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A definitive how-to resource on library architecture.


THIS how-to-do handbook is a comprehensive and extremely detailed guide to designing new library buildings, modifying exist- ing ones, or repurposing buildings to make them into libraries.


The emphasis is very firmly on creating library spaces that are good and functional at the time of being designed and for years afterwards.


Few librarians are skilled in architecture and few architects have in-depth insight into librarianship. The authors’ premise is that “You will have a far better-balanced project if your consultant is a librarian with a knowledge of buildings rather than an architect with a knowledge of libraries”. This handbook demonstrates how the knowledge and skillset of the two professions can be combined to deliver outstand- ing spaces but it also stresses that it is the librarians who should shape the library buildings.


All aspects of library design are addressed – design principles, hiring an archi- tect, site selection, accessi- bility, construction, building materials, costs, user seating, collection storage, lighting, plumbing, security and many other subjects. No aspect of design is deemed too minor because even seemingly insig- nificant aspects of design, if handled badly, could result in dysfunctional spaces. Advice is dispensed in an inspir- ing manner on such varied subjects as electrical outlets (“There’s no such thing as


48 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL


For information professionals seeking to understand their community users


ANN Medaille is the director of research and instructional services at the University of Nevado and has used her profes- sional experience to write an extremely useful and accessible book detailing how to improve library instruction, spaces and resources.


Schlipf, Fred; Huberty, Joe; Moorman John A. The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture: Creating building spaces that work. London. Facet Pub- lishing, 2024. 761pp. ISBN 978 1 7833 0717 3. £140. CILIP members: 35% discount at www.facetpublishing.co.uk


too many electrical outlets in a library”), furniture (“Buy strong furniture. There is no theoretical upper limit to the number of teenagers that can occupy a single armchair”) or type of windows (“Skylights are too bright by day, too dark by night, and noisy, but they make up for all that by leaking”).


The impressive size of this book shouldn’t put you off. It is highly readable, practical, entertaining, full of examples, bullet points, photographs and accompanied by an excellent index. It is an indis- pensable resource for anyone involved in creating library buildings.


Margaret Katny


The concept is that if librar- ians and information profes- sionals understand how users within their community learn, they will be able to provide services that are relevant to their needs as well as targeted support. The book contains 14 chapters including constructing knowledge, collaborative and observational learning, multi- media and information pro- cessing, self-regulation, inquiry and knowledge acquisition, context and imagination. Each chapter follows a consistent format with an overview of the learning theory and summaries of the most relevant aspects plus how they interact and support each other, practical implications for libraries and how to apply the theory within a range of contexts. For example, in the chapter on observation, sugges- tions include providing media collections that contain videos of models performing tasks and the chapter on context suggests providing events in the library to celebrate the activities of local community groups. There are also suggestions for further reading and reflective questions to consider.


Medaille, Ann. The Librarian’s Guide to Learning Theory: Practical applications in library settings. London. Facet Publishing, 2023. 192pp. ISBN 978 1 7833 0699 2. £45. CILIP members: 35% discount at www.facetpublishing.co.uk


Although possibly aimed at academic and public librar- ians, it is an interesting and informative read that would be beneficial to anyone working in an education setting and I could immediately see how many of the strategies and “implications for libraries” could be usefully employed in schools and further education colleges. An excellent CPD read and a valuable addition to the staff collection.


Barbara Band


September 2024


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