DESIGNING LIBRARIES


Robot book fetcher at the University of Utah.


own­devices.­The­Calgary­New­Central­Library­in­Canada,­for­ example,­prioritises­public­device­use­with­continuous­power­ access­integrated­into­floors,­rails­and­furniture. Libraries­today­are­more­flexible­spaces­where­the­bookshelves­


can­ be­moved­ out­ of­ the­ way­ to­make­room­ for­ events­ and­ activ­


ities.­The­Hunt­Library­at­North­Carolina­State­­University­


in­the­USA­has­a­robotic­book­retrieval­system­which­­reduces­ the book storage footprint by 50 per cent – leaving more space for­students.­Some­libraries­also­have­collaborative­work­­areas.­ Accessibility­ disabilities­


­ for­ users­ with­ special­ educational­ needs­ and­ ­(SEND)­is­also­built­in.


Smart energy Technology­can­also­help­libraries­old­and­new­to­be­‘greener’­ with­more­controllable­heating­and­lighting,­for­example,­that­ is­only­on­when­needed.­In­addition,­natural­light,­greenery,­ and­eco-friendly­materials­enhance­wellbeing­and­align­with­ sustainability goals. The­British­Library­in­London,­for­example,­has­­specialised,­ low-light,­ climate-controlled­ rooms­ for­ digital­ imaging­ and­ research-level digital access terminals for restricted collections. Technology is driving document storage and preservation pro- viding strictly-controlled temperature and humidity levels. The­ library­ boasts­ the­ UK’s­ largest­ roof-mounted­ solar­ heat­ and­ ­power­ system,­ which­ replaced­ older­ gas-fired­ boilers­ to­ improve­energy­efficiency.­The­ ­National­Library­of­Singapore­ also features smart energy systems – and its external façade is designed­for­sun­shading,­with­climate­sensors.


Outside – and outreach There­ is­ increasing­ attention­ on­ external­ lighting,­ too.­ The­ Library of Birmingham alters the colours displayed on the outside of the building according to the occasion or campaign –green­for­St­Patrick’s­Day,­for­example,­or­pink­to­support­ cancer charities. Technology­ is­ also­ improving­ outreach­ services.­ My­ own­ ­authority,­Warwickshire,­has­replaced­ its­mobile­ fleet­


library­


with­electric­vehicles­and­plans­to­put­a­new­electric-powered­ mobile­library­–­the­first­of­its­kind­–­on­the­road­early­in­2026.­ The­Discovery­Den­is­a­new­sensory­mobile­library­which­will­ provide­a­free,­safe,­inclusive­and­welcoming­space­for­children,­ young­ people,­and­ adults­with­ additional­and­more­complex­ needs,­including­autism.­It­will­visit­local­communities­across­ the­ county,­ reaching­ people­ who­ might­ find­ the­ traditional­ library experience more challenging. Physical libraries are embracing technology and designing flexible­ spaces­ centred­ on­ the­ people­ who­ use­ them.­ They­ are­about­connection,­creativity­and­community­and­remain­ relevant­


­ to­ people­ of­ all­ ages,­ from­ all­ walks­ of­ life,­ in­ an­ i­ncreasingly­online­world. Winter 2025 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 11


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54