Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program
98 N. Washington St., Ste 401
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
617-725-1860
800-952-7403 (in MA)
617-725-0140 (fax)
Need more information or help along the way?
Lauren Stara, Library Building Specialist
617-725-1860, x245
lauren.stara@state.ma.us
Andrea Bunker, Library Building Specialist
617-725-1860 x246
andrea.bunker@state.ma.us
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners maintains a professional collection available through the NOBLE network or ComCat. This guide is a list of resources that can help librarians with planning, design, construction, and maintenance of library buildings.
Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space by As in the second edition of Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space, this volume outlines the measures of space needed for the use of equipment and furniture within a library setting. It provides drawings of typical library furniture and equipment along with diagrams of the space required for their use. In addition, this volume also contains a brief text that provides an overview of the planning process, as well as details on several aspects of design and planning. With this expanded and revised edition, planners of new, renovated, or existing space will be better able to effectively utilize the space they have and to resist the temptation to overload a given space with too many functions. This third edition significantly expands the number of illustrations found in the previous edition, adding information on newer library technology and amenities. Photographs of furniture and equipment in library settings further enhance the user's understanding of applicable square footage needs. Designed to be consulted after the decision to build has been made, this volume answers the critical question, "How much space do we need?."
Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2012 International Building Code by An easy-to-use, updated illustrated guide to the 2012 edition of the International Building Code This unique reference to the 2012 International Building Code marries the graphic skills of bestselling author Frank Ching with the code expertise of Steven Winkel, FAIA. It pulls out the portions of the building code that are most relevant for the architect and provides an easy-to-understand interpretation in both words and illustrations. Rather than a text-heavy book, this is much more conducive to quick comprehension of the code, presenting information in an exciting user-friendly visual format.
Building Construction Illustrated by The classic visual guide to the basics of building construction, now with a 3D digital building model for interactive learning For over three decades, Building Construction Illustrated has offered an outstanding introduction to the principles of building construction. This new edition of the revered classic remains as relevant as ever, providing the latest information in Francis D.K. Ching's signature style. Its rich and comprehensive approach clearly presents all of the basic concepts underlying building construction. New to this edition are digital enhancements delivered as an online companion to the print edition and also embedded in e-book editions. Features include a 3D model showing how building components come together in a final project. llustrated throughout with clear and accurate drawings that present the state of the art in construction processes and materials Updated and revised to include the latest knowledge on sustainability, incorporation of building systems, and use of new materials Contains archetypal drawings that offer clear inspiration for designers and drafters Reflects the 2012 International Building Codes and 2012 LEED system This new edition of Building Construction Illustrated remains as relevant as ever, with the most current knowledge presented in a rich and comprehensive manner that does not disappoint.
Building Science 101 by Take care of your library and it will take care of you! In this practical, concise volume, authors Lynn M. Piotrowicz and Scott Osgood provide a tour of the library building from foundation to roof. In a time of rapidly inflating energy prices and tight public budgets, many libraries are faced with older physical facilities that are not up to modern standards of efficiency. Designed for libraries where construction of a whole new building is not feasible, this book offers step-by-step instructions for
Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations by The needs and functions of library buildings have certainly changed over the last decade, but the necessity for planning intelligently and thoroughly hasn't. In fact, tighter budgets and the complex demands of both library users and staff call for careful preparation now more than ever. Whether you're building from the ground up or simply remodeling, the success of your project hinges on planning, coordination, and communication. This new update of Sannwald's classic guide will help you stay prepared and organized for every phase of your undertaking from conception through the dedication ceremony. Using a popular checklist format that ensures no detail is overlooked, this planner covers crucial considerations like Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) factors, structured to match the federal code; sustainable design features, including sensors that save energy and water; designing makerspaces, digital media labs, or leased library enterprises; disaster and recovery planning; creating quiet spaces; collaborative collections and materials-handling efficiency; and important virtual presence aspects to bear in mind during physical space decisions. Library managers, administrators, and facilities staff will find this book a matchless tool for any construction project regardless of size or complexity.
Collaborative Library Design by 
Countdown to a New Library by Using hands-on tools and real-life insider stories from librarians around the country, this is a must-have crash course in planning and building todays libraries!
Designing Space for Children and Teens in Libraries and Public Places by 
Grassroots Library Advocacy by Library issues are community issues-it's not enough to simply marshal internal library resources to fight cutbacks. When properly harnessed, public engagement can be the most powerful force of all for library advocacy. But rounding up advocates from the wider community and conducting a grassroots effort demands careful planning and commitment. This ALA Editions Special Report cuts through the rhetoric and gets straight to modeling a plan of action, for libraries big and small, by Detailing the lessons learned during the authors' successful campaign to save New York City libraries Instructing readers how to clarify the message, manage volunteers, and plan events Offering public relations strategies, including advice for dealing with political leaders and the media This indispensable report goes beyond the "what-to-do" of library advocacy and explains how to do it right.
Interior Graphic Standards by The first edition Interior Graphic Standards Student Edition will be a comprehensive reference to the art and craft of interior design for students. The planning, designing, detailing, finishing, and decorating of interiors from the programming to the project closeout phases will be included. Emphasis will be placed on commercial interiors.
The Library Renovation, Maintenance, and Construction Handbook by The Library Renovation, Maintenance, and Construction Handbook is a one-stop, easy-to-understand resource that will guide you through the often complicated, jargon-filled arenas of building construction and renovation, so that you can effectively advocate for your ideas about how form supports your library's functions. Authors Donald A. Barclay and Eric D. Scott draw on their extensive experience to provide a wealth of accessible and practical advice for creating functional, attractive, and long-lasting library spaces. They introduce readers to the major stages of construction and renovation, explain details like building codes, reading plans, and building systems, and even provide a handy glossary of key construction terms. This helpful guide outlines all of the vital steps for building or renovating library-specific spaces, including coverage of interior design, signage, safety and security, and what it means to build a green library. You'll find tips for daily and emergency maintenance, as well how to protect and manage a library during a renovation. The companion CD-ROM makes the glossary searchable, gives you digital blueprint symbols to help you learn about reading plans, features digital images illustrating major construction methods discussed in the book, and includes many useful forms and checklists to customize for your library. Unfortunately, they don't teach building renovation, maintenance, and construction in library school. Whether you're building or renovating a public, academic, school, or special library, this accessibly-written new guidebook will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and tools you need.
Managing Facilities for Results by Carving out new service areas within existing space can offer a cost-effective solution for budget-conscious libraries. This new hands-on workbook in the proven For Results series guides library directors, staff, and boards through the process to: prioritize new services that need space; make plans and identify an appropriate location; present the case to funding authorities; conduct a gap analysis; find resources to reallocate and see what new items are needed; and identify building professionals to assist with alterations. Supplemented with workforms and toolkits along plus examples ranging from small to large public libraries, the process is equally valuable for school, special, and academic librarians who are faced with similar space repurposing challenges.
Managing Your Library Construction Project by Library building projects leave a legacy for decades, with one chance to get it right. Those with access to a trustworthy expert who can explain the process in step-by-step terms will have the best chance to make their projects succeed. Expert author McCarthy is an architect with in-depth expertise in building libraries as well as an 18-year veteran library trustee. This authoritative overview is filled with practical advice to understand key relationships and manage a complex process. Checklists and sample construction documents provide hands-on insights into the best practices in library construction and tools to do the job. Library directors, professionals, administrators, and trustees will get expert guidance on creating a realistic budget for new library construction and determining the responsibilities on both sides.
Planning Our Future Libraries by In an information environment where the only constant is change, many wonder where libraries are headed. This edited collection brings together library leaders with some of the brightest new minds in the profession to envision the future of libraries. Drawing from their personal experiences, they bring their barrier-breaking perspectives to the task of reinventing the library in all its forms. From redesigning library services for the evolving needs of users, to functioning as a meaningful space in a digital age, implementing new infrastructure, and imagining the international future of school libraries, the contributors ask and answer questions such as: How do lessons from the past point the way forward? What should libraries look like in the future? Which safeguards will protect intellectual freedom, such as equitable access to information and anti-censorship policies, now and in years to come? How can we overcome obstacles such as feasibility, costs, and competing interests to realize the library of the future?
The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture by 
Redesigning the Public Library Building by This report looks closely at how public libraries in the United States and Canada are altering their space use and development plans; the study looks at new libraries and at the alterations and alteration plans of existing libraries with data broken out by size of service area, library budget, for library systems and stand alone libraries and other criteria. The 170 page study gives detailed spending data on capital spending plans, and plans for redevelopment of children and teen areas, patron access areas, special purpose rooms, technology centers, overall patron seating and access to workstations and broadband, as well as data on plans for parking, landscaping, roof and floor development, staff only areas and many other considerations in public library space use and redesign.
The Survey of Library Cafes and Food Service, 2014 Edition by This report looks closely at the food service operations of academic and public libraries and covers cafes, mobile food carts and vending machines. The study presents data from a survey of public and academic library cafes and other food service operation. The report includes valuable and unique data on best-selling products, revenues and sources of revenue, expansion plans, catering revenues, salary costs, seating and décor and other facets of library café and food service operation. Data is broken out for academic and public libraries and also for library size defined by annual library budget and annual number of visitors to the library. The study helps planner answer questions such as: what are personnel costs for the typical café? How much revenue is accounted for by lunch traffic? Do cafes cater outside events and if so, how much do they earn?
Useful, Usable, Desirable by Useful, usable, desirable, like three legs of a stool, if your library is missing the mark on any one of these it's bound to wobble. Every decision you make affects how people experience your library. In this useful primer, user expereince (UX) librarians Schmidt and Etches identify 19 crucial touchpoints such as the library website, email, furniture, parking lot, events, and newsletters. They explain why each is important to your library's members and offer guidance on how to make improvements. From library administrators to public relations and marketing staff, anyone concerned with how members experience your library will benefit from this book's * Coverage of the eight principles of library UX design, explaining how they can guide you to better serve your library's members * Advice on simple, structured ways to evaluate and improve aspects such as physical space, service points, policies and customer service, signage and wayfinding, online presence, and using the library * Scorecard system for self evaluation, which includes methods for determining how much time, effort, and skill will be involved in getting optimum performance
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture by The classic, bestselling reference on architecture now revised and expanded! An essential one-volume reference of architectural topics using Francis D.K. Ching's signature presentation. It is the only dictionary that provides concise, accurate definitions illustrated with finely detailed, hand-rendered drawings. From Arch to Wood, every concept, technology, material and detail important to architects and designers are presented in Ching's unique style. Combining text and drawing, each term is given a minimum double-page spread on large format trim size, so that the term can be comprehensively explored, graphically showing relations between concepts and sub-terms A comprehensive index permits the reader to locate any important word in the text. This long-awaited revision brings the latest concepts and technology of 21st century architecture, design and construction to this classic reference work It is sure to be by the side of and used by any serious architect or designer, students of architecture, interior designers, and those in construction.