COVID is having immediate and long-term impacts on the use of libraries. But these changes will probably not alter the importance of the academic library as a space. In the decade pre COVID libraries saw a growing number of visits, despite the increasing availability of material digitally. The first part of the article offers an analysis of the…

This volume, comprising eight chapters from experts in a variety of fields, examines the use of three-dimensional (3D) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in research and teaching, and the library's vital role in supporting this work. 3D modeling, 3D capture techniques, and VR enable faculty and students to engage with highly detailed 3D…

Although the quality, performance and future of public library services in the UK is a matter of debate, there is little doubt that in recent years, despite claims relating to the emergence of a cyber-society, interest in library buildings and the library as "place" has been intense, almost matching that seen during the Carnegie era of…

A key area of debate within the public and academic library sectors across the world is use of physical space. Changing ideas about what a library should be, coupled with the growth of digital collections, has raised fundamental questions about how library buildings are used and the role of space in library services. Alongside these drivers is the…

The instant library program described is designed to extend library service to previously unreached coal towns, mountain hollows, and sparsely populated areas of West Virginia. (Author/NH)

Presents a discussion of library facility design with regard to storage needs, readers' needs, and staff needs, with emphasis on lighting, space, and movement paths (galleries, corridors, foyers, halls, arcades). Illustrative material is provided. (EJS)

Describes legislation and building design criteria related to architectural accessibility for the handicapped; the National Center for a Barrier Free Environment; library programs and services for the disabled; and the role of rehabilitation librarians. A bibliography lists more than 70 books, journals, and newsletters. (FM)

This article offers a practical approach to planning media centers: where to begin, whom to involve, and what factors deserve important consideration in view of today's interest in conservation measures. (Editor)

This discussion of the interrelationship of library buildings, library functions, and library management is illustrated by a description of problems encountered when the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library moved into a new building. Illustrative material is provided. (EJS)

This publication describes the Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a regional library for the National Library Service (NLS) example of the creative use of physical space and innovative technology. The publication focuses on the materials-handling system designed for the new facility, including system design…

This paper discusses the design of flexible and intelligent library buildings. The first section addresses how flexibility, as one of the requirements of a library building, that has high priority in the planning process. Intelligent libraries are considered in the second section, and functionality is stressed. The third section examines…

Presents overview of state of Soviet Union library service comprising 350,000 libraries, including national, governmental department, and public group (trade unions, professional associations) libraries. Training of Soviet librarians, library cooperation, national planning and funding, cultural exchange and cooperation, supporting international…

More frequently, community connections are being expressed in library design briefs and reflected in the completed buildings. This collection of brief articles discusses community involvement in library design and services and describes library construction projects in Australia and Malaysia. Also, discusses community art programs, integrating…