Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations

Precise planning and focused coordination prove vital for library building and renovation when staff and budgets are stretched. A detailed checklist covers every project phase—from conception to dedication—addressing COVID-19 protocols, digital shifts, ADA standards, sustainable design, makerspaces, disaster planning, and virtual service needs.



With staff time at a premium, and library budgets that leave little room for overages, undertaking a successful library building or renovation project requires precision planning, effective communication, and focused coordination. Using a checklist approach that will ensure that no detail is overlooked, this new edition of Sannwald's classic guide will help you stay prepared and organized for every phase of your project from conception through the dedication ceremony. This planner covers crucial considerations like

• the impacts of COVID-19, such as air quality, proper ventilation, CDC recommendations, collaborative spaces, and designing with open space in mind;
• how the shift to digital affects library building design, completely new to this edition;
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) factors, structured to match the federal code;
• sustainable design features, including sensors that save energy and water, and other “healthy building” topics;
• designing makerspaces, digital media labds, or leased library enterprises;
• disaster and recovery planning;
• creating quiet spaces;
• storage requirements for collections and materials-handling efficiency; and
• important aspects of virtual services to bear in mind during physical space decisions.