Discusses chief factors that contributed to the rebirth of Chicago's central public library and its branch libraries: (1) a politically connected commissioner, (2) better funding, and (3) a central library. Highlights include a review of the library's administrative management styles, staff training techniques, past and current facilities,…

Presents statistics on public and academic library construction for new buildings, as well as for additions and renovations. Information is provided on funding sources, costs, size, book capacity, and seating capacity. A directory of architects, numerous photographs, and a list of buildings in progress are also included. (LRW)

Describes the operation of halon gas fire extinguishing systems, which have been installed in a number of libraries and archives across Canada where protection of special collections from water and mold damage resulting from operation of a standard water sprinkler system is paramount. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of system are…

Reviews the history of architectural developments in academic libraries. Highlights include natural lighting and the invention of the incandescent bulb; compact shelving; open versus closed stacks; modular construction methods; central air conditioning and controlled environments; interior arrangements; access to handicapped users and staff; and…

Discusses items that need to be considered when remodeling a school media center. Highlights include space and location for various functions, including projections of print versus electronic media; electrical and data wiring needs; lighting; security and supervision; and reuse of existing furniture and equipment. (LRW)

Examines Axel Lodewycks' role at the University of Melbourne (Australia) during the period 1959 to 1973. Lodewycks made a significant contribution to the construction of the Baillieu Library building in this period, but was never able to raise his own standing within the university beyond that established by his predecessors. (Author/AEF)

Discusses recommendations for designing or redesigning library buildings for easy navigability. Signage, maps, collection arrangements, and placement of emergency exits must take into account observed traffic patterns, spatial or objective orientations of individual patrons, and patrons with disabilities. Contains 63 references. (BEW)

Reflects on the potency of libraries as community assets during the past 2000 years. Traces the preservation of knowledge in ancient libraries. Addresses ecclesiastical library development and the relatively recent rise of public and academic libraries; identifies their connections with their communities, and the relevance for today. Describes…

Presents tips from a project that made modest but significant improvements to the young adult areas and services of 11 rural libraries in the Pioneer Library System in upstate New York. Discusses floor plans, layout and location; furniture and fixtures; collections and displays; technology; and staff. Illustrates changes with before-and-after…

Twenty-one scholarly papers and fourteen abstracts comprise the content of the ninth annual "Brick and Click Libraries Symposium," held annually at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. The peer-reviewed proceedings, authored by academic librarians and presented at the symposium, portray the contemporary and future…

Because of public demand for access to new media, librarians must be able to provide specialized systems and facilities. To support librarians in the planning and rethinking of new multimedia libraries, the firm of Gee & Jenson, which specializes in library design, created this guide. It provides an illustration of the possibilities and…

The data published in this volume were taken from the 1994 Annual Reports submitted by public libraries in Texas. This volume contains only local library statistics, county statistics, and summary data for the state and for the 10 library systems. Directory information and summary statistics formerly published in the statistics book are contained…

The data published in this volume were taken from the 1995 Annual Reports submitted by public libraries in Texas. This volume contains local library statistics, county statistics, and summary data for the state and for the 10 library systems. Directory information and summary statistics formerly published in the statistics book are contained in…

This document contains information about New Jersey's public library buildings obtained from a survey of public libraries in the state. The results of the survey are reported in the following tables: public libraries arranged by community (includes meeting room information); public libraries arranged by square footage; public libraries arranged by…

This report describes the planning and design process for the University of Rhode Island Library's new map room, which was undertaken as part of a library expansion and renovation program. The first of the report's three major sections describes how equipment was selected for the map room and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of three…