4. Library building standards
Revised July 2004
4.1 Objectives
4.2 Issue Statements
4.3 Standards
4.4 Planning and Designing the Library Service
4.5 Performance Indicators
To provide a physical facility which will serve the identified needs of the community. The building should be attractive, designed for efficiency and sustainability, flexible, functional and expandable.
To provide libraries that are convenient and accessible to the public.
4.2 Issue statements
A library building which is adequate to meet the needs of its community must take into consideration the changing information and social environment and user expectations which have occurred over the last decade as well as National or State Library building standards.
Consideration of future needs, including expected population growth, should also be considered at the planning stage.
4.2.1 Determinant factors
The determinant factors which have created the need to review the public library standards are
-
developments in information technology
-
equity of access
-
collection diversity and retail-style presentation,
-
the role of the library as a community hub and living space
-
partnerships and co-location
-
community profiles
4.2.1.1 Developments in information technology
The last decade has seen a growth in the provision of public access computers and particularly Internet computers. Information is increasingly web-based and provision of access to databases has obliged libraries to devote more space to public access computers. Demand for access to On-line Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) has likewise grown. The space needed for computer equipment has grown with libraries providing access to peripheral equipment, adaptive technology for clients with special needs and interface with personal devices to access collections and services.
4.2.1.2 Equity of access
New library buildings should be designed to provide equity of access for people with disabilities as per the design specifications set out in Australian Standard AS1428 Design for Access and Mobility
4.2.1.3 Collection diversity and presentation
As public libraries adapt retail principles to the presentation and marketing of their collections, additional space is needed for display shelving and promotional presentations and for a growing diversity of collection formats.
4.2.1.4 The Library as a community hub and living space
Planning a new or extended library provides an opportunity for a facilities audit, so that the library service, already established as a community hub, can meet needs in the new premises, unlikely to be met elsewhere. Public libraries have led the way in providing computer and, in particular, Internet, training and meeting places. Sometimes, lack of space in which to conduct such community-based activities has been a constraint.
Developments in the learning environment have created a growing demand for study space, carrels, and group work rooms in libraries. Library-based community activities, such as literacy tutoring, club meetings and discussion groups, require community spaces.
As more library visitors become accustomed to using computer facilities they come to see the library as a destination at which to spend time on other activities. The library has evolved into a community living space.
4.2.1.5 Partnerships and co-location
Libraries are increasingly looking to partner with other service providers, both from within and outside local government. Examples include partnerships with educational institutions, tourist facilities, galleries, museums, government service agencies and banks.
Partnerships and co-location arrangements are often initiated when new or extended library buildings are being planned. It is vital that space requirements and functional relationships for all areas to be included in such a building be carefully planned.
4.2.1.6 Community profiles
A significant factor determining space composition is the local profile of the community being served, and the decisions by local government in defining the catchment area of individual libraries. This factor arises in the case of multi-library systems and different models may apply.
A traditional library system comprises a main central library complemented by branch libraries and mobile library services. A full range of facilities, services and collections are housed in the central library with branch libraries and mobile libraries satisfying access to immediate local needs.
In larger local governments a more decentralised system may occur. An alternative model consists of an administrative headquarters, and regional libraries with a network of supporting branch libraries and mobile library services.
A further option is a series of similar-sized public libraries spread throughout the local government area according to population needs, with dispersed and special need populations served by mobile library services. A feature of the latter two models is that the administrative/technical functions may be decentralised. The need to accommodate these functions should be considered when determining space requirements.
4.3.1 Population projections
The minimum building size should be based on projected population for the local government according to figures provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
In calculating the minimum building size, a ten year population projection should be taken into account which also takes into account the demographic profile of the community to be served and the catchment.
4.3.2 Definitions
Where a Local Government's provision of services comprises mobile library services and/or similarly sized branch libraries, the Branch Libraries standards 4.3.6 can apply.
Further information about mobile libraries is available in part 5, Mobile Library Standards.
4.3.2.1 Main branch
The Main Branch should be located in a convenient position to ensure good access to the majority of residents, offering the greatest diversity of function, and the highest level of resourcing. It provides a comprehensive service to all residents across the local government and shares all collections with branches as required.
4.3.2.2 Support services
Support Services, so called to avoid confusion with Council Administration, include the provision of the overall management, planning and culture of the library service, including all systems operations, interlibrary lending, acquisition, cataloguing, and processing of resources. Specialist professional staff and resources may be part of Support Services. Support Services may be located at a geographic location separate from other library sites.
Where components of technical services are outsourced, the floor areas recommended in 4.3.3.2 and 4.3.4 should be reduced in proportion to the resultant staff structure.
4.3.2.3 Branch library
A Branch library is used by the surrounding population to satisfy the majority of library requirements. It provides a core service: those materials and services which are demanded for immediate consumption by the majority of users. For example, a Branch may offer a toy library and in depth reference services, but not a local studies collection. The level of demand for that activity may not warrant the cost of duplicating the service, or the provision of trained staff to support its use. The provision of any particular specialist services in a Branch should reflect local demand.
4.3.3 Configuration tables
4.3.3.1 Description
A range is provided in each of the population divisions, the lowest figure being the minimum.
4.3.3.2 Main branch including support services
10,000-15,000 between 49-45 m2 per 1,000 population
15,000-50,000 between 45-41 m2 per 1,000 population
50,000-100,000+ between 41-37 m2 per 1,000 population
Add the following allowance to the total area in the Support Services component for staff training, meeting rooms, and the processing and storage of items required for additional sites:
-
50m2 per Mobile (does not include housing and parking requirements of the vehicle)
-
20m2 first Branch
-
10m2 per Branch thereafter
4.3.4 Support services - stand alone or added to any library
4.3.4.1 Minimum
Minimum floor space should not be less than 200m2
4.3.5 Shared and co-located premises
Where the library shares a building with other service providers or functions, its floor area consists of:
-
spaces fully devoted to library functions, using 4.4.1 as a guide.
-
a proportion of shared spaces, according to the share of the building's total floor area eg. a library sharing a building with a visitor centre with two thirds of the building occupied by the library could add two thirds of the foyer to it's floor area.
4.3.6 CLS libraries and independent and branch Libraries
4.3.6.1 Catchment
CLS libraries are not required to provide space for most of the support services described in 4.3.3.2 and so their minimum floor areas are the same as for branch libraries in Independent library services, as described below in 4.3.6.2.
Branch libraries are to be sized according to catchment area. Catchment area should take account of the ten year projected population size of the area to be serviced.
The catchment area may be influenced by demographic and geographic factors, for example highways, railway lines and other built and natural features. Public transport, schools and work places should be examined when determining catchment size.
4.3.6.2 Table
Minimum public floor space should be 150m2.
Up to 15,000 between 43-41 m2 per 1,000 population
15,000-50,000 between 41-37 m2 per 1,000 population
50,000+ between 37-35 m2 per 1,000 population
4.4 Planning and designing the library service
A library building, its collection and staff are significant investments and valuable resources for the community. If they are to be fully utilised, they require a high profile and visibility in the community in a prominent, safe, easily accessible site. The following guidelines should be considered when choosing the site:
-
An ideal site for a public library building is one closely associated with a major gathering point for the community, for example, shopping, cultural or educational centres.
-
The site should be easily accessible by public and private transport and pedestrian traffic.
-
Convenient off-street parking for library users and staff should be provided (including designated bays for those with disabilities).
-
The site should be large enough to accommodate a building which meets the space requirements and should allow room for future expansion. Buildings should be designed to facilitate easy and economical extension.
-
Adequate access for service and delivery vehicles should be provided. If mobile libraries are to be housed, access must be ensured and adequate turning space allowed for vehicles and ease of docking for transfer of materials between base and vehicle.
-
Easy and safe access to the building is needed for all users and staff including those with disabilities.
4.4.1 Elements
A new library should include areas for the following functions:
-
AV equipment storage and usage areas
-
Children's area, including space and facilities for activities and programs
-
Circulation desk and self check-out space
-
Cleaner's storeroom
-
Coffee and tea making facilities for the public
-
Collections areas with an emphasis on face-out display
-
Community information area
-
Entrance and foyer (single public entrance for ease of supervision)
-
Self-opening doors to ensure equal access for all clients
-
Exhibition and display area
-
Informal reading and browsing areas (both adult and junior) with a range of seating and desk types
-
Kitchen facilities, with provision for catering for staff and public events
-
Librarian's office
-
Listening posts for using audio resources
-
Loading and delivery area
-
Local/Family History space
-
Meeting room/s
-
Newspaper and periodicals area
-
Photocopying
-
Public toilets, unisex parenting room
-
Public use PC areas for OPACs, Internet and a range of other applications and peripheral equipment, with provision for public access computers to also be available in all areas of the library
-
Reference area
-
Returns room, fireproof
-
Stack/storage areas
-
Staff room
-
Staff toilets, sick bay and shower
-
Staff work areas
-
Study areas, including areas suitable for group study
-
Telephone system facilitating staff connectivity while moving throughout the library
-
Toys and games area
-
Training rooms for use by staff and public
-
Volunteer work areas (for example, Friends of Libraries)
-
Youth space
Depending on the local population and resources available elsewhere in the community, some of the listed functions could be combined into flexible, multi-use spaces.
4.4.2 General design and services requirements
Library staff shall be an integral part of the design, building or refurbishment project team from the initial feasibility and consultation phases to handover of the building.
The following issues are important in the planning and design of library buildings
4.4.2.1 Temperature control and energy efficiency
An energy efficient design can significantly reduce the running costs of a library building.
Passive temperature control should be considered as part of a building's temperature and humidity control, but air-conditioning will need to be available, in order to provide a suitable environment for sensitive electronic and computer equipment, for customer and staff comfort, and to prevent heat and humidity damage to library resources. Refrigerated air-conditioning rather than evaporative is required.
4.4.2.2 Exterior
The building should be attractive and inviting to prospective users. Preferably, it should be on one level and allow for easy, safe access by all library users regardless of age or mobility. If the library is built on more than one level or if parking is provided on a different level to the library, a lift between levels must be provided. Construction materials and landscaping should be attractive, durable and low maintenance. Safe and easy access for window cleaning should be ensured. Consideration should be given to the building's place in the streetscape in relation to existing and planned structures.
4.4.2.3 Interior
The library interior should provide a high degree of flexibility with a minium of load bearing internal walls and columns, facilitating periodic reorganisations during the life of the building.
Construction materials, equipment, shelving and furnishings should be attractive, durable, functional, comfortable and be chosen as part of an integrated interior design. Interior fittings should suit the needs of library staff and patrons.
The library should only house objects which are appropriate to the library and consistent with library and council policy and the integrity of the interior design.
4.4.2.4 Electrical, communications and computer needs
In anticipation of ongoing growth of digital services and to ensure flexibility of interior design all spaces should have provision for power, and communications cabling. Wireless technology should be considered as an option to increase flexibility.
Public libraries, as major providers of information, should make adequate provision for future needs and technology in this area, including space for additional workstations distributed throughout the library.
4.4.2.5 Floor surfaces
Floor surfaces in libraries should be able to handle high traffic and have appropriate acoustic qualities. Appropriate surfaces for specific functions should be selected (for example, a non-slip, water-tolerant floor in children's activities area, durable matting near entrance door), carpet in staff and public areas.
4.4.2.6 Furniture
Durable, attractive and comfortable furniture that meets the needs of all library users should be selected. Workstation furniture should be adjustable to suit a variety of users.
A variety of seating should be provided, including typist's chairs, arm chairs, sofas and floor cushions.
4.4.2.7 Shelving
Shelves fitted with books are exceptionally heavy. Floors supporting library shelving or compactus need to conform to Australian Standard 1170 - Minimum design loads on structures.
Shelving must be adjustable. Metal shelving is usually considered the most practical and cost effective but there are also adjustable wooden products which may be suitable if designed for library usage. (refer Australian Standard AS2273 - 1979 Steel library shelving).
Shelving heights should be user-friendly, providing easy access to collections for all users:
-
Shelving for adults has a recommended maximum height of 1800mm and for children's areas the maximum height recommended is 1500 mm.
-
The lowest shelf should be at a height that can be reached comfortably without excessive bending, for example, 300 mm. Specialist shelving should be used for storing alternative format resources.
Aisles between bays of shelves should have a minimum width of 1.25m between bays.
Shelving sequences should be clearly labelled and well lit.
4.4.2.8 Lighting
Lighting should at least conform to Australian Standard AS1680 - Interior lighting, be of an appropriate density and should not cause glare problems.
A variety of lighting styles should be used according to functional requirements in different parts of the library, while ensuring flexibility with adjustable fittings wherever possible.
Light fixtures should be readily accessible for maintenance and cleaning purposes.
Natural light is desirable but should not be relied on completely to provide illumination. Potential glare on computer screens should be kept in mind when designing for natural light.
4.4.2.9 Security
Libraries should be of such design and construction so as to ensure the security, health and welfare of staff and customers. Closed circuit television should be used if monitoring of the library by staff cannot be achieved by line of sight.
Line of site priorities should be considered as an important, but not sole, determinant of the placement of various spaces within the layout. For example, it may be desirable to place a young children's space within view of the service counter, but not if this means location next to an exit.
Staff should have alarm systems available for their and clients' safety.
Fittings should be as resistant to vandalism and defacement as practicable.
Adequate lighting of the library exterior and parking area should be provided for security of staff and patrons after dark.
4.4.2.10 Wayfinding and signage
Each library should have adequate external signs, including directional street and building signs, and attractive and functional internal signage.
Planning of wayfinding should commence with the earliest stages of building design.
Wayfinding should not rely entirely on signage but use internal layout, lighting, furnishing, floor covering, colour schemes and graphics to define spaces and lead users to them.
4.5 Performance indicators
(i) Compliance with recommended standards for space and design;
(ii) Compliance with recommended standards for lighting, access, floor loading, etc.
For information on funding for library facilities see Subsidy and Funding.
Last updated: 9th January 2008
Creatively linking Queenslanders to information, knowledge and each other
