Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations

Contents
Preface
I. Building Planning and Architecture
A. Indicators of Dissatisfaction with Existing Facilities
B. Institutional Planning Team
C. Determining Space Needs
D. Joint Use Considerations
E. Alternatives to New Construction
F. Selecting a Library Building Consultant
G. Choosing an Architect
H. Choosing a Contractor
I. Architectural Design
II. Library Site Selection
A. General Conditions
B. Location
C. Accessibility
D. Size
E. Environmental Issues
III. Sustainable Design
A. Sustainable Sites
B. Water Efficiency
C. Energy and Atmosphere
D. Materials
E. Indoor Environmental Air Quality
F. Lighting and Day Lighting
G. Roofs
IV. General Exterior Considerations
A. Landscaping
B. Parking
C. Building Exterior
D. Roof
E. Bicycle Racks
F. Flagpole
G. Exterior Signage
H. Loading Docks and Delivery
I. Outdoor Trash Enclosures
J. Outdoor Book and Media Returns
V. Interior Organization of Library Buildings
A. Entrance
B. Circulation Desk Facilities
C. Reference Facilities
D. Information Commons
E. Multimedia Facilities
F. Media Production and Presentation Labs
G. Special Collections/Rare Books/Archives
H. Reserve Book Room
I. Faculty/Graduate Carrels and Study Rooms
J. Literacy Center
K. Young Adult Facilities
L. Children?s Facilities
M. Meeting and Seminar Rooms
N. Convenience Facilities
O. Displays
P. Public Art
Q. Interior Signage
R. Workroom/Offices
S. Staff Lounge
T. Friends of the Library
U. Library Store
V. Interior Storage
VI. Compliance with ADA Accessibility Guidelines
A. Transportation, Parking Lots, Parking Signage, and Accessible Routes
B. Ground and Floor Surfaces
C. Curb Cuts
D. Ramps
E. Stairs
F. Lifts and Elevators
G. Doors
H. Entrances
I. Accessible Routes within the Building
J. Drinking Fountains
K. Water Closets
L. Toilet Rooms
M. Toilet Stalls
N. Urinals
O. Lavatories
P. Handrails and Grab Bars
Q. Controls and Operating Mechanisms
R. Alarms
S. Signage
T. Telephones
U. Fixed or Built-in Seating and Tables
V. Assembly Areas
W. Building Assistance Facilities
VII. Telecommunications, Electrical, and Miscellaneous Equipment
A. General Considerations
B. Telecommunications Entrances and Closets
C. Horizontal Pathways
D. Cabling and Outlets
E. Wireless
F. Workstation Connections
G. Workstation Equipment
H. Telephone System
I. Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment
J. Electrical Power
VIII. Interior Design and Finishes
A. Service Desks
B. Seating
C. Tables
D. Lighting
E. Windows
F. Flooring
G. Walls
H. Color
I. Equipment List
J. Behavioral Aspects of Space
IX. Materials Handling and Storage: Book Stacks and Shelving
A. Conventional Stationary Stacks and Shelving
B. Movable-Aisle Compact Shelving
C. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
D. Materials Handling Systems
E. Remote Storage
X. Building Systems
A. Acoustics
B. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems)
C. Electrical Systems
D. Lighting
E. Plumbing and Rest Rooms
F. Elevators and Escalators
XI. Safety and Security
A. General
B. External Security
C. Internal Security
D. Fire Safety
E. Disaster Planning
XII. Maintenance of Library Buildings and Property
A. Regular Routine Maintenance
B. Graffiti
C. Building Materials
D. Custodial Facilities
E. Groundskeeper Facilities
F. Trash Enclosures
G. Betterments and Improvements
XIII. Building Occupancy and Post-occupancy Evaluation
A. Building Acceptance
B. Getting Ready for Occupancy
C. Moving
D. Post-occupancy Evaluation
XIV. Groundbreaking and Dedication Ceremonies
A. Planning
B. Event Checklist
Bibliography