- 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.
Designing the public library
Public libraries are facing up to the challenges of reinventing spaces and services to reflect changing demographics, public perceptions and usage.
Websites
- Whole Building Design Guide: Public Library
- A useful US guide to space planning for public library buildings, including collection space and space for different uses.
Articles, reports, toolkits
- 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.
- The English public library 1850 - 1939
- An introduction to the history of public library buildings. Published by Historic England. PDF.
- The English public library 1945 - 1985
- The second part of an introduction to the history of public library buildings. Published by Historic England. PDF.
- 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.
- How to design a library that makes kids want to read
- A TED talk by Michael Bierut on how he got into designing inspiring murals for libraries in the New York schools system.
- 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.
- 21st century libraries: changing forms, changing futures
- With an introduction by Ken Worpole. Published by CABE and RIBA, 2004. What is a library, and what should be its design ethos?
Books
- Books, buildings and social engineering
- A socio-architectural history of early public libraries in Britain from their beginning in 1850 to 1939. Ashgate, 2009.
- 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)
- Planning the modern public library building
- Greenwood, 2003. This collection of informative essays offers important insight into current activities in the area of building planning.
- Planning public library buildings: concepts and issues for the librarian
- Michael Dewe, Ashgate, 2006. Examines the challenges confronting the planning and development of contemporary public libraries, their mission, their roles, and key issues such as lifelong learning, social inclusion, community and cultural needs, regeneration and funding.