Library Design is not a one time project

Libraries need to change with the times.  Being able to design a new or renovate a library does not happen often.  More likely we have to adapt our physical building to our changing role in our community.  The way a library effectively functioned pre Internet is completely different to todays collaborative environment.  I just finished watching the College of DuPage’s latest teleconference — the subject of this session was trends in library buildings. I have always been fascinated physical arrangement of libraries and how it impacts on its functions. The teleconference gave lots of food for thought and will be archived and available soon.

Reference Desks is one area that definitely could use some improvement. Yesterday, at the Public Services and Reference Managers Exchange, Deb Salmond of the York County Library (Rock Hill, SC) described their new reference workstations that are scattered in the nonfiction, reference areas. The workstations have large signs with the words “JUST ASK ME”. Each station (there are three) has a small desk with computer printer, chair (for librarian) and chair for person asking the question. Wow, so simple and so effective. The best part of the plan is that everyone knows what “JUST ASK ME” means!! Deb is finding that there they have more business than ever before and staffing has had minimal changes.

Later, I was looking at one of my favorite blogs Logic+Emotion. David Armano blogged about another blog (how many blogs can you have in one sentence) on changing furniture to meet today’s needs. Take a look. It does not have to cost a lot of money to make your environment more inviting –

 

Cost of building libraries increasing…no surprise

Facilities planning is one of the things I do as a consultant here at the State Library, so I look with anticipation for the annual architectural issue of Library Journal in December.  Each year, LJ does a survey of library building projects all over the country, including both public and academic libraries.

Each January, I sit down with the figures and start looking at trends, like the cost of construction per square foot and the cost of equipment and furnishing per square foot.  This data is crucial for the early planning discussions of a building project.  I start with national averages and then figure them for the southeast.

This year, I decided to add a new set of figures.  What percentage of the total project cost was funded by local funds or gifts/donations?  Equipment costs made up what percentage of the total project cost?  Costs are going up, and that’s no surprise to anyone, but the amount of the increase is a little shocking to me.  Here’s just a sample:  (Note: these are national averages.)
For new construction:

• Total project costs (including construction, equipment, site costs, architectural fees, etc.) increased from $200 per square foot in 2002 to $312 per square foot in 2007.
• Construction costs (bricks and mortar only) increased from $141 per square foot in 2002 to $217 in 2007.
• Equipment costs (including fixtures and furnishings) increased from $21 per square foot in 2002 to $27 in 2007 and make up about 10% of the total project cost.
• Local funds make up 85-90% of the total funds, but gifts and donations make up between 5-10% of total funds.  Federal and stat funds are negligible.

For renovations and additions, the data is limited, but the trends are clear:

• Total project costs increased from $153 per square foot in 2002 to $185 per square foot in 2007.
• Gifts and donations are more important in renovations or additions, making up 6-18% of total funds.

These are just a few of the tidbits I’ve gathered from this great issue.  There’s also an excellent article on the trend toward sustainable design in libraries.  If you haven’t, dust off your copy of the December 15, 2007 issue of LJ and check it out!