Instruction and Information Literacy Program, M.D.
This document is important to articulate the
Anderson Library, University of Houston, Houston,
TX 77204-2000, USA <ijke@mail.uh.edu>.
doi:10.1016/j.acalib.2009.04.013
Better by Design: An Introduction to Planning and
Designing a New Library Building, by Ayub Khan.
London: Facet Publishing, 20 09. 224p. £44.95. ISBN
978-1-85604-650-3.
The construction of a new library building is at once a
daunting task and a great opportunity. In his book, Better
by Design: An Introduction to Planning and Designing a
New Library Building, author Ayub Khan describes the
philosophical shift in library space and function for the
21st century library and the practical considerations
necessary to approach the task of planning and de-
signing a new library competently. This book will be of
interest to both the casual reader curious about the
trends in 21st century library services and building
construction and the professional librarian engaging in
the process of building a new library.
The first section of the book offers a discussion of the
place of the library in the 21st century. According to
the author, 21st century libraries represent a dramatic
shift from the libraries that preceded them. Libraries
once focused on print holdings as the primary me-
dium of interaction between the library and its patrons.
Libraries also presented themselves as btemples of
knowledgeQ and places of quiet and solitary activity. By
contrast, libraries in the 21st century have begun to
reverse many of these traits. Libraries no longer focus on
the book as the primary medium of accessing knowledge
within the library. Today, the library offers an increasing
array of information and communication technology
(ICT) to library patrons. People are more accustomed to
accessing information through various technologies and
no longer need librarians to the sole allocators of
information. Likewise, today's library encourages more
social interactions within the library and offers a range of
group and children space. These changes in library use
have forced librarians to rethink their approach to the
planning and design of the library building.
With the new considerations of the 21st century
library in mind, the process of planning and designing a
new library can begin. Although it would be ideal to plan
and design a new library to delivery something for
everybody the realities of today's economic climate
require the development of a solid business plan and a
workable project plan to do more with less funding and
still meet the needs of the community. To this end,
intelligent planning is necessary, including developing a
business case, putting in place good project manage-
ment, and selecting the best architect for the needs of
the library. It is also necessary to take into account
partnerships and engagement with the community.
Once the planning phase of the new library has been
completed a document called the design brief can be
created.
project objectives and present documents needed to
justify decisions made. The author describes the docu-
ment brief as the single most important document in
the design process. This document can help shape the
success or failure of the new library.
The author discusses the importance of design qua-
lity, how the building fits within its physical envi-
ronment and how the interior accomplishes the goals
set out for the library. Space planning and access is
also discussed. This includes the physical layout of the
library interior, which plays an important part in the
library's goal to meet the needs of all its potential users.
The book ends by discussing the stage of occupancy
and post-occupancy evaluation. At this point the pro-
cess of planning and designing a new library comes to
an end.
The book is well organized and contains an ex-
tensive bibliography. There are several appendices,
including a glossary of terms, a checklist and top-ten
tips for ensuring that communities and individuals
engage with new library spaces. The information in the
book should appeal to practically any library, regard-
less of location.
Although it is difficult for any book to provide a
comprehensive discussion of the process of planning
and designing a new library, this book gives a detailed
and accessible introduction to all aspects of the process.
It should appeal to librarians who need guidance as well
as anyone interested in the trends in new library design
and use.—Robert D. Laws, Digital and Access Services
Librarian, SFS-Qatar Library, Georgetown University,
Doha, Qatar <rdl27@georgetown.edu>.
doi:10.1016/j.acalib.2009.04.014
Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations,
by William H. Sannwald. 5th edition. Chicago: Ame-
rican Library Association , 20 09. 224p. $55.0 0. ISBN
978-0-8389-0978-2.
The Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations,
by William H. Sannwald, presents itself as an essential
and comprehensive tool for libraries engaged in the
process of building a new library. The book consists of
a series of checklists grouped by a discreet sequential
part of the process of planning and building a library.
Libraries should find this book an invaluable tool to
cover practically every aspect they may encounter in the
process of building a new library.
The book is divided into sections. For example, there
is a section on building planning and architecture, inte-
rior organization of library buildings, and telecom-
munications, electrical, and miscellaneous equipment,
and several other sections regarding the planning and
building process.
Each checklist asks the reader a question or set of
questions regarding an aspect within the section. For
example, in the section on compliance with ADA acces-
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