PLANNING AND DESIGN OF LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION CENTERS

About this Course

This course discusses the planning and design of libraries and information centers. It encompasses decision processes and technical aspects. Examples are preparing a proposal to build up the information center and executive summaries, interactions among parties involved, regulations, standards and specifications. Teaching methodology for this course is lectures, discussions, tutorial, presentation and visit to related organizations and institutions.

Course Learning Outcomes

1) Outline the factors, processes, authorities and parties involved in the planning and design of libraries and information centers. (C4)
2) Explain the specific functional areas in planning and designing libraries and information centers. (C6)
3) Plan a proposal to build up and executive summary for libraries and information centers. (C5)

Course Syllabus

+ Course Syllabus

1) Introduction
1.1 Rationale
1.2 Types and function of different libraries and information centers
1.3 Characteristics of planning libraries
1.4 Knowledge and skills required of information professional in planning

2) Planning Process and Building Standards
2.0 An overview of the planning process and the needs assessment
2.1 Steps in planning processes
2.2 The Planning team members and their roles
2.3 Library service analysis
2.4 Facility evaluation
2.5 Building standards and specifications
2.5.1 Library building standards
2.5.2 Importance and use
2.5.3 Local and foreign standards


3)  Site Selection and Interior
3.0 Site selection and general design considerations
3.1 Locating the library
3.2 Demographic analysis
3.3 Design considerations
3.4 Flexible planning and design
3.4.1 User sequence
3.4.2 Interior
3.4.3 Furniture
3.4.4 Lighting
3.4.5 Fitting and floors
3.5 Factor to be considered – materials and their qualities

4) Signage and Reading and reader service areas
4.0 Way finding and signage in planning libraries and information centers
4.1 Indoor signs
4.2 Outdoor signs
4.3 Graphic signs
4.4 Type of signs
4.5 Reading and reader service areas
4.5.1 Study areas
4.5.2 Study table height
4.5.3 Chair height
4.5.4 Reader service areas etc

5)  Layout and Security
5.0 Layout and critical sizes
5.1 Shelving
5.2 Layout of shelving
5.2.1 Closed stack
5.2.2 Open stack
5.3 Open access
5.4 Compact shelving
5.5 Non-book materials


Library security and protection
Security – users, resources, buildings etc.
Fire
Flood
Reader hazards
Designing for protection
Other dangers and safety

6) Issues in planning and design of libraries and information center
6.0 Issues in planning and design of libraries and information center
6.1 Renovation
6.2 Extensions
6.3 Conversions
6.4 Information technology
6.5 Human resource
6.6 Resources
6.7 Services
6.8 Environment
6.9 Budget etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 : What is library planning?
A1 : Planning is the deliberate, preferred manner of preparing for library service in the future. It is the responsible means of fulfilling future community library needs.

Q2 : What are the guidelines for planning of a library building?
A2 : While planning and execution of plan for a library building, it should be ensured that load bearing capacity of floor (1500 kg/sq m), floor height (not less than 8 ft), avoiding interior load bearing walls; quiet comfortable and attracting reading rooms, simplicity, efficiency, economy, comfort, flexibility and visibility.

Q3 : What is strategic planning library?
A3 : A strategic plan provides guidance for your library, detailing current strengths and assets, future goals and aspirations, action or implementation plan, and how you will evaluate progress.

Q4 : What is library design?
A4 : The primary goal of effective library design and space planning is that the facility must respond to the needs of its service population