Literature review

Public library
 Index

INTRO FUNCTIONS ZONING STANDERDES

• Functions
• Definition • What to expect form • Architectural •Different types of
public library
• Types • Spaces formula
features shelves.
• Overview
• Uses of spaces •Activates & •Arrangement of
• Form & function seating.
• Location function
•Spaces for
• How to determine the
land area needed to
• Area required
different uses in
build a public library
library
What's public library?
• Public library: A public library is an entity that
is established under state enabling laws or regulators to
serve a community, district, or region, and that provides
at least the following:-
• 1) An organized collection of printed books or other
library materials, or a combination thereof.
• 2) Paid staff.
• 3) An established schedule in which services of the staff
are available to the public.
• 4) The facilities necessary to support such a collection,
staff, and schedule.
• 5) Is supported in whole or in part with public funds.
Types of libraries
Overview
• Public libraries can be differentiated from
academic, school, and special libraries because
they function to serve the needs of a diverse
service population including small children,
students, professionals, and the elderly. In
contrast, academic libraries serve college and
university faculty and students; school
libraries serve elementary, middle, and high
school students and faculty; and special libraries
(such as Presidential Libraries) serve scholars
and experts within narrowly defined fields.
Function
Functions of public library
• To make available all of the
information entertainment (within
limits), and resources possible to
every patron, regardless the age,
financial statues, or any other factors.

• To provide a quiet, safe place for

study, research, reading and
learning.
• To protect the rights of all the users,
including the right to visit the library
and check out any materials (within
certain requirements) without
judgment, censorship, or interference.

• To keep a collection of local

materials, such as newspapers
archives, genealogical records,
historic nonfiction, and fiction by
known authors, which may not exist
elsewhere.
• Libraries are relied upon by the
unemployed, those in poverty, and
even the homeless for provision of
public computers with internet
access.
What does the public expect from a
public library to offer?
• A good range of books: people are
avid for information and they
know that in most cases books are
the best source of high-quality
knowledge.

• Longer opening hours: the first

thought that comes to library
visitors mind when thinking of
going to the library is whether the
library will be open at a convenient
time for them
• Core library service for free: users want
free access to information but also to
the libraries facility.

• Help form knowledgeable librarians:

we all love librarians because they
represent the “human Google” of our
local community.
Library space needs formula
• Collection space (including public electronic
workstation space)
• User seating space
• Staff work space
• Meeting space
• Special use space
• Non-assignable space (including mechanical space)
4 important spaces every modern
library should have
• As we learned previously public library
has different functions, and every
function needs its own space for better
experience. And these spaces are:

• A social space for interaction and

knowledge exchange: A recent report
represent the young generation, are a
social generation and they consume
and spread knowledge while
socializing.
• A quiet space for contemplation: For
centuries, the library has represented
a sacred space for knowledge
consumption.

• A maker space for innovation: One

important expectation from the user
is to create more room for them and
not for the books.
• A neutral and trusted space for
public use: It can be a peaceful
place for insightful work for
professionals, a playground for
families or even an information
point for those with limited resources
and much more.
Form & function relationship
• Public libraries as a whole don’t
have a standard form, but function
is considered the first priority.
• Public libraries such as any other
public arena shows the architectural
features of the hosting country.
• Mostly public libraries takes after
the most adopted architecture in
the country.
• The only connection you see form
wise between public libraries
around the world is; they have
incredible ceiling height, and also
large squared windows.
How to determine the land area
needed to build a library
• STEP 1: DETERMINE THE SERVICE POPULATION
• STEP 2: DETERMINE NEEDS FOR COLLECTION SPACE
• STEP 3: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR ELECTRONIC
WORKSTATION SPACE
• STEP 4: DETERMINE SPACE NEED FOR USER SEATING
• STEP 5: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR STAFF WORK
AREAS
• STEP 6: DETERMINE THE SPACE NEEDS FOR MEETING
ROOMS
• STEP 7: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR SPECIAL-USE
AREAS
• STEP 8: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR NON-
ASSIGNABLE AREAS (SUCH AS MECHANICAL ROOMS)
Location
• The location is required to be calm
and away from industrial
companies & busy roads which
produce a lot of noise.

• Is crucial for the location to be at

the center of the city to be easily
accessible.

• Its preferable to orientate to the

North to reduce sun effect.

• Parking
• Landscaping
• Main Entry
• Circulation Desk
• Book Return Room
• Browsing & New Materials
• Non-print Media
• Local History
• Quiet Study
Zoning
• Teen Area
• Children’s Area
• Adult
• Technology Commons
• Conference Room
• Staff Room
• Library Storage
• Public Toilet
• Archive
Architectural Features :
solar-powered energy efficient lights;
MBLC guidelines for parking (605
CMR 6.08(5)(e)) requires projects to
“meet or exceed the standard of one
parking space for every 400 square
feet of building or show that the
appropriate local board has approved
an alternative parking plan.
Handicapped parking shall be in
addition to this requirement.”
Activities / Function : 57 general parking spaces
3 handicapped parking spaces. Patrons should be able to find
convenient off-street parking in a safe and well-lit parking lot;
handicap spaces should be adjacent to building; 6 parking
spaces should be designated for library staff.
OCCUPANCY :
PARKING

Area required :
Close To / Away From :
Main library entrance

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE:

SEATING:
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : A courtyard will be
Library grounds should incorporated into the landscaping providing a place for
complement the building outdoor library programs or general use
design and encourage short
stays while discouraging OCCUPANCY :
loitering
Landscaping

Area required :
Close To / Away From :
Surrounding the building

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: Durable benches with backs
where patrons can rest or read
SEATING:
Not specific

materials for heavy use; floor
mats at entryway to collect
dirt/rain from foot traffic; lots of
natural light flowing in from
entryway ; should have clear
sightline to public transportation
stop
Main Entry
Activities / Function :Main entry/exit point to the
building , Information provided for patrons. Security
gates for system; automatic door for universal easy
access
OCCUPANCY :
12 people

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Circulation Desk from 225 sq. ft.
which most services extend;
away from , Local History, or
other “quiet” areas
MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: Sound proof Materials

Small shelving for documents

SEATING:
4 seats
Architectural Features :
Desk should be of multiple
heights to handle standing
/wheelchair or adult/children
rans actions. floor covering in
front of desk to minimize noise;
built in display fixtures will allow
efficient arrangement of
brochures, fliers, bookmarks, etc.
Activities / Function :The major service point
of the library; check in/out materials;
register new patrons; answer questions
OCCUPANCY :
3 staff
Circulation Desk

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Adjacent to Circulation Work 375 sq. ft
Area/Office; Close to main
entrance ; Away from
Reference and Local History
MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE:
50 professional titles and
66” steel shelving for 600 “on hold”
manuals
items located close to checkout
SEATING:
area; storage for library supplies;
2 seats
parking area for book trucks
Architectural Features :
; position of exterior slots should
allow safe access for walk-up
returns and convenient,
nearby parking for
automobile access; drive-up
access for material returns
Return Books Room
Activities / Function : For public convenience: two
return slots in exterior wall (one for print, one for media) lead
to fireproof room where cushioned return bins are located;
patrons walk up to these return slots to deposit library
materials
OCCUPANCY :
1 staff

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Circulation 80 sq. ft.
Desk Area

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: n/a
Return bins should have a
capacity of 100 items each;
SEATING:
small shelf; paper towel
n/a
rack for handling wet
materials
Architectural Features :
A comfortable and welcoming
space suitable for a quick visit or
extended stay; clear signage for
both the entire area and
specific media formats;
direct lighting on materials to
highlight selections and draw
attention, indirect lighting for
reading and browsing
Close To / Away From :
Close to Circulation;
away from quiet areas
such as Reading
and Local History
SHELVING/STORAGE:
66” Bookstore-style tilted shelving
with end panel displays; shelving
design should be adjustable to
handle different configurations for
multiple media formats
Activities / Function : A space for people to browse
new materials and displays of popular topics; comfortable
lounge seating will invite people to preview books before
checkout or chat with fellow patrons
OCCUPANCY :
12 patrons
Browsing & New Materials
Area required :
825 sq. ft.
MATERIALS :
2000 mixed media materials
(print & A/V) highlighting new
SEATING: additions to collection
4 seats
Architectural Features :
Activities / Function : Area for collection of
A popular media area that
non-print media such as movies, audiobooks,
should reflect new and
future trends in non-print music, and circulating hardware/software
library materials; flexibility
OCCUPANCY :
to handle new formats;
10 patrons
Non-print Media

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Browsing 835 sq. ft.
& New Materials.
Away from quit spaces

MATERIALS :16,300 items

SHELVING/STORAGE: 66” high, (7000 Movies, 4000 Music, 4300
36” wide, 10” depth shelving Audiobooks, 1000 Software)
with 42” aisle widths between SEATING:
2 seats
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : Securable reference room
A quiet room for research; for local history and genealogy research
lockable doors for security;
archival temperate controls
on separate thermostat; OCCUPANCY :
archival filters on lighting to 4 patrons, 1 staff
minimize degradation of
materials; interior windows Local History
give supervision of room
when doors are closed

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Reference; 500 sq. ft.
away from noisy areas

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: 2,500 books
66” high, 36” wide, 10” depth
shelving with lockable, SEATING:
ventilated grill door 4 seats
coverings
 Activities / Function : Semi-private rooms for
individual or group study

Architectural Features :
Windows on doors and/or walls OCCUPANCY :
for staff supervision; Network 8 patrons
connection available Quiet Study

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Away from Adult service 300 sq. ft.
desk such as or Circulation

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAG: Provided by sound proof
66” high, 36” wide, to reduce noise
10” depth shelving
SEATING:
with 42” aisle widths
8 seats
between
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : Teenagers browse popular
Sound controls to minimize noise; a bright materials, relax socially, and engage in group activities
& contemporary area that draws in teens;
such as games and homework
semi-private with ability of staff to
supervise and intervene when necessary;
direct lighting on materials to highlight
selections and draw attention, indirect OCCUPANCY :
lighting for reading and browsing; this 12 patrons, 1 staff
is a “hanging out” area that encourages
the productive use of library resources Teen Area
in a welcoming environment

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Located in proximity to 900 sq. ft.
both Youth and Adult
services to create “bridge”
between collections; away from quiet areas
MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE:
5000 books and
66” high, 36” wide, 10” depth
popular materials
steel shelving with 42” aisle
SEATING:
widths between
12 seats
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : The “gateway” to youth
A welcoming area for children and their services; a common area for relaxing (child & parents),
caregivers that allows promotion of
periodicals, new materials, and topical
searching the catalog; displays of new and topical
displays such as holidays; good signage materials
directs patrons; this area can also be a
supervision point for caregivers as their OCCUPANCY :
children use the library “independently”; 10 patrons, 1 staff
direct lighting on materials to highlight
selections and draw attention, indirect Children’s Area
lighting for reading and browsing; area will
include family restrooms with changing
tables

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Children’s 300 sq. ft
collections and Youth
Work area; away from
Reference, Local History, and other quiet areas
MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: rotating displays of materials
flexible shelving through display in a flexible arrangement;
kiosks SEATING: 30 periodical titles
4 seats
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : Browsing area for
Direct lighting on materials to circulating books with occasional seating for
highlight selections and draw reading
attention, indirect lighting
for reading and browsing; OCCUPANCY :
convenient for a quick pick 12 patrons; 1 staff
or prolonged browsing; Adult
abundant signage

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Reference and 875 sq. ft.
Circulation

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: 15,000 books
84” high, 36” wide, 10” depth
shelving with 36” aisle widths SEATING:
between 6 seats
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : An “information garden” where
A collaborative work area patrons can make use of library computers and technology, or
where people can gather to bring their own personal devices; a place for computer
training sessions
use the latest technology;
flexible furnishings to OCCUPANCY :
handle emerging media 20 patrons
and technology; lighting
Technology Commons
designed to reduce glare on
monitor screens

Close To / Away From : Area required :

Close to Reference Area; 840 sq. ft
near non-print area;
Away from children areas

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAG: 16 personal computer
Locking closet for workstations; networked
media supplies, SEATING:
8 Seats (4 for printers (color/b&w); network
printer paper, etc. connections and obvious
waiting,1 table for
“offline” tasks) electrical outlets
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : Small group meetings;
Two entrances: one from library community presentations
and one from outside that can be
used after library hours; access
between conference room and OCCUPANCY :
library can be secured and 12 patrons
locked down when library is
closed; restrooms are available Conference Room
for use when meetings are held
outside of library hours

Close To / Away From :

Area required :
Close to Meeting Room; 250 sq. ft.
close to public restrooms

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: Network connections;
Closet Storage for privacy cable TV access; multi-media
materials projector
SEATING:
12 seats
 Activities / Function : Space for staff to take
Architectural Features :
Area should include a unisex breaks, eat meals; store personal items;
restroom for staff use; natural have privacy
sunlight with windows that
open for fresh air OCCUPANCY :
6 staff
STAFF ROOM

Area required :
Close To / Away From : 300 sq. ft.
Away from public areas

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE:
cabinets for utensil storage; closet
for coats; 12 storage lockers for
SEATING:
personal belongings
2 seats
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : General purpose storage of
A room for “stuff” that needs supplies, furnishings, book sale donations
to be cleared from public and
work areas
OCCUPANCY :
1 staff
Library Storage

Area required :
Close To / Away From :
Away from public areas 400 sq. ft.

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE: Not specific
wall shelving
SEATING:
2 seats

Architectural Features :
All restrooms should offer
universal access design that
meets state and federal
guidelines
Public Toilet
Activities / Function : Public restrooms should be
located convenient to : Main Lobby Meeting Room
Children’s Area (family restroom) Staff Room (unisex)
OCCUPANCY :
n/a

Area required :
Close To / Away From :
All restrooms should n/a
be within sight of a
staff area

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE:

SEATING:
Architectural Features : Activities / Function : To archive the document
in spite of new office of books staff and any relate to it
technologies, the use of paper as
the main storage medium for
information has increased.
Paper consumption doubled OCCUPANCY :
every 4 years until 1980. 2 staff
Computer memory has now Archive
become a more common way of
storing information in public
libraries system
Close To / Away From : Area required :
Close to staff 570 sq. ft.
Room; away form public
area’s

MATERIALS :
SHELVING/STORAGE n/a
:
SEATING:
n/a
 Libraries standers
• Different type of shelves
• Arrangement of seating
• Spaces for different use in library
 SUPPORTED FUNCTION

• Café
• Mosque
 Café
• to be able to eat comfortably, one person requires a table
area of around 60cm wide by 40cm deep. This provides
sufficient clearance between adjacent diners.
Café
Mosque