A new typology for library buildings in the 21st century: trends and post-occupancy evaluation -...

1Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

A new typology for library buildings in the 21st century:

trends and evaluation

Karen LatimerQueen’s University Belfast

2Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Outline

• Key changes in library building type

• Library design/service trends

• Challenges for library planners

• Post-occupancy evaluation

• Where to find help

3Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Library buildings: a changing typology

20th century

• Imposing• Permanence• Stability• Solitude• Quiet• Status quo• Collections

21st century

• Welcoming/relaxed• Transience• Flexibility• Communal/Choice• Zoned• Innovation(IT)• Connections

4Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

St Jeromeby Antonella da Messina

5Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

6Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

20th/21st century trends

• Hybrid library: print/e to e/print

• Library as third place –all three places

• Collections to connections

• Learning spaces & social spaces

• Shift from iconic landmark to integration and sustainability

• Partnerships/collaboration

7Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

20th/21st century trends

• Hybrid library: print/e to e/print

• Library as third place –all three places

• Collections to connections

• Learning & social spaces (UG/PG)

• Shift from iconic landmark to integration and sustainability

• Partnerships/collaboration

8Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

20th/21st century trends

• Hybrid library: print/e to e/print

• Library as third place –all three places

• Collections to connections

• Learning spaces & social spaces

• Shift from iconic landmark to integration and sustainability

• Partnerships/collaboration

9Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

University of Utrecht

10Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

University of Aberdeen

11Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Kaisa House University of Helsinki Library

12Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

20th/21st century trends

• Hybrid library: print/e to e/print

• Library as third place –all three places

• Collections to connections

• Learning spaces & social spaces

• Shift from iconic landmark to integration and sustainability

• Partnerships/collaboration

13Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

14Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Berlin and Cottbus

15Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Birmingham Central Library

16Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Delft Technical University

17Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

18Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

20th/21st century trends

• Hybrid library: print/e to e/print

• Library as third place –all three places

• Collections to connections

• Learning spaces & social spaces

• Shift from iconic landmark to integration and sustainability

• Partnerships/collaboration

19Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

The Hive, Worcester

20Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

21Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Clapham Library, London

22Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Challenges• What do good digital spaces look like?• What kind of learning spaces do we need?• What sort of staff workspaces are required?• Funding pressures: extension, refurbishment,

partnerships, co-location• Impact of new trends on interiors: service points,

furniture, lighting, signage• Long lead-in: predicting the future• Post-occupancy evaluation

23Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Rolex Learning Centre

24Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

25Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Leicester University Extension

26Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

27Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

28Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Rising to the challenge: post-occupancy evaluation

Look, listen and learn

•Visits – what works, what doesn’t

•Exchange of experience – seminars

•Surveys

•User-led/librarian-evaluated POE

•Resources – literature, organizations

29Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

IFLA Post-occupancy evaluation project

• IFLA and LIBER Architecture Group seminars

• Questionnaire devised

• Study visit to Germany

• Book imminent:

General overview:architects/librarians

Case studies in different time frames

30Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Post-occupancy evaluation questionnaire

 General  Building  Services Conclusion

 Facts and figures LocationAccessibilitySustainabilitySafety and SecurityFlexibility

 Entrance area Materials FlooringCeilingsAcousticsOpeningsLightingFurniture

 Heating, Ventilationand Air-conditioningInstallations fed through a wiring systemDataSanitary areas

 Service AreasShelvingUser areas Children’s AreaYoung Adults Staff Areas AutomationMaintenance

Three wishesAnything that should be changedAnything particularly successful

31Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Law Library Halle

32Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

The Berlin Brain: Freie Universität

33Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

34Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Changes after opening

• 24/7 opening (more space)

• More reader places/ group study space

• Ubiquitous self service: loans & returns, laptops, book selection

• Book sorter (RFID tagging)

• More informal study space (café)

• Increased ownership/consultation

35Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

36Karen Latimer

Library Services & Research Support

Resources for Library Design• Designing Libraries (CIC) www.designinglibraries.org.uk • JISC www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/infokits/learning-space-

design• IFLA Library Buildings & Equipment:www.ifla.org/en/library-buildings-and-equipment• LIBER Architecture Group www .zhbluzern.ch (uber uns/ weitere

partner)