Preparing for the planning and design of a library building

Abstract

A brief overview of some publications and of the present state-of-the-art of the librarian's aspects on the preparations for building planning and design is presented. The author's main purpose is to remind librarians to the necessity of the utilization of the experiences of library staff and to the corporate approach in planning preparation. Users also have much relevant local knowledge that should be utilized as well. At early stages of pre-planning, the governing body of the library should be involved in major policy decisions. The importance of a planning committee is pointed out, and its tasks in the preparation and realization of the planning process are discussed. Some case stories of library building planning and its preparations in the United Kingdom are presented as examples.