[Publib] New Building question

[Fred Beisser]

I would suggest taking a look at two books on this topic that review 
library buildings nicely designed:

"The New Downtown Library: Designing with Communities" by Shannon 
Mattern (© 2007)

"Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love" edited by Karen 
Christensen and David Levinson (© 2007) more of a love affair with great 
libraries but also includes some newer facilities with great design 
features.

Fred Beisser
Trustee
www.elbertcountylibrary.org (Colorado)



James Casey wrote:

>I couldn't agree more with Meghan and Sue.  However, it is usually
>passivity on the part of library administrators that leads to this kind
>of spectacular "statement" facilities that look interesting, but are not
>practical as libraries.  It is imperative that Library administrators
>meet with staff and work collaboratively to determine what is needed in
>a library facility months BEFORE architects arrive on the scene.  The
>most difficult question to answer --- and the most important --- is
>"what do we want"?  If this basic question and understanding is not
>arrived at before the architect comes, the "form" aspect of the "form
>follows function" rule will never be strongly represented and you might
>well end up with architects dictating the course of the project.  ---
>You can't blame architects for coming up with weird schemes that are
>impracticable for library use if the librarians who should know better
>are simply nodding their heads at every statement and/or not showing up
>(or are not allowed to show up) when the decisions are being made.  I've
>known quite a few librarians over the years who wait for the architect
>to come before they begin discussing the project with staff.  This is a
>big mistake.  
>
>I was in a building not too long ago that probably did have solid input
>from librarians, but may have neglected to consult maintenance staff.
>After much of the structure was built, it was noticed that high
>ceilings, huge windows and lighting fixtures set so high that they would
>be virtually impossible for regular maintenance staff to clean and
>service.  One of the sub contractors on the job remarked that his
>company could change fluorescent lamps for a fee (a big fee).  
>
>James B. Casey -- My own views
>Director of Oak Lawn Public Library
>ALA Council Member
>
> 
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
>[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Meghan Miller
>Brawley
>Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:23 PM
>To: publib
>Subject: Re: [Publib] New Building question
>
>On 10/22/07, Sue Kamm <suekamm at mindspring.com> wrote:
>  
>
>>Has anyone else out there become weary of arrchitects who want to
>>    
>>
>create
>  
>
>>things of beauty that are hell on earth to work in?
>>
>>    
>>
>
>We just went through the design process at my tiny (3000 sq ft)
>library in central Texas. My boss did a great job of sticking to her
>guns and fighting the architects when they went crosswise to common
>sense and the needs/wants of our community. The architects weren't
>happy, but our community sure seems to be thrilled with the renderings
>they've seen so far. I think it's important for library management,
>cities and library boards to remember who's *paying* the big bucks and
>who's *taking* the big bucks, and put their collective foot down when
>architects start getting crazy.
>
>-Meghan Brawley
>
>  
>
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