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Space Planning

Building, Design & Renovations

10 Steps to a Better Library Interior: Tips That Don’t Have to Cost a Lot 

  • Article by Traci Lesneski; and
  • Slides from her ALA presentation with Nancye Browning

Assessing Learning Spaces
Guidance on assessments to support development of learning spaces and monitoring their impact on learning

Learning Space Toolkit
A resource for designing and sustaining technology-rich informal learning spaces. And also a presentation from IFLA 2014, Library as Salon: Emerging Models of Interdisciplinary Connection in an Experimental Space

ALA Resources:

YALSA Resources:

Library Buildings (WorldCat List) - Books on planning library buildings and facilities

Gliffy.com
Draw and share space planning diagrams with this free web-based diagramming tool

The great good place: cafés, coffee shops, community centers, beauty parlors, general stores, bars, hangouts, and how they get you through the day
Book by Ray Oldenburg

The Indie Librarian: 21st Century Libraries
Blog featuring library design content

Library Construction and Renovation Projects
Comprehensive list of resources compiled by New Mexico State Library

Library Journal: Library By Design
Design articles from Library Journal

Libris DESIGN: Software for Space Planning
A library facility planning information system and downloadable database that was developed for California public library planners

Small Libraries and New Uses of Space discussion on ARSL - LinkedIn

YOUmedia
The Chicago Public Library, in collaboration with the Digital Youth Network, created the YOUmedia teen space to expand digital learning opportunities for high school students.

WebJunction Focus Group: Innovative Spaces & Community Engagement 10/11/13
Focus group takeaways by Alan Jacobson

WebJunction Readers Poll Results: Space Planning and Design

Ergonomics

ALCTS Ergonomics Bibliography

Safety and Health Topics: Ergonomics
From the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

Sustainability (Green Building and Buildings)

Green Building
From the Environmental Protection Agency

Green Building Resource
Harvard University Office for Sustainability

Green Building Resources
Nonprofit Centers Network

Green Libraries
ALA Resources and tools

Lincoln Heritage Public Library - Chrisney Branch (IN)
Example of a net-zero library (utilizing solar energy and geothermal technology that reduces energy costs to zero)

U.S. Green Building Council

Weeding, Making Space

Excel at Rearranging your Library, resources from Chris Rippel's ARSL presentation on weeding and organizing collections, as well as an Excel tool for rearranging library space:

  • Article
  • Collection Manager
  • Shelf Shuffler

DeClutter Your Collection Tips for Weeding Library Collections, a presentation by Becky Heil from ARSL conference.

The Choice Overload Problem, Sheena Iyengar TED talk

Rethinking Shelf Space report, King County Library System