K Latimer V2 Antwerpfinal March 2009

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Library Services & Research Support

Current trends in library design: some lessons for

art libraries

Karen Latimer

Queen’s University Belfast

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Introduction

• Chair Designing Libraries

• Secretary IFLA Library Buildings & Equipment Standing Committee

• Judge International Competition for Macao Central Library

• Queen’s 42 € Library Project

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Outline• Drivers for change

• The brief

• The context

• Entrances

• Interior spaces

• Furniture

• Lighting, signage, art etc

• Refurbishment

• Evaluation

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Drivers for change

• e-resources

• ICT & technological advances

• Future-proofing in times of change

• Social networking/ culture

• Expectations/Marketing

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E-Resources

“A new form of communication does not necessarily supplant previous ones; it may simply widen the possibilities.”

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Drivers for change

• e-resources





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ICT

“New technology encourages new approaches to learning but unless

students are going to learn standing up there will always be a need for

independent learning space.”

Martin Lewis, Sheffield University, Director of Library Services

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Drivers for change

• e-resources





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Future proofing

“Predictions can be very difficult – especially about the future”

Niels Bohr

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Drivers for change

• e-resources





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Social networking

“Although the book or computer provides us with information, the search may still be a social act. We want to be where the pursuit of knowledge is celebrated.”

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Drivers for change

• e-resources





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CABE criteria

• Welcoming • Comfortable• Accessible

• Social spaces• Functional • Attractive day &

night

• Clear entrance

• Easily navigable

• Contribution to environment

• Well-planned circulation

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10 CommandmentsVenustas Firmitas Utilitas

• Functional

• Accessible

• Efficient

• Flexible

• Varied

• Interactive

• Safe & Secure

• Environmentally sound

• Wow X Oomph factor

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The brief• Statement to the architect

• Vision

• Detailed space needs (users, collections, services)

• Spatial relationships

• Strategic and descriptive

• Communication tool

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“A meeting place that makes provision for the latest technologies whilst maintaining the warmth and

joy of sitting under a tree in the sun”.

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Vision

“Libraries should aim to be uplifting, innovative and inspiring cultural, social and intellectual spaces, encouraging debate and collaboration, and desirable as places to be in, even in the age of ubiquitous internet access.”

Dame Lynne Brindley – British Library

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Context

• Modernise

• Neighbourly

• Landscape

• Infill

• Regeneration/restoration

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Entrance

• Well marked

• Impact

• Excite

• Orientate

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Interior spaces

• Ambience/mood

• Ethos

• Users’ expectations

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Art Libraries

• Exhibition space• Varied study spaces

– Group areas (dyslexia)– Relaxing study areas– Large tables

• Zoning – noisy/quiet• One enquiry point• 24/7 access

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Art Libraries cont.• Physical resources

– Low shelving/oversize books/multi-media

• E-resources too• Clear signage• Good lighting• Green• Good quality design

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Furniture

• Information points/ desks

• Self-issue, RFID, sorting

• Shelving

• Learning & social spaces

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Other factors

• Lighting

• Signage

• Art

• Sustainability

• Restoration

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Other factors

• Lighting

• Signage

• Art

• Sustainability

• Restoration

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Other factors

• Lighting

• Signage

• Art

• Sustainability

• Restoration

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Other factors

• Lighting

• Signage

• Art

• Sustainability

• Restoration

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Other Factors

• Lighting

• Signage

• Art

• Sustainability

• Restoration

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Restore v New Build

• Heritage building

• Architectural worth

• Local landmark

• Location

• Funding

• Urban regeneration

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Restoration/Refurbishment

• Update interior – colour, brighten up

• Create more space, remove clutter

• Upgrade lighting

• Improve circulation/relocate services

• Upgrade environmental performance

• Retain features

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Restoration/Extension

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Evaluation

• Surveys

• Feedback

• Post-project review meetings

• Cost effectiveness

• Observation

• Statistics

• Successes and failures

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Summary

• E-resources

• Technological advances

• Library as third place

• Interfaces and partnerships

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“A library is at once a school, a home, a workplace, a church, a theatre and many other things

beside.”

Francine Houben, Mecanoo, 2002

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Further Information

• Designing Libraries -

www.designinglibraries.org.uk

• JISC –

www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/infokits/learning-space-design

Education

K Latimer V2 Antwerpfinal March 2009