Websites

Websites

Aatvos
The website of Netherlands-based creative designer Aat Vos which includes a link to his library makeover workshop and examples of original - and very different - library design projects.
Library A to Z
Campaign site for marketing, advocacy and promotional support.

Articles, reports, toolkits

Articles, reports, toolkits

Better public libraries
2003 report from CABE and the then Resource (MLA) organisation. ‘Design is not just about the big iconic building, it is also about the small branch libraries and thoughtful refurbishments and conversions. Design is about the functionality of the building, as well as how it looks.' This report outlines current thinking about what a twenty first century library is; it then considers how we deliver these quality environments.
Design thinking for libraries
Chicago Public Libraries and Aarhus Public Libraries (Denmark) worked with design company IDEO to find out how their human-centred design thinking methods might best be adapted and applied to a library context. The final result is a comprehensive new resource for any library leader or staff member hoping to advance their library.
Designing public libraries in the 21st century: lessons for the UK
The report provides an overview of how design is being used as a tool to enhance the experience of customers and change the behaviour of staff in public libraries in twelve locations across five countries in two international contexts. Published Jan 2017. PDF can be downloaded from the page.
From awareness to funding
OCLC was awarded a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to explore attitudes and perceptions about library funding and to evaluate the potential of a large-scale marketing and advocacy campaign to increase public library funding in the U.S. The findings of this research are now available in an OCLC report downloadable from the website. Though this study was based on data from the United States, there are findings in the report that are applicable to any library seeking to understand the connections between public perceptions and library support.
The impact of libraries as creative spaces
A report by the State Library of Queensland, 2017:Library spaces are transforming. In addition to housing archival and loan materials, desks and reading spaces, libraries are becoming even more flexible and activity-oriented. Given these transformations, understanding and demonstrating the new contributions public libraries make to their communities is critical.
Libraries must also be buildings? New library impact study.
Centre for Public Libraries and Information in Society (CPLIS) Department of Information Studies University of Sheffield, 2003. Aimed at assessing the impact of a new library buildings on local communities, questioning the institution as a physical space and the role it plays in the wider community.
Library Space: A planning resource for librarians
This comprehensive 158 page guide creates a formal set of best practices for designing library space that may be applied to libraries of all sizes. Produced by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners it covers all the principles of design and planning applicable to libraries worldwide.
Model Programme for Public Libraries
The Danish Agency for Culture has published its model programme for public libraries, a web-based toolkit for library design in the digital age, that anyone can use. The toolkit and supporting articles are designed to analyse the challenges and illustrate best practice, and provide inspiration for the interplay of space and functionality. This is done in a visual format where brief texts are supported by photos, figures and basic design principles.
Victorian public libraries 2030
Not a contradiction in terms, but the strategic framework and vision for libraries published by the State Library of Victoria, Australia. What is remarkable - and valuable - about this piece of work is not just in the final outcome and the road map for the future but the creative and participative process the led to it.

Books

Books

Designing space for children and teens in libraries and public places
ALA Editions, 2010. Providing tips, suggestions, and guidelines on the critical issues that surround designing spaces for children and teens, this how-to book covers how to select an architect or design professional, the importance of including YA librarians in the design and implementation, and information on how children and teens view and use space. With 20 colour photos of example spaces. (US)
Libraries designed for kids
Facet, 2008. Get the 'inside story' from an experienced library design consultant on creating those special spaces in your library that promote and encourage children’s and young adults’ curiosity, learning, and reading – and support their lifelong love of books and information.
Libraries of light: British public library design in the long 1960s
In this new Routledge book, Alistair Black argues that the architectural modernism of the post-war years was symptomatic of the age’s spirit of renewal. Black explains how 'libraries of light' not only describes the shining new library designs, but also serves as a metaphor for the public library’s role as a beacon of social egalitarianism and cultural universalism.
The public library: a photographic essay
Robert Dawson, Princeton Architectural Press, 2014. The most comprehensive visual survey of American libraries ever published, photographed over a period of 18 years.
Reflecting on the future of academic and public libraries
Facet, 2013. In this systematic attempt to speak to academic and public librarians about the future of library services, a raft of contributors step back and envision the type of future library that will generate excitement and enthusiasm among users.
3rd4all - How to create a relevant public space
By Aat Vos. How can places you go to other than your workplace or your home, such as libraries, idea hubs, cultural centres, parks, start-up cafés and other indispensable public spaces, so-called 'third places', make a valuable contribution to a vital society, now and in the future? NAI, August 2017.