A to Zs of Library Design

There's a lot that goes into Library design.  I thought it might be fun to put together an A to Z list for you full of tips and tools I've used over the years when it comes to designing a Library.  I hope you enjoy these and feel free to jump on over to my DIY Library Design Facebook page to add your own to the list!  I love hearing from my readers and I know you have plenty of your own ideas since you know the ins and outs of your Library better than anyone else. 

Join the DIY Library Design Facebook group to connect with others in your field!

So without further delay, here are my A to Z's of Library Design!

ACOUSTICS - While Libraries are far from the traditionally silent public buildings they once were, sound control is still an important element in all buildings; even Libraries.  There are so many ways to achieve good acoustics.  You can use carpet of course, or LVT with special sound qualities.  But you can also apply acoustical panels to walls and even special acoustical shapes to create colorful patterns for fun feature walls.

BUDGET - This one is insanely obvious I know, but it's critical to reiterate the importance of knowing how much money you have to spend and have it all distributed to the right categories.  This is preferably done in a nice and neat spreadsheet.  

CONCEPT STATEMENT - Make sure you have a concept statement that expresses all your needs and wants in an organized statement that expresses exactly what you hope to accomplish in your design and exactly how you wish to achieve it.

DEFINE YOUR STYLE - Take the time.  Put in the work.  Find out what your design style is and make sure you incorporate that into your concept statement.  The best way to to do this is to pay close attention to your community and what your community style is.  That's generally a great place to start.  Most styles fall into one of three categories; Traditional, Contemporary or Transitional.  Don't worry.  I have a free design quiz here if you're reading this and finding yourself in a panic.

ELEVATORS - Plenty of buildings have them.  They are an accessibility must.  If you have one in your Library, make sure you take the time to give it the design attention it deserves as well.  This is a great opportunity to provide an inviting atmosphere that carries the rest of your design intent from floor to floor.

FURNITURE - Know what you need and where you need it.  Find the right vendor to work with from the very start that can direct you through this often-tedious process.  And don't forget about how you might power the pieces that require electricity.

GOALS - Sit down with your trusted team and write out the goals you hope to accomplish with your new design.  Make sure to evaluate these when putting together your design concept statement.

HIRE THE RIGHT TEAM - Research contractors and even architects before you hire anyone.  Know who they are and how compatible they will be with your team.  This is a huge process and you don't want to find yourself with the wrong team.

INVOLVE YOUR PATRONS - One of the best things you can do will be to know the needs and desires of your patrons and even involve them as much as you can in the design process without creating a "committee" of patrons.  I say this because while you want to design for your community, you need to remember that only you and your trusted staff know how best to run your Library.  

USE GOOD JUDGEMENT - Design is 70% instinct.  It's really that simple.  Know your community, know your staff, and make good design decisions that will benefit everyone to the best of your ability.

KNOW HOW YOUR LIBRARY FUNCTIONS - You already know this, but it never hurts to repeat how important it is to never lose sight of how your facility functions and what is needed to improve it.

LOCATION - As I've said before, the location of your Library is imperative to your design style and how you run your space.  Know the people in your community and how your building meshes with other buildings and businesses around it.

MILLWORK - You probably have a decent amount of millwork in your building.  From your circulation desks to workroom cabinets and all the pieces in between that are used heavily on a daily basis.  Don't skimp on the quality materials when designing these pieces.  If budget allows, use solid surfaces for your countertops when you can; especially where the public will see them all the time.  These will need to last a while and should be timeless, durable and functional.

NEVER FORGET THE ARTWORK - Whether you purchase specific pieces to display on your walls and in your building, or you rotate exhibits on a time schedule.  Remember that your artwork is what speaks to your community and also tells a story.  Decide what your story is and tell it.  Use photography, watercolors, oils, sculptures and anything else that defines your tale.

OPENING DATES - Be aware that opening dates are eternally an ever-moving target when you're in the middle of a design.  I always recommend you don't announce your opening date until you are absolutely sure it will take place then.  There are so many fluid components to the completion of a design project and until everything has arrived on time and install is going according to plan, you shouldn't set yourself up for that kind of frustration.

PAINT - Use fresh coats of paint and accent walls to brighten up your space.  It's one of the most cost-effective ways to make a dramatic change in your space.

QUARTZ SURFACES - Quartz is cleaner, more stain and germ resistant and has a broad range of design options when it comes to appearance.  It costs more, but in the long run it will save you money and create surfaces that are so much easier to care for and keep in tact over longer periods of time.

RESEARCH - Do your research before you begin a design project.  Find out what you like and don't like.  Know your surroundings.  Learn about the products you may use.  And the beauty of research is that you're already a pro at it.

SCHEDULING - Keep your subcontractors on task or stay in close communication with your general contractor when working on a project.  Make sure you know what is being installed when and keep everyone on task.

TECHNOLOGY - Know what technology options are available to you when designing your space plans.  What kind of furniture can you use that will work for function, aesthetics and tech.  Ask questions about your conference room tables and how they're powered.  Look into power towers you can place throughout your building.  Coordinate your new furniture; specifically the pieces that require power, with the electrical plan.

UPDATE YOUR SPACE - Libraries get outdated quickly.  Stay ahead of the game by keeping your space gradually updated as you go so you aren't staring down the barrel of a much bigger renovation project than you ever intended.  Keep paint fresh and furniture layouts current and functional.

VOICE YOUR CONCERNS - Keep a small number of trusted staff members on hand that you can talk to about changes you want to make in your Library.  Keep other decision makers aware of the state of your Library so they aren't overwhelmed with a larger project at a later date as well.  Keep the channels of communication open and your Library will thank you.

WALLCOVERINGS - This is an excellent place to add some pizzazz to your Library.  And if you single out some thoughtfully-considered accent walls, you can get a lot of bang for your buck!

EXAMINE YOUR OPTIONS - Know what your finish options are and how best to apply them.  Ask lots of questions to your design reps, colleagues and ME!!  I'm always glad to help!

YOUNG ADULTS - This section tends to be the smallest in the Library but don't overlook it.  Those YAs of yours are looking for a place to be accepted and seen.  

ZONES FOR DESIGN - This is a term I cover in my Off the Shelf Library Design Academy.  This is how you break down your Library into 4 different zones so you can stay on task to design your Library in a way that is less overwhelming.  I use Adults, Children and Youth, Overall Public space and Back of House Staff spaces.

Hopefully this list has given you some ideas about your own Library design.  In the meantime, if you have any questions join me and many others on the DIY Library Design Facebook Group and ask me anything you like.