Re-examines seven major public library central facilities that were built or renovated in the past six years, including Chicago (Illinois), Los Angeles (California), Denver (Colorado), Phoenix (Arizona), San Antonio (Texas) and Vancouver (British Columbia). Topics include coping with crowds; new uses for the libraries; reorganization of space;…

Discusses the impact new technologies (particularly those of computers and telecommunications) and networks (bibliographic utilities, distributed networks, local area networks) will have on academic library buildings in terms of collection space and access, staff space and organization, user needs, changing functions and functional relationships,…

Discusses ways to decrease costs when planning the design of a new library or an addition that also considers future needs. Topics discussed include space allocation considerations for the collection, users, and staff; entrances and exits; structural loading; building configuration; information technology considerations; and staff willingness to…