the building planning committee’s ideas, decisions, preferences, and unresolved questions. By doing this, each item will ultimately receive consideration from the design team
when it meets with the committee. Thus, the “I-told-you-so”
scenario will not be played out frequently once the new building
is operative.
The following subjects are representative:
Access requirements
Book depositories/book drops-freestanding/through-the-
Building materials-ease of maintenance Built-ins as part of general design specifications
Compact shelving-advantages/disadvantages/inflexibil-
Energy/conservation/sources/passive solar energy versus
solid fuels for heating and cooling Fenestration/expanses of glass/operable windows versus total dependence on mechanical systems year-round Heating-ventilation-air conditioning (HVAC)/humidity control/location of mechanical room and air movement
ductworldlocation of thermostats
Landscaping-ease of maintenance/saving trees on site Lighting-naturalhariety of types, fixtures/required lev-
Multipurpose spacesheeting roorn(s)/children’s program
Open space ver.m walled areashpact on future expan-
Parking-public/staff/delivery vehicleslhandicapped Picture molding-open spaces in public areasheeting
Pigeon-free eaves-design implications/preventive mea-
Plantings-interior and exterior/ease of care
Provision for future expansion-sitinghuilding design
Shelving-wood versus metal/height/depth/end panels/
types This list often becomes extensive and sometimes seems to
threaten freedom of design. That aside, each and every item must be listed so that when the committee finally comes to dis-
CUSS and review the LBP with the architect, each subject will
wall
ity
els of light
area
sion plans
room(s)
sures
receive due consideration. The process usually results in a mu-
ruai understanding of your preferences in meeting your building
requirements.
Now, in order to pursue the use of the LBP, a few‘more as- sumptions must be made. Adequate funding has been set aside for your capital improvement project, a suitable site has been acquired and surveyed, and your LBP has been completed and meets the approval of all library building planning committee and library board of trustees members. You are ready to seek
that architectural firm best suited to design your proposed build-
ing.
Experience has shown that having a copy of the LBP to offer
interested architectural design firms engenders exceptionally high interest in a project. Representatives come to interviews not only ready to discuss their qualifications for designing a
building to meet requirements but often show up prepared to of- fer possible solutions to some of the unresolved questions posed in the general statements section of the LBP. The architect se-
lection team, again usually chaired by the library administrator or a member of the library board, must be honest and candid with all. Good rapport between the library building planning
committee and the architect is most important. Without that har-
mony of purpose, they cannot specifically address needs, prac- ticality in design, and operational and budgetary constraints. A long association lies ahead, where mutual trust is imperative.
Once the architect has been named and a tentative project
schedule has been worked out, the administrator and library
building planning committee must work to see that the require-
ments advanced in the LBP become the elements in the building
design as it takes shape. With the LBP as a guide, the architect
will review all area functions and relationships, seeking or giv-
ing answers to questions that arise. “Bubble diagrams” may
then be used to show proportion and relationships of one area to
another. This rudimentary scheme soon evolves into a broad
overview line drawing on which the building outline, parking,
entrances, and other prominent features are defined. From
these basic sketches, the architect moves to schematic design
drawings. Drawn to scale (usually */lbH or Ve” = l’), these
clearly show the relationship of the building to the site, and all
areas are shown so that one can visually note their relationships.
At this stage, you are well on the way to better public library service.
Of course you knew all along that you had been entrusted with
a piece of the community’s future. And you suspect that the citi-
zenry will applaud your efforts-to the extent that the new
building meets their library needs and expectations. The extent
of that success depended a great deal on the seemingly excessive
time and energy you devoted to the LBP.
So, if you see a capital improvement project in your future,
start your preparations now. Read widely: Elaine and Aaron
Cohen, Ralph E. Ellsworth, Hoyt R. Galvin, Richard B. Hall,
Raymond M. Holt, Nolan Lushington, Ellsworth Mason, Jer-
rold ome, and Robert H. Rohlf offer a wealth of advice and
common sense. Search them out in the literature of librarian- ship. The opportunity is yours. The promise and potential are enormous. How well you plan today cannot help but enhance your chances for success, a building that works for you and your
staff and your public. The LBP you prepare can be the key that
opens greater possibilities for that success. Who knows, one
day, as you savor the rewards of “doing everything right,” you
may be heard to echo Shakespeare’s claim: “My library was
dukedom enough.”
Fall I984 81
Bibliography
Encyclopedia of Library and Informarion Science. V.24. New York: Dekker.
American Library Direcrory. 36th cd. New York: Bowkcr, 1983. 1978.
Appendix A. Public Library kens Checklist ~
Administrative office(s)
Audiovisual-all formats in library collection: audiocassettes eight-track cassettes film inspection film storage filmstrip recordings videocassettes
videodiscs
other listening/viewing/storage
Bookmobile-collection storage/loadinglwor~pace
Catalogs-adult, YA (young adult), juvenile
Circulation
Circulation control
Computer room Conference room(s) Display /exhibits Duplication room Entry/library orientation devices Informal reading (lounge) Janitor’s closet(s)
82
Official journal of the Public Library Ibrochtlon, a division of
the American Library Associi
For a subscription .to Public Libraries, please send this form to:
Public Library Association 50 E. Huron St Chicago, IL 6061 1
Subscriptions begin with the first issue of the current volume.
Orders may be placed through a subscription agency.
NarneILibrary
Addrew
City
Stab
Check one:
0 One-year, $1 8
0 Two-year, $30
Check one:
0 Payment enclosed
0 Please bill
Kitchedkitchenene-staff loungelmulupurposei meeting room
Local history room
Magazirtrs-cumnt displaylstorage Mechanical room
Microform-udstorage Multipurposelmeeting room(s) New boob display
Roceuing-preparations
Reading areas-adult. YA, juvenile Reference area-adult, YA, juvenile Reference workroom Shippinglreceiving Small group study mm(s) Special collections roodarea Stacks-adult, YA, juvenile collections Staff lounge Staff work areas
Storage-chair/tablc/general/supplics/~~nal resourceslother Storytelling area Toilets-public/staff
A few reminders: coathmbrella storage drinking fountains fire alm fire extinguishers
public copy machine public telephones security alamu
Now: If strategies for reaching library objectives include automating, plan space accordingly.
Public Libraries is the quarterly journal that keeps members of the Public Library Association (PIA) up-to-date on developments and issues in public libraries. For members, it‘s free-and
now Public Libraries is available by
subscription to librarians, trustees, friends, and libraries that share an interest in public libraries but are not PLA members. A one-year subscription is $18; a two-year subscription is $30.
Practical information and currant
issues are found in articles such as “How to Promote Trustee Effective-
ness”, and “The Public Library:
A Resource Center for Parents.. .”
to “The Public Library Database” and “Why You Must Know Your Library‘s Mission.”
Planning and evaluation has replaced ’ the Planning Process column to expand the support to public librar- ians and trustees responsible for
improved public library service. The column will continue to include articles that complement A Planning Process for Public Libraries and Output Measures for Public Librar- ies. Recent issues have included
“Guidelines for Preplanning” and “The Planning Process for Public Libraries: A Context and Some Reflections. ”
Regular columns indudc Keep on Learning; Public LawdPublic
Libraries; Service to Children; A
Message on the Media; In Review: Research in Action; Reports
from ERIC.
At our place will keep you up to date on the Public Library Association.
Notices on workshops, preconfer-
ences, programs, and national conferences are included as well as reports from the Board of Direc-
tors, committees, and sections.
Public Libraries
ITEM 10
BUILDING PROGRAM OUTLINE FOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES* Prepared by: Raymond H. Holt
Raymond It. Holt 6 Arrociater, Library Consultants Del Mar, California
*Adapted f tom TEE UfS,CO#SIN LIBRARY BUILDING BANDBOOX. Madison,
Wisconsin: Dividion for Library Services, 1978.
Much of the information presented in the building program will be
in the form of narrative writing. Whenever a particular concept is difficult to describe in words, try visualizing the concept and recording it in the form of a diagram. The architect for
whom the program is being written is well versed in the
interpretation of drawings and will readily grasp their meaning. Bubble diagrams should be used to show functional relationships
and tables introduced wherever quantitative data is to be
pr es en t e d.
The building program should begin with a description of the
library service area followed by a well defined statement of the
library'r objectiver, the library's place in the community, the
nature of the library's public, and other data which will set the stage. If the site for the libr'ary has been chosen, it should be also be described.
Following the opening rtatenent, the building program should
conrider each part of the facility beginning with the entrance.
Information should empharize
1. Functional relationships to be achieved
2. Space requireaentr
3. Description of desired internal environment
4. All special requirements affecting design
The completed building program should provide a detailed profile of the library written in language which the
architect can interpret accurately. Space estimates should be
itemized in each area for collectionr, staff, public seating,
library and/or other special equipment. Summary tables with
total square footages should be included for each major area.
Where space emtimates are given, it is important to include reference to the method by which figurer were determined, i.e.,
"based on 10 voluper per square foot," or "25 net square feet allowed for each chair at a table." Such notes will save
valuable time later on when questions arire as to the basis for the estimates. Itedlcsr, to say, all worksheets should be
carefully indexed and saved for ref erence.
* Adapted from: Raymond M. Holt. Wisconsin Library Building Handbook.
Wisconsin: Division for Library Services, 1978.
Madison,
Supply functional relationship diagrams and flow charts, but do not attempt to provide actual layout drawings. To draw your own
plan is to restrict the most valuable asset the architect can
offer - namely his or her talent for conceptual design.
TEE INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT
The introductory statement should cover the following areas :
1. Nature and size of the community to be served.
2. Population characteristics aff ecting library service -
present and future.
3. A brief history of the library in the community.
4. The present library building's history, especially if the
project includes remodeling and/or expansion of the
s tructure.
5. Description of the library'r functions, services.
collections, and special activitier to be housed as a result
of the project.
6. Library service conceptr which have governed the
preparation of the building program such as:
a. Dynamic programming to reach all elements of the
co mm un i t y ,
b. Maximizing staff productivity and miqimizing
problemr of supervision,
C. Flexibility to accommodate new services and
collections whenever they occur,
d. Urt of integrated automated rystems for library
operationr and services.
7. Special problems such a8 the needs of the physically handicapped, energy conrervation, security, and building maintenance.
8. Characterirticr of the ambience you vant created in the
building.
SUGGESTED LIST OF TOPICS FOR A BUILDING PROGRAM
The following topics are generally covered in a building program.
Obviously, individual items must be adapted to the local situation.
Suggestions which are not applicable should be disregarded and others
added as needed.
I. THE ENTRANCE
A. DESCRIPTION OF THE QUALITIES NECESSARY IN THE ENTRANCE.
1. High visibility.
2.
3.
4. Inviting.
5. Appropriate signing.
6. Security provisions.
Easy identification as a library.
Street level - no steps.
7. Safety provisions - ice-free, non-slip surfaces.
B. BASIC RELATIONSHIPS (Exterior).
1.
2. To pedestrian access.
3. Other.
To parking and passenger drop-off.
C. BASIC RELATIONSHIPS (Interior) .
1. Entrance lobby.
2. Circulation desk area.
3. Other.
D. REQUIREMENT FOR AUTOMATIC DOORS - sliding preferred to
swinging doors, and avoidance of draft for staff
at desk( 5).
E. DISPLAY CASES AND BULLETIN BOARDS (if any) at Entrance.
F. ORIENTATION TO AVOID GLARE OR EXCESSIVE TRANSMISSION OF
HEAT AND COLD THROUGH GLASS.
11. INTERIOR AREAS FOR THE PUBLIC
A. CIRCULATION DESK AREA.
1. Brief description of the circulation control system
and its requirements in terms of equipment, space
for files, and supplies, which must be located at
the circulation desk.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Brief description of charging (if not covered in Para. 1
above) and discharging processes, including space required
and number of book trucks used.
Brief description of registration system and its require-
ments for files and supplies.
Number of staff at circulation desk at any one time.
Peak number of people served at circulation desk per hour
at present and in the future - the problem of queue control
at busy times.
Description of such routines as those involving reserve
books, return of overdue materials, etc., in terms of space
required for work, shelving, book trucks, and files; in-
dicate maximum number of volumes on reserve at any one
time
Description of all other activities carried on at the cir-
culation desk, including personnel, equipment, and supplies
involved .
Collection Security System description.
B. ADULT SERVICES AREA
1.
2.
3.
Describe primary factors to be considered in locating the
adult services area in terms of its relationships to other
areas within the library.
a. To entrance.
b. Circulation desk.
C. Children's area
d. Staff workroomr
e. Other.
Brief descriptive statement of the purpose of this area
and the services given.
Describe the relationships of elements within the adult
services area, such as:
a. Collections.
b. Staff service (reference) desk.
C. Adult seating.
d. Card catalogs, periodical indexes, etc.
e. Displays.
f. Other.
4. Description of any special considerations or requirements
which should be observed in planning the adult services
area .
Space must be provided to accommodate the following:
a. - No. of public service desks for adult services
(Reference, etc.) .
b. - Total no. of volumes in circulation collection
(follow with a breakdown of collection into
categories which should be considered separately
in space allocation and organization).
5.
F ic t ion
Non-fiction Volumes .
Other (specify and list)
Volumes .
Vo limes =. - Reference books (no. volumes) .
d. Microform materials:
No. reels of microfilm.
No. fiche.
No. readers ani readerlprinters.
-
e. Periodicals:
Current periodicals (No. of titles)
No. bound periodicals in backfiles.
Linear ft. of unbound periodicals in
backfiles.
- - -
f. Audio visual materials ( dentify here unless a sepa- rate chapter is used for AV services; see item 1I.c.
of outline).
No. disc recordings.
No. tape cassettes.
- -
No. 16nnn films. -
No. 8mm films. -
No. video tapes. - - No . framed pic tures . - No. jumbo file drawers of mounted pictures. - No. posters. - (Specify and quantify any other AV mater-
ials .
g. Describe and enumerate any other special collections
to be housed.
6.
7.
8.
9.
User Accomodations for Adults.
No. adults to be seated at tables. a- -
No. adults to be seated at study carrels.
No. adults to be seated at audio visual (wet C. - carrels).
No. adults to be seated in lounge chairs. d.
Other space requirements for users (specify, e* - describe, and quantify) .
Space to be Supplied for Special Items of Furniture and
Equipment, including:
No. filing cabinets for vertical files (4 draw- a. - er/cabinet).
No. jumbo filing cabinets for mounted pictures
(3 drawer/cabinet) .
No. card, catalog drawers. C. -
d. - No. of periodical index tables (give approximate
dimensions or no. of people to be seated at each).
No. of atlas cases. e.
f. - No. of dictionary stands.
b. -
-
b* -
-
Other items (list and describe). -
Description of Adult Collection arrangement, including
any special categories or divisions to be used and any
special types of shelving requirements.
No. volumes to be shelved in each of the de- a* - scribed categories such as fiction, non-fiction,
reference, rental, mysteries, westerns, local
history, art books, etc.
b. Special signing, shelving, or other requirements not
Describe location and use of the following in terms of
relationships to other elements within the adult serv-
ices area:
covered above.
a. Card catalogs and consulting tables.
b. Vertical pamphlet and/or picture files.
C. Atlas stand(s) and dictionary stand(s).
d. Microform files and readers.
e. Other (as listed under 7 e and f.
C. AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES
Note:
rather than be integrated into the adult services area, then
if audio visual services are to occupy a separate area,
a section of the program should deal with the requirements.
Space for non-print materials would then be deleted from the
general accounting in item XI. B. 5.
the chapter on Audio Visual Services along with other in-
formation. If a production facility for video and/or other
purposes is to be included, it may be a part of Audio Visual
Services or fall under the topic E. "Special Purpose Areas."
This chapter would include itemization of the quantities of
the various non-print materials to be housed, a discussion
of how the area relates to other parts of the library, the
number and nature of accommodations, including audio visual
"wet carrels, group viewing rooms, preview rooms, etc.
Requirements for an AV workroom could then follow in a
later chapter as part of staff offices and work areas (see
111. F. of this outline) .
above and grouped in
I1
CHILDREN'S SERVICES AREA
1.
2.
Purpose of the area and services given.
Relationship of the children's area.
a. External relationships.
(1) To entrance.
(2) Circulation desk.
(3) Adult area.
(4) Staff workroom.
(5) other.
b. Internal relationships.
(1) Collections.
(2) Staff accomodations.
(3) Children's seating.
(4) Displays.
(5) Story hour area.
(6) Other.
C. Space to accomodate:
1. - Books (NO. VO~S.).
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
- Other collections or materials, including
audio visual (itmize and quantify). - Children seated at audio visual carrels. - Children seated at tables. - Children seated at study carrels.
7 Children seated in lounge chairs. - Staff at children's desk.
E.
F.
d.
e.
f.
g*
h.
i.
1.
Display cases, atlas and dictionary stands and other
specialized furniture and equipment (number and
dimensions as well as brief description) .
Provisions needed for audio visual materials and
equipment .
Other special items.
How will story hours and similar programs be handled
and how many children normally attend?
Maximum and minimum number who attended a single
story hour last year, if known.
Will an office be necessary for the Children's
Librarian?
Spetial space for bulletin boards or other display.
Special divisions of the children's collections to
be observed (if any); describe relative location of
each and estimate number of volumes to be included
in the grouping.
(1) No, Reference Books.
(2) No. Fiction Books.
(3) No. Non-f ic tion Books.
(4) No. Picture Books.
( 5) No. Easy Books (primers or first readers).
(6) Other Books separated by grade (if any).
(7) Non-book Materials.
YOUNG ADULT SERVICES AREA
(If the library plans a young adult services area, indicate
requirements using items similar to those above for children's
services areas. 1
SPECIAL PURPOSE AREAS
1. Meeting and/or Conference room(s) (if any) and provide
for
a.
b.
C.
each.
General description of programs and other uses for
the room(s).
Relationship of meeting and/or conference room(s)
to other areas of the library:
(1) Entrance.
(2) Adult area.
(3) Children's area.
(4) Staff area.
Number of people to be accommodated .
2.
3.
4.
5.
d. Platform facilities needed (if any).
e, Projection facilities.
f. Storage facilities for chairs, tables, etc.
g. Kitchenette facilities, if desire .
Typing room(s) .
No. of typewriters to be accommodated. a* -
Location of room(s) and relationship to other
major areas. -
Video Production Facilities.
a. Studio.
b. Control center.
C. Set and equipment storage.
d. Other.
Radio Facilities.
a. Broadcasting (AM and/or FM),
b. Citizens' Band for communications,
C. Other.
Non-print Media Production.
a. Audio.
b. Film.
c. Captioning.
d. Dry mount.
e. Other.
111. STAFF OFFICES AND WORK AREAS64
A. GENERAL RELATIONSHIPS
1. Relationship of staff work areas to other areas of
2. Enumeration of staff offices and work areas.
3. Relationship of staff offices and work areas to one
the building.
another .
64Discussions of all staff off ices and workrooms should include
precise information on the requirements for desks, casework (cabinets,
and build-ins), storage, sinks, electrical outlets, telephones d
other communications devices, and any other special items.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
4. Relationship of staff offices and work areas to deliv-
ADMINI STRATION OFF1 CES .
1. Receptionist-secretary.
2. Library Administrator.
3. Other administrative staff (if any).
PUBLIC SERVICES (Professional other than administrative,
Technical Services, extension services).
1. Public Services Supervisor (Head of reference or whatever
2. Public services starf workroom.
TECHNICAL SERVICES WORKROOM
ery and/or staff entrance.
title is used).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a.
Description of technical services activities, including
flow diagram.
Technical Services Supervisor (Head cataloger or?).
Order clerk( s) .
Cataloger (6) .
Processor (s) .
Typist (5)
Collections maintenance (mending and binding).
Tools:
a. Shelf list.
b. Bibliographic tools.
C. Authority files.
CIRCULATION UORKROOM
1. Brief description of circulation routines carried on in
the circulation workroom, including overdues and registra-
tion (Use flow diagrams where appropriate).
2. Chief Circulation Clerk's office (if necessary).
3. Circulation clerks.
4. Arty special equipment used.
5. Files to which access is needed.
AUDIO I'ISUAL OR MEDIA WORKROOM
1. Brief description of work, materials, and staff to be
2. Film service - cleaning, inspection, reservations, and
housed.
ma in t enance .
3. Recordings - cleaning, inspection, processing and
testing.
a. Disc.
b, Tape.
4. Media Preparation and production.
a. Tape duplication.
b. Film production (if any).
C. Video (if any).
d. Dark room facilities (if needed).
e. Other.
G. EXTENSION SERVICES WORKROOM (if necessary)
1. Describe extension services maintaineg by the library.
a. Branch libraries.
b. Stations.
c . Bookmobiles.
d. Other.
2. Number of staff and their requirements for space.
3. Work flow in Extension Services Department.
4. Number of staff, their duties, and space requirements.
5. Storage requirements for collections related to ex-
6. Need for access to delivery and shipping room.
7. Other special requirements and conditions.
SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR SYSTEM AND NETWORK ACTIVITIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
tensions work.
H.
Interlibrary loan - unless covered under another topic.
Teletype and other electronic communications devices.
Special personnel and their requirements.
Brief description of activities associated with System
and Network participation.
Special collection storage requirements (if any). 5.
6. Other needs.
I. OTHER SEPARATE OFFICES OR WORKROOMS (if any)
J. CUSTODIAX WORKROOM
1.
2. Supplies, etc., to be stored.
Brief description of custodian's duties and responsi-
bilities.
3. Equipment to be housed.
4. Repair work to be done, if any, requiring shop space.
5. Cleaning facilities needed.
6. Location of awilliary supply closets and sinks, if
7. Other.
any are necessary.
IY. OTHER AREAS
A.
B.
C.
D.
DELIVERY .
1. Location of delivery entrance in terms of site consider-,
ations.
2. Relationahip of delivery entrance to major areas of the
building .
3. Frequency and nature of pick-up and delivery use.
4. Equipment requirements.
a. Receiving counter.
b. Shelving.
C. Sink and electrical outlets.
d. Other.
STAFF LOUNGE.
1. Number of staff to be seated at any one time.
2. Number of seats at table(s).
3. Non-table-and-chair seating.
4. Range and refrigerator requirements.
5. Sink.
6. Appliances which will be used by staff (toasters, etc.).
7. Cupboards and other storage.
8.. Location,and relationship to other major areas of the
9. Atmosphere to be achieved.
QUIET ROOM.
1. Purpose and use of staff quiet room.
2. Location.
3. Furnishings and decor.
PUBLIC RESTROOMS .
1.
2. Location of restrooms as related to other building ele-
library.
Separation of restrooms for adults and children.
ments.
3. Need for staff supervision from regularly manned stations.
4 .
5. Custodial maintenance requirements.
Requirements for preventing candalism.
V . MI SCE LLA!!EOUS
A. PAGING REQUIREMENTS.
1. Describe process by which returned materials will be
sorted and returned to shelves.
Number of book trucks needed. 2. -
3. Amount of shelving needed for sorting.
B. OLTSIDE BOOK RETURN.
C. SIGNING AND GRAPHICS REQUIREMENTS.
1. Interior.
2. Exterior.
Do COFIMUNICATIONS REQUIREMENTS.
VI.
1. Telephone.
2. Public address system.
3. Teletype.
4. Fire and instrusion protection.
5. TTY (for deaf).
6. Other.
PARTICULAR LIBRARY . E. OTHER ITEMS NOT COVERED BY ABOVE OUTLINE OR PECULIAR TO A
CONCLUSION
A. RECAP OF DATA IN SUMMARY FORM.
1. Collections to be housed.
2. Public to be seated.
3. Staff to be accommodated.
4. Special space needs.
R. CONCLUDING REMARKS.
Keprintea From PLANNING LIBRARY BUILDINGS: FROM DECISION TO DESIGN
The American Library Association - 1986
Cbapter 4
ubmq Mldfng ConeuLtant and
tk Library Planning Tear
l'b Library Cdtant
Since we can assume that the nneeds assessment" concluded that either
a new library or a renovation and addition to an existing facility was
warranted, we have now moved forwardtinto the actual planning process.
be successful, this process must be an organized one following patterns
and procedures established through the experiencest both successful and
unsuccessfult of librarian8 and architects involved in building projects.
To
Such organization is essential for the various activities which
should now take place: the establishment of a planning team or teams;
studying the library literature and providr/ng a synthesis of planning,
program and design ideas; visiting other libraries; and, finally, the
topic which I want to dlscu~s~ deciding whether or not-and how-to choose
a library consultant.
Keyes Hetcalf, in his 1965 book, Planning Academic and Research
Library Buildinm, stated very simply, in response to the question why
have a consultant: "A consultant is ordinarily appointed because the
institution that employs him realizes that without a consultant it will
have no one available, including the architect, who has had the desired
experience in plannfng library buildi.ngs."l This is normally the case,
because even though a great many library buildings have been constructed
or added to in the past 20 years, relatively few librarians or architects
bave actually hd the opportunity to be involved in the planning of a new
library facility.
57
However, in addition to the need for expert knowledge there are
several other reasons that make the inclusion of a library consultant a
requirement for a successful planning process. Some of these are as
follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
It is not unusual for particular problems, unique to the local
environment, to have an impact on the library planning process.
It may be in the political environment, with a library trustee
anxious to create a monument for himself or the city; or a
history professor determined that he knows more about libraries
and what they should look like than any number of librarians.
The chief librarian in these instances will need the strong
support of a library consultant to stand up to these forces in
the local environment.
It may be that the credibility of the librarian on his/her own
carnpua or in the town/city administrative structure is not
particularly high, and it is essential that there be someone
within the planning process speaking on behalf of the library
with authority, and commanding respect and attention to support
the use of standards.
The architect chosen may be what I call a "name architect."
outaide consultant will undoubtedly be needed in this instance
to provide balance to the planning deliberations, or the
librarian may be simply overwhelmed by the architecvs presence.
The mpidity of technological change also supports the need for
a library building consultant. Objective and expert advice will
be required in order to identify the implications of information
An
bchnology on the library building and on the collections, staff
and users which it will serve.
5. Experience in organizing a library staff for involvement in
the planning process is also invaluable. Who should be
involved? When? What should they do? How should the staff
communicate with the planning team? All are questions which
must be answered, and an experienced consultant's advice can
save time, avoid problems, and protect staff morale.
In summary, a library consultant is needed to provide balanced and
experienced objective professional input to the planning process, and to
lend credibility and reinforcement to the role of the chief librarian in
the important decision-makfng which will ensue.
Types of coawilfzumies
There are at least two *pea of consultancp, and the size of a
building project may well dictata which OM i8 used.
1. The first type of library consultant is the critic who is
involved very briefly with tho project, providing comments and
suggestions at the various milestones in the process; e.g., - needs assessment; - building program; - achematics or design drawings; - working drawings: and - specifications.
2. Second is the full conaultant who is involved with each step of
the pmcesa, who aita on the planning committue, attends all
59
3.
meetings, goes on library site visits, and writes reports or
comments at all appropriate times.
Third, of course, is halfway in-between, and I suspect this is
tha most common way in which a library consultant is used.
These consultants are not totally involved-they don't attend
all the library planning meetings-but they are expected to
provide written comments at all stages and they do attend major
milestone meetings at ths end of each phase, for example.
How and vbsp to Chooss a caawilat
Having agreed that a consultant is necessary and on the level of
consultancy desirable, it is necessary to define the criteria by which he
or she will be selected.
1. Most authorities agree that a key ingredient for a successful
consultancy is experience in library consultancy work. Just
becauae a person is a library administrator with many years'
experience in a library does not necessarily make him or her a
successful library build- consultant,
2. But experience alone is not sufficient. A successful library
consultant must have the ability to be persuasive in putting
forth Ms/her arguments in defense of library requirements and
functions, frequently at the expense of aesthetic
considerations.
Knowledge-or expertise-in library information technology and
architectural/engineering concerns is, of course, another
requirement, and this, as was mentioned earlier, is particularly
3.
60
important at a time when new technologies are changing the total
environment in which libraries operate and offer their services.
4. Finally, it is essential that a library consultant is chosen who
will be supportive of the librarian, and with whom the librarian
can work comfortably.
library board or the faculty who most needs support.
library consultant must be able to recognize that hidher role
is usually an adjunct to the library viewpoint, and that the
chief librarian and his/her staff, not the Consultant, will be
living with the result of the planning process, the new library
facility, for some time to come.
library consultant include: - articulateness; - sensitivity to the local political environment; - good writing skills; - sense of commitment; - responsibility, so that deadlines are met.
This is not always true; it may be the
But the
Desirable qualities in a
The library consultant should be selected as soon as possible in the
planning process, so that he/sha can be involved in all aepects of the
building project, whether as a critic, full consultant, or some
combination of the two. Involvement includes:
site selection;
needs assessment;
user surveys;
planning team deliberations and library site visits;
building program;
design and working drawings.
61
This is not to suggest that it is not useful to select a consultant
later in the process if one was not chosen at the beginning.
order to receive full value from his/her services, total involvement is
preferable, and costly mistakes and unpleasant confrontations may be
avoided.
However, in
F0Nli2- tha Brrangenenta
In order to avoid misunderstandings about the role which you wish
your library consultant to play, it is wise to formalize the
understanding.
library board or university administration, prepare a document which
This can best be done by having the planning committee, or
contains
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
the following:
A brief formulation of the problem to be addressed, or the goal
of ths planning procesa.
Any constrainta present; e.g., what poll tical jurisdictione are
involved and which are excluded; any geoglaphical or physical
limitations.
Time schedule of the project (phases, milestones, deadlines).
Liaison for the consultancy; 5.6.) who is going to be
responsible for working directly with the consultant, supplying
data, making requests, etc. In a big project, this
might not be the chief librarian but a delegate or surrogate.
Data/information sources available for assistance .
A description of the nature of the coneultancy; - oral reports - need for progress reports, in person, from
time to time;
62
- draft report - one should be requested, since it provides
the opportunity to make changes, often for political
reasons, before the report goes to the board of trustees or
town council; - final report, number of copies required, whether printed
or typed, bound or stapled, etc.
Such clarification of the conditions of the consultancy will avoid
misunderstandings.
7. Data or deadline for submissions of each phase if the project
is to be divided into several par-.
8. Formal presentation - is there to be a presentation to the
senab, the board of trusbes of the university or to the
city/county council? If so, include this in the contract.
9. Fees.
typa of arrangement;
schsdule of payment - phases;
travel/clerica1 expenses;
computer expenses. (build these in if, for emrnple, there
will be a user survey.)
Once this document has received responses from prospective
consultanta one may wish to consider, candidates should be narrowed to
two or three who meet the established selection criteria. References
should be checked either in person or by telephone.
determine how potential consultants have met previous commitments, how
he/shu performed, and would he/sh be hired a-in.
It is wise to
A personal interview should then be arlrawd with the final one or
Tha board of th institution should be prepared to pay two candidates.
expenses, and should seek evidence of familiarity with the library
planning process, with new concepts in library buildings and management,
with information technology, etc., and with the particular library
environment involved.
communication skills should also be assessed.
assigned to act as liaison with the consultant should also participate in
the interview and should feel that he or she could work comfortably with
the consultant.
Personal attributes including flexibility and good
The person who will be
The original "request for proposal" document should be discussed at
tha interview so there is no chance of misunderstanding on either side.
If, in discussion, it is agreed that a change in the time schedule, in the
study methodology, or in thet format of the report or the presentation
is desirable, this shc2ld be noted and a corrected document prepared.
Most frequently, consultants are paid on a per diem basis, in
addition b travel and clerical expensea
responded to the request for proposal with an outline of his/her estimate
of the time involved in the consultancy, so WEe total cost of a
Ths consultant will have
t
I
consultancy is not difficult to determine. Rates of from $300 to $600, Or
highem, per diem are standard at present. In some instances, a client may
wish to give what is called an "upset" price with no possibility of
changing the final payment, whether the number of days expended at the
task is more or less than the original estlmab. In other situations, no
fixed estimate or time is agreed' to, and ths consultant is kept ou a
retainer, submitting an invoice for time spent in each phase of the
project .
64
L
There is no set way of doing this since rules and standard practice
vary in different jurisdictions.
The practice of paying a library consultant a percentage of the
project cost is no longer common, and, particularly in small projects, it
can be quite unsatisfactory from the consultant's vieupoinL
With the choice of consultant made, it is wise to draw up a contract,
if only informally, specifying any changes in the original request for
proposal document, the agreed fee schedule, report expectations, etc.
This should be signed by the conaultant and returned to the library board,
university administration, or other governing body.
The responsibilities of the consultant can. be many and varied. For
example, h~/she can:
1. Evaluata the existing library system in relation to the changing
needs of the community.
obtain a good understanding of the history and motivation of
(This implies that thet consultant must
that community, and may Include a user survey.)
Recommend changes in library systems or services relative to the
capabilities of a new phyaical environment.
2.
3. Identify the implications of new technology and assist in
designing a new library aystem which will satisfy the
requirement8 of that technology. Specific questions might
include: - What changes do you anticipate in the new administrative
organization of the library with remrd to computer
teChnOlO8y? New communication techniques?
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
All
- Uhat are the implications of automation upon future
changes in the electrical and mechanical systems of the
new building?
Assist in defining the philosophy of library service which
integrates the response to new social needs, new physical
environment, and factors of new bchnology which have been
determined.
Define standards of measurement and their implications, and
assist in their application in terms of space allocation,
ensuring that the new library has a high building efficiency and
is both functional and economical to operatre.
Assist in the preparation of a uritten program, or even write
tha prodram,
but it does happen.)
Review preliminary schematics and final design plans.
Advise on selection and layout of library furnishings.
the above tasks muat be completed with tact and humility, drawing
(This is frowned upon in the library literature,
on expertise and experience in the library consulting business; a
formidable .task. It is comforting to note that there are a feu things the
library consultant does not normally do,
plans or sketches, except for functional or spatial relationship diagmms.
He/she should not presume expertise in areas outaide the library
environment; e.g., air conditioning or structural loading, no matter how
much experience he/she may have accrued through hfs/her indirect
involvement.
concern. However, there is ae I have indicated by the use of the term
norm ally,^ an exception to this guideline. It is when the librarian, for
He/sh does not generally dmw
He/she should stick to the area of his/br professional
66
_-
whatever reason, feels that he/she needs a library consultant with an
architectural background or expertise. Such people do exist, and can be
invaluable in some circumstances; for example, when the librarian is not
happy with the choice of architect, and wants a consultant who can
strengthen his/her position with informed architectural responses.
this instance, actual functional and furnishing layouts may be prepared by
In
the consultant.
ROfO~S ’ Hetcalf, Keyes. Planning Academic and Research Library Buildings,
New Yorkt McGraw-Hill, 1965.
67
Reprinted From PLANNING LIBRARY BUILDINGS: FROM DECISION TO DESIGN
The American Library Association - 1986 Chpter 6
32.m Building Program - Generalities
A building program is a written descriptive statement of
requirements that a library building should meet,
directed primarily at the architects who will design the
building, but also addressing the concerns of users and
lnstitutional managers. In order that the architects'
concept will reflect in some measure the institution's
values and setting, philosophy and environment should be expressed.
collections, special features and functions,
environmental concerns in respect of WAC, noise,
flexibility and adaptability, are supplied to the
architect through the program. Priorities to be
observed should be clearly enunciated. There is a fine
line between planning and design which has to be
recognized when writing a building program.
Detailed data on readers and staff,
This paper considers the building program, ita function and place
in the total planning, design and construction or remodelling of a library
building, or facility within a larger building. In the pages that follow,
other writers deal in some depth with specific aspects of the program; I
will discuss general aspects of programming, including who should write
it, the audiences to be addressed, the content in general, enunciation of
priorities, and walking the fine line between programming and designing.
Dafinitiop of a Building Eko-
Our point of departure is to understand what is meant by a building
program, so I will begin by defining it. In so dolng, I acknowledge a
debt to Holt, LusNngton, Hetcalf, Reece, Ceadel, and Mason, from whose
earlier definitions I have borrowed a thought, word, or phrase.
A library building program is a carefully written statement which communicates to the architect, institution administrators and governors, users and
others involved, the purpose, functions and operations
71
which the building will serve. on the people, materials and equipment to be housed, and describes the library's views of the essential inter-
relationships of component functions and operations.
It provides useful data
Essentially, a building program is a narrative, which may be supplem nted
by tabular material and sketches where these are necessary to amplify or
clarify. It is preferable to include detailed statistics and other long
tables as appendices rather than allow them to interrupt the flow of the
narrative by placing them within the main text.
illustrative mattsr should be impressionistic rather than definitive-
curved rather than straight linea outlining spaces (so-called bubble
diagrams), so that creative thinking is not inhibitud too early in the
planning process.
program is controversial.
Sketches and other
The issue of including sketches in a library building
Auliencm of tb. Building Rognmm
It is difficult, if not impossible, to address the question of the
audience of the building program without at the Same time considering its
purpose. I will, however, endeavour to limit my comments on purpose.
The primary audience, though probably not the first to read the
program, is the architect, who will have the responsibility of designing a
building which will meet th6 objectives laid down.
the architect will be familiar with the institution so the program should
not only convey information on what the building will have to house, but
also a sense of the librarians' aims and objective8 and "feel" for ths
purpose of the library.
be aware of, and sensitive to the different "languages" of the
disciplines-the jargon. A small illustrations librarians talking about
It is unlikely that
In addnssing th6 architect, the librarian should
72
circulation are generally referring to the lending of books; architects
using the same word generally are concerned with movement of people and
objects through buildings.
distribution of blood in the body!
Doctors would probably be considering
A second audience is the institution's or organization's
administrative staff, including physical plant, planning, finance and
other appropriats departments which are concerned with various aspects of
a building project.
architect, and they will be generally familiar with the aims of the
organization. They will approach tha program from the point of view of
whether it conforms to conditions which may have been imposed (e+,
norms) and wbther it aerves their purposes in promoting the project
(e.g., seeking funding). Again, care needs to be exercised with language.
For example, kr libraries, technical services is generally taken to mean
the acquisitions and cataloging departmenta and related activities, but to
exclude the circulation department; in Quebec, according to provincial
government norms, technical services space includes all working space
(except offices), thus including that occupied by the circulation
department.
of the sense in which a term is used being misinterpreted, a note or
annotation should be added.
Their concerns will be different from those of the
Therefore, it is important that if there is any possibility
Third and fourth audiences, boards of governors or trustees,
legislative bodiea, library committee8 and #a like, and users, are
composed largely of lay people who will not be concerned with details but
the general ovenrll plan. To satisfy their needs, as well as to save
the time of those who
Rnject, a good short
may be concerned with only specific aspecta of ths
introduction or summary is desirable.
73
Importance of a Building Program
The library building program is a planning tool which has been
developed largely during the second half of this century.
wrote his classic paper on drafting library building programs in 1952,
according to Mason in Mason on Library Buildings, the moat frequent
complaint from architects in the 1960s was the difficulty of getting from
the client a clear stabment of what was wanted In the building and why it
Although Reece
was wanted.
Today, according to Weber and Leighton, a written program is strongly
recommended and is now almost universally prepared. The importance which
attaches to the program derives from the benefits which accrue from its
preparation.
detail, enumerate the advantages. First, the prepamtion of the program
is the best way for the librarian and his staff and institution's
administmtion to determine the essential needs of the library and to make
all concerned face up to them.
construction of new, or reconstruction and/or enlargement of existing
premises, often provides the impetus to renewed thoughts of directions in
which library services will develop in the future and how these will
influence the definition of present and future needs. It is important
that as far as possible, the program should outline the probable lines
kber and Leighton, as do other authors in greater or lesser
Tha opportunity provided by the
upon which the library will develop.
librarian the opportunity to point out to the institution's
administration, governing body and users, the physical requirementa of the
library, and to obtain formal approval of tha program stabment of
requirements and methods to be used in dealing with them.
approval of the progran is an important element In successful completion
Second, the program provides the
Acceptance and
74
of the project. Unless all those responsible for carrying the project
through understand the underlying premises upon which the plan is based,
accept the modalities used to arrive at reasonable expectations of how the
building will function and operate, and approve the program as expressing
the institution's collective wisdom, the project is unlikely to succeed.
Third, the program forms the basis of client expectations on which the
architect can plan a satisfactory building. The prograin provides the
architect with the essential parameters within which he/she will have to
work.
much on his/her own, without guidelines.
also lies in the limitations it places on the need for much extenalve
discussion between the architect and client, though it does not, of
Meizalf points out that without a program the architect is left too
The importance of a good program
course, eliminate consultation entirely.
control mechanism.
To this extent it acts as a fee
Uho sbauld urit. tb. prom
In order for the program to form a cohesive whole, it should be
written by one person. However, in some respects, this individual will
act as much editor a3 author, as he/she will be receiving and
incorporating information and ideas from a wide variety of sources.
appears to be general agreement that, ideally, the person to write the
program should be the senior librarian responsible for the facility,
because this individual usually has the greatest depth of understanding of
the problems and requirements, and sensitivity to the likely acceptability
of possible solutions.
central library, the role of author will normally fall to tha chief
librarian of the system. However, other duties may dictate that the
There
If the facility to be built ia a large and/or
75
responsibility be delegated to a senior associate. In other cases, the
librarian may lack the knowledge and competence, and not have the time to
acquire the skills. If the facility is a branch or departmental library,
it is probable that ths head of the library will be responsible, in
consultation with the system chief .
It must be emphasized, however, that preparation of the program is
not a one person affair, and that whoever is responsible should consult
with appropriate individuals formally and informally before putting pen to
paper, and as each section is completed ensure that nothing of
significance is omitted and agreed meanings and intents are properly
conveyed .
The ideal is not always attained. Circumstances may make it
impossible or undesirable for the senior librarian to write the program.
If this happens and them is no suitable person on the library or
institution's staff, use of a consultant may be the next best solution.
Ho~ever, it should be borne in mind that the consultant will not have in-
depth knowledge and understanding of the incltltution, and may have ideas
which are generally sound but may not suit the particular institution.
These limitation8 can be overcome to a great extent through discussion.
The librarian will provide the consultant with the essential data,
historical context of the library, his/her view of ths way it should
operata and other background which will enable tb consultant to write the
program.
program by a member of the governing body (usually a lay person) or even
the architect!
Far from ideal, but known to occur, is the writing of the
Vhoever drafts the program, the chief librarian should be closely
involved in its preparation. So far as the library system is concerned,
he/she should have the power of final decision, if there is disagreement
on matters of material importance, within his/her area of professional
competence
Caatentt Philosophy of tbs Institution
The major part of the building program will consist of detailed
descriptions of functions and operations, desirable spatial relationships,
materials to be housed and clientele to be accommodated and served. There
will be little opportunity b convey through these descriptions any sense
of the mission b be accomplished or the ambience it is wished to achieve.
These bpics should be tackled in an introductory section which,
incidentally, can be shaped to stand alone to serve as discussion and
publicity materials fn situations where full detail8 are unnecessary.
Thia section should include a brief description of the institution,
with any historical background which may assist the reader to an
appreciation of the influences which have moulded its development and
attitudes.
clientele to be served and the types of services to be provided.
different classes of users will make different demands on the library or
be offered different services, theae may be introduced here.
Thia description should include a general statement on the
If
The introductory section may include a statement of the objectives of
the library, if such a statementexiata.
It may also be desirable to place tho library in a larger context
thn ita own organization, or to relata it to othsr contexts.
example, if it is an academic libmry in an urban setting, what is its
For
77
relationship to the citizens at large; if it is a public library, what
role, if any, will it be expected to play in education; will students seek
information for their assignments in the library?
I believe that a library building should, to some extent, be a
physical expression of the attitude of the planners, designers and users
toward the activity that will go on in the facility. The program should
enable the architect to understand and appreciate the attitudes of the
planners (who hopefully have accurately assessed those of the users) so
that he/she can design a building in keeping with them.
want a library which exudes an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness, this
muat be expressed in the program, lest the sketch plans outline a
monumental edifice of forbidding aspect.
If the planners
Priorities, or Ulnt Sbould Not Bo Sacrificed
Unlesa one is extremely fortuatb, it is unlikely that a building
will be constructed which meeta all the specification6 of the program.
is suggasted by Fleece that th6 librarian should shape the program
according to needs, without reference to limitations of site or space.
This may produce a somewhat idealistic result, but at least all relevant
ideas and concerns will have been set forth. Even if a more realistic
view is taken, and the givens of site, total space to be constructed and
other limiting factors am taken into account, it is still almost
inevitable that compromises will have to be accepted.
not be possible to accommodata on one floor, all the functions which the
spatial relations of ths program suggest should be together. The budget
may be insufficient to compleb the building according to the architect's
first designs.
It
For example, it may
c
In these circumstances, inevitably, choices will have to be made.
The proaTam should clearly indicate the librarian's priorities so that if
these choices have to be faced, the principal decisions have been made.
For example, the program calla for space for growth of the collection and
staff accommodation; site and/or other constraints mean that the total
space needed is not available; how should the reduction be made? The
total estimated cost of surface treatments to obtain desired acoustic
results and plan for environmental control together are more than can be
afforded; should lower standards for both be accepted or should a cut be
applied only to one?
These priorities should be stated in ways that express the
librarian's concerns and importance that attaches ta them, rather than in
comparisons that could be used to limit the scope of the project.
Tlm Firm uxm Plaruliq and IkSA@ng
Reece perhaps summed up best the diffemnce between planning and
designing in relation to the library building program whem he wrota "Tell
him (the archibct) what to build-not how to build
In writing this, Reece meant that the program should convey to the
architect the purpose and functions of the building, and the way in which
operations will be carried out. The spatial mlationa which are desirable
for efficient operation, and the atmosphen, it is wished to convey, should
be apparent.
experience has shown, have caused problems in the past,
Attention should be drawn to particular concern8 which,
At the same time, care should be taken not to go beyond descriptive
statements. The general principle to be followed is that the program
should state the end to be achieved, but not the means of achieving it.
79
In some cases, a brief discussion of a topic, for exanple lighting,
noise, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, may be necessary to
bring out the particular concerns of the librarian, or to draw attention to
matters about which there mag be legitimate differences of opinion.
sv
To summarize, a building program is a carefully worded statement
usually, and preferably, drawn up by the librarian, of the purpose of the
building. It includes detailed information on the people, materials and
equipment it will have to accommodate, and on how these will interact. It
provides the reader with a sense of the atmosphere it is hoped to achieve.
The program is addressed primarily to the architect, but also serves
to fnform others involved and as a constant reminder to the librarian of
the needs that b has to satisfy.
A building program describes what to build, not how to bufld it.
8sferences
Ceadel, E. B. 'The Planning and Execution of New Academic Library
Buildings," in Essays on Information and Libraries, edited by Keith
Barr and Maurice Lines, pp. 43-59. Hamden, Conn.8 Linnet Books,
7 975 .
Holt, Raymond M. Wisconsin Library BuildinR Project Handbook. Madison,
Wisconsin: Bureau of Cooperative and Public Library Services, 1978.
Lushington, Nolan and William N. Mills. Libraries Designed for Users.
Hamden, Conn.: Shoe String Presa, 1980.
Haaon, Ellsworth. Mason on Library Buildings. Hetuchen, N,J,: Scarecrow
Press, 1980.
80
Metcalf, Keyes D. Planning Academic and Research Library Buildings. New
York: McGraw Hill, 1%5.
--------- , Weber, J. and Leighton, P. Planning Academic and Research
Library Buildings. 2nd Edition. In Press.
Reece, Ernest J. "Library Building Programs: How to Draft Them."
College and Research Libraries 13 (July 1952): 198-211.
CARLSBAD CITY LIBRARX
STATISTICS
Mar. Mar.
1988 L989 % Chanae CIRCULATION STATISTICS
Print Materials 51,367 52,337
Film and Video Tapes 10,065 11,008
Audio Visual Equipment 81 97
+2
+9 + 20
Total MAIN LIBRARY 61,513 63,442 +3
B
Print Materials Film and Video Tapes 11,854 12,854
1.441 1.336
+a
-7
Total BRANCH LIBRARY 13,295 14,190 +7
TOTAL CIRCULATION 74,808 77,632 +4
.............................
REFERENCE OUESTIONS
Adult Children's
Online Searches
+1 - 13 - 6,241 6,296
2,845 2,485
57 31
Total MAIN LIBRARY 9,143 8,812 -4
Total BRANCH LIBRARY 816 965 + 18
TOTAL QUESTIONS 9,959 9,777 -2
.............................
PEOPLE COUNTER
Main Library Branch Library
-- - 14
1,728 1,725
467 403
TOTAL 2,195 2,128 -3
.............................
Adult Programs
Children's Programs
141 97
2.295 1.596
TOTAL 2,436 1,693
.............................
INTERLIBRARY LOANS
BOOKS AND REFERENCE
Requests by Carlsbad
Received by Carlsbad
Requests of Carlsbad Filled by Carlsbad
207 144
141 153
407 337
81 118
Borrowed from other libraries 23 13
Loaned to other libraries 39 33
.............................
Main Library
Branch
TOTAL
- 31 - 30
- 31
- 30
+9 - 17 + 46
- 43 - 15
1,029 936 -9 223172 s
1,252 1,108 - 12
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