Mason on Library Buildings by Ellsworth MasonReview by: Stanley McElderryThe Library Quarterly, Vol. 51, No. 2 (Apr., 1981), pp. 234-235Published by: The University of Chicago PressStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/4307357 .

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234 THE LIBRARY QUARTERLY

questions about its methodology, concerning, for example, the size of the sample or the degree of its representativeness of the field as a whole, and about some of the writer's assumptions, such as his seemingly heavy emphasis on the impact of library associations and schools on the organization and working processes in libraries.

However, questions asked, if intellectually challenging, will stimulate search for answers. And this attention-getting quality of the book alone is worth its price.

Joseph Z. Nitecki, State University of New York at Albany

Mason on Libra?y Buildings. By ELLSWORTH MASON. Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1980. Pp. ix+333. ISBN 0-8108-1291-6.

This book evolved over the period of a decade or more and contains, in part, information which previously appeared as articles in other sources. The work represents the cumulated experience of a librarian with broad exposure to planning library buildings, with keen sensitivity to architectural detail, and with a considerable talent for expressing his ideas.

In the words of the author: "the intention of this book is to share with readers a wide range of experience in library planning and construction that runs the gamut through elementary, secondary, high and prep schools, community col- leges, four-year colleges, urban and emerging universities, large established research universities, and private research libraries. In addition to the facts presented, my observations attempt in a variety of ways to lead readers to an understanding of how a building emerges, the kinds of complexities involved in the process of planning, and to equip them with tools to perceive more deeply when they look at library buildings" (p. viii).

The first part of the book consists of 5 chapters labeled "Library Building Problems" which review the basic elements of the planning process, writing the building program, lighting, air handling, and interior design. The information is presented in a concise manner even in the form of a series of prescriptions to be followed. The tone is dogmatic, but the information represents the broad and varied experience of the author. The reader will gain an appreciation of the dimension of the problems treated and an understanding of the principles to be followed. The latter data establish the criteria applied to the evaluation of library buildings which follow. The illustrative and anecdotal detail is supplied in the extended notes following each chapter.

The second part of the book consists of critical reviews of the half-dozen library buildings constructed over the period of the mid-sixties to the late seventies. These reviews bear no direct relationship to the first part of the book but provide a different understanding and appreciation for architectural plan- ning. There is no explicit statement indicating why these particular buildings were selected for review, but they appear to represent superior design solutions to unique sets of circumstances. The author defends the writing of critical reviews as a means "to delineate the character of each building sensitively, pro and con, and conclude what we can learn from it about planning and construc- tion" (p. 74). The result is a series of model evaluations which include a state- ment of the basic objective, site problems, structural detail, etc. In most instances the interior design and furnishings are presented as a comprehensive and sensitive walk through the building and the identification of the good and bad

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REVIEWS 235

features as perceived by the author. The reader will gain a greater appreciation of the factors which create a functional and harmonious physical environment and the varied solutions which are possible through careful planning and design.

Appendix 1 consists of "a list of buildings within my span of knowledge from which something either positive or negative can be learned about planning a contemporary library" (p. 247). The 105 evaluations include one-word com- ments on such factors as layout, lighting, aesthetics, and other special features. The comments are so cryptic and the criteria so obscure that it is not clear how useful these judgments are. This section illustrates the unique contribution of the extended evaluations presented in part 2 and the paucity of such informa- tion in library literature.

The second appendix contains a detailed model of a building program state- ment and illustrates the amount of detail required by the architect in the development of a successful building. General architectural specifications are stated in appropriate detail and the specifications of library areas indicate the elements which must be included to communicate fully with the architect.

The book succeeds in conveying an appreciation of the building planning process and provides ample illustrations of good and bad practices. Particular emphasis is given to the statement of building requirements and a good model is provided. The reader will gain a greater appreciation for the infinite detail to be identified, negotiated, and decided in planning a successful building as well as greater sensitivity to the aesthetic elements which enhance the library environ- ment.

The book is appropriately labeled Mason on Library Buildings, for the reader learns a good deal about the author's experiences, tasks, biases, and personality. Some of these solicitous comments detract from the otherwise informative and well-written text. Other readers may find that these comments liven the subject. In any event, there is much unique and useful information contained in the book, and librarians and architects will find this volume a worthy addition to the limited repertoire on library buildings.

Stanley McElderry, University of Chicago

Networksfor Networkers: Critical Issues in Cooperative Library Development. Edited by BARBARA EVANS MARKUSON and BLANCHE WOOLLS. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1980. Pp. xvi+444. ISBN 0-918212-22-7.

This volume is the report of a conference with the above title that was sponsored by the Indiana Department of Public Instruction, the Purdue University Librar- ies Audio-Visual Center, the Indiana University Graduate Library School, and the Indiana Cooperative Library Services Authority (INCOLSA). The confer- ence was funded by the Office of Library and Learning Resources, U.S. Office of Education, which apparently suggested that such a conference be held prior to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services "to enable a wide discussion of what networks have achieved and the issues they raise" (p. ix). Specifically, the conference had two stated objectives: "to identify the major critical issues in cooperative network development," and "to provide information that would assist the U.S.O.E. [U.S. Office of Education] in its role as a major funder of library and network development" (p. xv).

The papers printed here include 12 background papers distributed to the conference participants, presumably before the conference opened; 8 "major

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