ALA Editions Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations

The needs and functions of library buildings have certainly changed over the last decade, but the necessity for planning intelligently and thoroughly hasn’t. In fact, tighter budgets and the complex demands of both library users and staff call for careful preparation now more than ever. Whether you’re building from the ground up or simply remodeling, the success of your project hinges on planning, coordination, and communication. This new update of Sannwald’s classic guide will help you stay prepared and organized for every phase of your undertaking from conception through the dedication ceremony. Using a popular checklist format that ensures no detail is overlooked, this planner covers crucial considerations like Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) factors, structured to match the federal code; sustainable design features, including sensors that save energy and water; designing makerspaces, digital media labs, or leased library enterprises; disaster and recovery planning; creating quiet spaces; collaborative collections and materials-handling efficiency; and important virtual presence aspects to bear in mind during physical space decisions. Library managers, administrators, and facilities staff will find this book a matchless tool for any construction project regardless of size or complexity.