Literature Review: Modern Public Library

IV. Programming:
While in the past libraries were merely buildings to house their collections, most now utilize their space to offer
programs or clubs regularly. Although some libraries will have similar programs with different names, such as book
club, writing club or computer programs, most programs will differ based on the specific library and the community
they serve.

Adult programs:
Adult library programming in the United States initially had strong ties to adult education and adult literacy.

The New York Public Library offers over 93,000 programs to its patrons every year at its 87 different branches. Adult
programs include Excel classes, writing club, adult coloring club, chess club, knitting club, and a jewelry making
class.

Teen programs:
The Orange County Library System offers numerous teen activities such as a Maker/DIY program, Audio Equipment
Training, sewing classes, Knitting classes, ESL classes, and Chess club.

The Springfield Greene County Library has writing and book clubs as well as a tech training class, board game
nights, movie nights, craft classes, and a My Little Pony club.

Children's programs:
The Belmont Public Library offers an array of children's programs including story times for various age groups,
concerts, music classes, puppet shows, a maker club, and sing-along Saturdays.

The Chelmsford Public Library has a plethora of story times for ages birth to preschool. They also offer baby yoga,
stay and play time, toddler rhyme time, a dads and donuts day, and an annual Gingerbread Festival.

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 Literature Review: Modern Public Library

V. BUILDING ATTRIBUTES
Types Of Spaces: There are seven broad types of public library space:
 Collection space (including public electronic workstation space)
 User seating space - Non-assignable space (including mechanical space)
 Staff work space - Special use space
 Meeting space

 Accessible:
Various types of disabilities should be considered including those with visual, learning, mobility, & hearing impairments.
 Aesthetics:
Provide natural daylighting where possible but consider effects of light on collections to reduce damage.
Provide visual contrast and use differences in colors, textures, and patterns to create an engaging experience and
differentiate spaces.
 Secure / Safe:
Fire protection, occupant safety and health, and natural hazards mitigation, as well as security for building occupants
and assets.
- Fire department access - Mass notification system
- Fire hydrants - Smoke detection system
- Fire rated construction materials - Fire alarming system
- Enough fire exit access

 Sustainable:
Designing with integrated process that takes into account: the materials, operations, and health and well-being of the
users.
Energy insulation and Durable and changeable materials.

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 Literature Review: Modern Public Library

STEP 1: THE SERVICE POPULATION

A projection of the needs of the design (service) population for 20 years.
Population estimates are generated from project site analysis and sample counting of the residential and commercial
areas.

STEP 2: NEEDS FOR COLLECTION SPACE

the collection size must also respond to the 20-year projection.
 Calculate Space Needs for Books
 Calculate Space Needs for Non-print Items

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 Literature Review: Modern Public Library

STEP 3: SPACE NEEDS FOR ELECTRONIC WORKSTATION SPACE

 Space Needs for Public Access Computer Stations
 Space Needs for Computer Workstations
 Space Needs for Microfilm or Microfiche Workstations

STEP 4: SPACE NEED FOR USER SEATING

 In general, public libraries should provide at least 5 seats for every 1,000 users in its service population.
 Calculate Square area Needs for User Seating

STEP 5: SPACE NEEDS FOR STAFF WORK AREAS

 Staff space should include space for computers for online access to outside resources.
 On average, the space needed for staff work areas is approximately 150 square feet per work area.

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 Literature Review: Modern Public Library

STEP 6: THE SPACE NEEDS FOR MEETING ROOMS:

 meeting space for library- and community- sponsored meetings or events.

STEP 7: SPACE NEEDS FOR SPECIAL-USE AREAS:

 Display Case, Index Table, Staff Locker, Vertical Files etc…

STEP 8: SPACE FOR BOH AND OFFICES:

 Required space for offices, staff toilets and back of house areas.

VI. LIBRARY PROGRAM:

Dia. 01: Programing Bubble Diagram Dia. 02: Major interaction zoning diagram
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