Textbook on planning and architecture of librarys, with particular reference to practices and needs in respect of university libraries in the USA - includes guidance on planning in respect of storage, audiovisual aids, general equipment, etc., and contains brief case studies and diagrams of actual library layout in various parts of the world. Bibliography pp. 139 and 140.

The public library director needs information that helps in understanding what is involved in planning for a public library building project. This applies whether the subject is a free standing independent building, a branch library, a joint-use facility with a museum, a senior academic library, a community or junior college library, or a school library. Reading this book will not turn a reader into a qualified specialist on library buildings, but it will help librarians and others learn what should be known about a project so that they may function effectively as part of the planning team. The concept of modern libraries is moving toward interactive connections with information sources far beyond the immediate community. For the contemporary public library, this means connection to a network, with several terminals constantly online to the Internet. New library buildings must be constructed with these and other needs in mind. The public library director needs information that helps in understanding what is involved in planning for a public library building project. This applies whether the subject is a free standing independent building, a branch library, a joint-use facility with a museum, a senior academic library, a community or junior college library, or a school library. This book will help librarians and others learn what should be known about a project so that they may function effectively as part of the planning team.

Nature of the problem - why good planning is necessary; The reasons for planning failures; How to determine when new library space is needed - either by remodeling and enlarging the present structure or by constructing and entirely new building; The early stages in planning - agencies and functions; The concept program - deciding what to do. The architectural program - deciding how it should be done; How to use existing knowledge and experience in writing the program; How to select the architect and the planning consultant; The service plan-how to evolve a library system in a library building.

The "seamless approach" is the best strategy for planning additions to existing academic library buildings. Additions to existing library buildings are becoming a fact of life at many colleges and universities. Space considerations, the need for proximity to existing space, and the desire for a unified appearance usually preclude designing a totally new structure in many cases. So adding on to existing space is not only the best option for many academic libraries; it's the only one. The Catch-22 is that there is usually little to be gained by attempting to impose a too-modern structure on existing buildings. The solution is a seamless approach that incorporates and enhances the features of existing structures. The result is usually a functional and appealing addition, rather than a design that meets space needs but looks like an afterthought. Using case studies, Planning Additions to Academic Library Buildings profiles three academic libraries that went through expansion. The editors and authors clearly describe both the challenges and the opportunities for planning seamless and successful additions to existing buildings. Photos and architectural plans and layouts effectively illustrate how the challenges of adding on to existing structures were met in three different situations. Planning library additions can be a daunting proposition for many librarians, who are forced to become space planners and architects. This readable and well-illustrated book clearly and cleverly outlines the steps and the success stories of those who have lived the experience of designing a seamless library addition.