MODERN LIBRARIES

CHARACTERISTICS, REQUIREMENTS, AND SOLUTIONS TO DYSFUNCTIONAL

ELEMENTS


MR. DAGGULA ROHITH REDDY
B.ARCH/1022/2010













A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED AS A PART OF THE
REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE



DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
MESRA, RANCHI


8
TH
SEMESTER
YEAR 2014













MODERN LIBRARIES

CHARACTERISTICS, REQUIREMENTS, AND SOLUTIONS TO DYSFUNCTIONAL
ELEMENTS


Mr. DAGGULA ROHITH REDDY
B.ARCH/1022/2010










A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED AS A PART OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
MESRA, RANCHI










......

Dr. Satyaki Sarkar Dr. Manjari Chakraborty
Professor in charge Dissertation Guide
Department of Architecture Professor and Head of Dept.
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra Department of Architecture
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra











ABSTRACT



The libraries of the 21st century are no longer simply familiar repositories for
books. They have changed and expanded, been rethought and redesigned.
Libraries now provide an increasing range of different services, using a
multitude of media, and reach a more diverse audience than ever before.
Designing good libraries requires a proper understanding of their requirements
and characteristics. Hence this study tries to determine the various elements,
requirements and characteristics of a modern library. Moreover, modern
libraries utilize various dysfunctional elements. Solving these problems would
go a long way in improving library spaces and this study discusses some
solutions. This knowledge would help provide a basis for designing better
libraries.
















Keywords: Modern Library, Requirements, Dysfunctional Elements




2










ACKNOWLEDGMENT


The dissertation is an important part of the thesis project and is essential for a
good thesis project. This is not an easy task and could not have been
accomplished without the help of many people. I would like to thank my thesis
guide, Dr. Manjari Chakraborty and Dr. Satyaki Sarkar for the invaluable help
they have provided during each step of the dissertation process. This would
simply not have been possible without their guidance.
The opinions and knowledge of my friends have also been integral in
shaping this dissertation.
Finally, I would like to thank my family for their endless support.
























3




CONTENTS

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE
ABSTRACT 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 2
CONTENTS 3
LIST OF TABLES 5
LIST OF FIGURES 5
1 INTRODUCTION 6
1.1. Rational/Problem Statement 6
1.2. Aims and Objectives 6
1.2.1 Aims 6
1.2.2 Objectives 6
1.3. Scope and Limitations 7

2 METHODOLOGY 8

3 OVERVIEW OF LIBRARIES
3.1 Definition of Libraries 9
3.2 Functions of Libraries 9
3.3 Types of Libraries 10
3.4 User groups 11
3.5 Functional Spaces in Libraries 12

4 LITERATURE REVIEW 13
4.1 Components of a Library
5 REQUIREMENTS OF A MODERN 17
LIBRARY
4


5.1 Characteristics of Modern Library 17
5.2 Analysis of existing survey 18

6 DYSFUNTIONAL ELEMENTS 23
6.1 Skylight 23
6.2 Atriums 24
6.3 Staircases 26
6.3.1 Designer Staircases 26
6.3.2 Floating Staircases 26
6.3.3 Oddly Shaped Staircases 27
6.4 Multiple Public Entrances 27
6.5 Courtyards 27
6.6 Non-Rectangular Spaces 28
6.7 Bad Lighting 28
6.8 Bad Sightlines 30
7 LITERATURE STUDIES 32
7.1 Seattle Central Library 32
7.2 Sao Paulo Library 36

8 CONCLUSION 39

REFERENCES 41

5







LIST OF TABLES

TABLES TITLE PAGE
5.1 TRADITIONAL AND MODERN LIBRARIES 17
5.2 CHANGES TO ENCOURAGE USERS 21
6.1 ILLUMINATION LEVELS IN LIBRARIES 29



LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE TITLE PAGE
2.1 METHODOLOGY CHART 8
4.1 ORGANIZERS 14
4.2 CIRCULATION PROCESS 15
4.3 PRINCIPLES OF INTERACTION 16
6.1 VERTICAL ILLUMINATION LEVELS 30
6.2 LIGHTING LEVELS 30
7.1 CONTINUOUS CIRCULATION 33
7.2 AREA PROGRAM 33




6



CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION


In order to design libraries for the needs of future users, we need to examine
the varied elements involved in the complex range of libraries we have today
(21
st
Century Libraries: Changing Forms, Changing Futures)

1.1 Rationale:

Modern libraries are vastly different from traditional libraries. New sources of
information have had a tremendous impact on the design of libraries. A study is
required in order to determine the requirements of a modern library and to
establish certain guiding principles to help with designing for various aspects of
the users interaction with the library. Moreover, the study tries to identify some
of the elements of the libraries that can introduce dysfunction and propose
solutions in order to improve the quality of library spaces.


1.2 Aims and objectives:

1.2.1 Aims

This study has the following aims:
The study tries to define the character of a modern library space. Libraries
have evolved over the centuries. In order to survive, libraries have
adapted to the changing needs of the users. As a result modern libraries
are different from their more traditional ancestors.
Understanding the requirements of a modern public library by analyzing
an existing survey.
The study also tries to identify some of the ways in which the spaces of a
library could be improved. This is done not only by examining
dysfunctional elements and proposing solutions to these problems but also
by studying the approaches used in some of the most renowned libraries
in the world.

1.2.2 Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

7


Gaining an understanding of libraries
Analyzing a survey conducted by the Arts Council of England.
Explaining the various types of libraries and the spaces in a library
Understanding the elements of a library
Explaining how modern libraries are different from traditional libraries
Analyzing and proposing solutions to various dysfunctional design
elements used in libraries


1.3 Scope and limitations

The study aims to show how modern libraries are different from
traditional libraries.
The study only tries to produce a broad outline of the requirements of
a modern library. It is not an exhaustive list of all the spaces or
services provided by a national library.
The survey included in this study was conducted not by me but by the
Arts Council of England. This study only analyzes the results of the
survey in order to generate requirements.
Finally, not all parts of the library building are analyzed. Only a few
commonly used library design elements are discussed. Once again,
this list is far from exhaustive.





















8



CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY


The Main objectives of the study are to identify the requirements of a modern
library and to identify and propose solutions to various problematic design
elements. The study is mostly based on literature reviews. Literature studies of
various libraries shows the requirements and needs of a modern library. All the
information can be assimilated from the various aspects of the study. The
process can be visualized as follows:















Fig 2.1 Methodology Chart
9


CHAPTER 3
OVERVIEW OF LIBRARIES

3.1What is a Library?

A library is an organized collection of sources of information and similar
resources, made accessible to a defined community for reference or borrowing.
It provides physical or digital access to material, and may be a physical building
or room, or a virtual space, or both. A library's collection can include books,
periodicals, newspapers, manuscripts, films, maps, prints, documents,
microform, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, e-books,
audiobooks, databases, and other formats. Libraries range in size from a few
shelves of books to several million items.
In Latin and Greek, the idea of bookcase is represented by Bibliotheca
and Bibliotheke. Derivatives of these mean library in many modern languages.
The first libraries consisted of archives of the earliest form of writingthe clay
tablets in cuneiform script discovered in Sumer, some dating back to 2600 BC.

3.2 Functions of a Library

A library is organized for use and maintained by a public body, an institution, a
corporation, or a private individual. A library offers the following functions:
Offer services and collections to people who choose not toor cannot
afford topurchase an extensive collection themselves, who need
material no individual can reasonably be expected to have, or who require
professional assistance with their research.
Libraries also provide the services of librarians who are experts at finding
and organizing information and at interpreting information needs.
Libraries often provide quiet areas for studying.
10


They also often offer common areas to facilitate group study and
collaboration.
Libraries often provide public facilities for access to their electronic
resources and the Internet. Modern libraries are increasingly being
redefined as places to get unrestricted access to information in many
formats and from many sources.


3.3 Types of Libraries

There are various types of libraries, each catering to different categories of
users. Some of the most prominent kinds of libraries are:
Academic libraries
An academic library is generally located on the campuses of colleges and
universities and serve primarily the students and faculty of that and other
academic institutions. Some academic libraries, especially those at public
institutions, are accessible to members of the general public in whole or in
part.

Children's libraries
Children's libraries are special collections of books intended for juvenile
readers and usually kept in separate rooms of general public libraries.
Some children's libraries have entire floors or wings dedicated to them in
bigger libraries while smaller ones may have a separate room or area for
children.

National libraries
A national or state library serves as a national repository of information,
and has the right of legal deposit, which is a legal requirement that
11


publishers in the country need to deposit a copy of each publication with
the library.

Public lending libraries
A public library provides services to the general public and usually makes
at least some of its books available for borrowing. Typically, libraries
issue library cards to community members wishing to borrow books.
Many public libraries also serve as community organizations that provide
free services and events to the public

Reference libraries
A reference library does not lend books and other items; instead, they
must be read at the library itself. Typically such libraries are used for
research purposes, for example at a university.

Research libraries
A research library is a collection of materials on one or more subjects. A
research library supports scholarly or scientific research and will
generally include primary as well as secondary sources; it will maintain
permanent collections and attempt to provide access to all necessary
materials.

Special libraries
All other libraries fall into the "special library" category. Many private
businesses and public organizations, including hospitals, museums,
research laboratories, law firms, and many government departments and
agencies, maintain their own libraries for the use of their employees in
doing specialized research related to their work. Depending on the
12


particular institution, special libraries may or may not be accessible to the
general public

3.4 User groups in Libraries

Various kinds of users may use the library. The needs and requirements
differ from one kind of user to the other.
Non users Use libraries occasionally
Current Users
Lapsed Users
Researchers
Students

3.5 Functional Spaces in Libraries

Broadly speaking, library spaces can be divided into seven categories:
Collection space
Public electronic workstation space
User seating space
Staff work area space
Meeting room space
Special-use space
Non-assignable/mechanical space






13


CHAPTER 4
LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter is a general introduction to the aspects of the library design that
need to be considered in order to design better library spaces.

4.1 Components of a Library
The basic components of a library are:
Users
Organizers: The organizers may be space, categorizations, people, etc.
Materials/Activities: The users make use of the organizers in order to get
to the materials or activities. Finally, the users make use of these materials
or participate in the activities.

14


These elements and the order in which they interact are shown in the diagram
above. Organizers dictate the way in which users move through the library.
Hence possible weaknesses need to be eliminated in order to create a better user
experience.
Figure 4.1 Strengths and Weaknesses of Organizers
15
















As the user moves through the above circle, he does the following things:
He is at the entry
He discovers the scope
He locates his goal
He acquires material
He follows through with the library.

The design of the library needs to address the needs of the user at all points in
the circle. Hence, certain principles are to be followed when designing for each
part of the cycle. These principles are illustrated in the figure below.





Figure 4.2 - Process of circulation through a library
16





Figure 4.3 Principles of Interaction
17



CHAPTER 5
UNDERSTANDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF A MODERN LIBRARY



5.1 An Introduction: Difference between traditional and modern libraries


Libraries today are having to face enormous challenges, as the population and
demographic mix changes more rapidly than ever before. Education moves out
of the institutions to inflect the whole of society, and leisure, recreation and
personal development increasingly fuse in a more individualistic culture.
Libraries have been trying to adapt to such changes in the society. There are
many ways in which the modern library differs from the traditional library.
These ways are mentioned below.

Traditional Library Architecture Modern Library Architecture
Neo Classical Pattern Layout Modern Free Style
Imposing steps and entrance halls Street Level, retail entrances
Needs of disabled people unmet Good disability access
Domes and Rotunda Atriums and top-floor cafes
Galleries and Mezzanines Escalators and Lifts
Clerestory Light Atrium light
Restricted access to books Open access to books and other
materials
Bookshelves requiring ladders Bookshelves at human scale
Temple of Knowledge The living room in the city
Standalone building Shared space with other services
Hierarchical design and circulation Open Plan design and circulation
Individual study spaces Seminar rooms and computer suites
Defensive Space Networked Space
Librarians as knowledge custodians Librarians as knowledge navigators
The rule of silence The culture of mutual respect
Child free Child Friendly
Institutional Furniture Domestic or club furniture






Table 5.1 Differences between
traditional and modern libraries
18


5.2 Understanding modern library requirements through a survey


Ultimately, the purpose of the library is to serve the user. Not all users come to
libraries just to borrow books. The requirements of a modern library are much
more complex. A survey can help understand the requirements of the users.
The following survey was conducted as part of a larger research project
called Envisioning the library of the future, undertaken by the Arts Council of
England in the years 2012/13. The survey was conducted with a sample size of
1102 people. These people were divided into three categories depending on their
past or continuing use of libraries:
Current Users
Non-Users
Lapsed Users

The respondents were subjected to qualitative survey in which they were asked
to discuss and argue about libraries and another quantitative survey in which
they were asked questions. The results of the quantitative survey can be used to
determine what users look for in a modern library. The questions are presented
below.


Inference: A majority of the survey sample are current library users. They may
have the best insights into the requirements of a library. In addition non users
can present additional requirements.



19


Q) How important or unimportant are public libraries as a service to the
community?













Inference: Most people, even non-users believe that public libraries provide an
essential service to the community



Q) How important or unimportant are libraries to you personally?

Inference: The same service is not considered a personal need by lapsed and
non-users.





20


Inference: Though the traditional need of borrowing books is still the most
important reason, use of computers, finding local information, digital media and
community interaction have become important services provided by a library.


Inference: Accessibility, Offering the ambience provided by bookshops,
convenient location of the library, can help attract more users to the library.





21


Q) What are your reasons for satisfaction with libraries?














Inference: More computers, good environment and children spaces can be
incorporated into design to enhance library user experience.











Table 5.2 Changes to encourage
users
22































Inferences: Involve library users in design, Provide coffee shops, specialist
services, social activity spaces, and provide better information in libraries.













23


CHAPTER 6
DYSFUNCTIONAL DESIGN ELEMENTS IN A LIBRARY AND
SOLUTIONS



One of the most disappointing aspects of library architecture is the endless
repetition of the same two or three dozen dysfunctional design ideas. The
architectural design needs of libraries are fairly simple. Libraries need to be
strong, well-lighted, comfortable, safe and secure, flexible in use, expandable,
and have low occupancy costs. The problems lie in the details. Bad designs most
probably are a result of myopic pursuit of a single design element without regard
to the undesirable impacts that accompany it. An analysis of such design
elements would go a long way in avoiding any prospective problems.

Dysfunctional Elements commonly used in a library:

6.1 Skylights

Skylights are alluring at first glance. They are also appealing in concept because
they make use of natural light at a time when conserving energy is a constant
concern. They are frequently popular with designers. But the use of skylights is
accompanied by a host of problems. Some of the problems are:
Skylights are noisy. Because of their hard surfaces, skylights reflect noise,
and areas under skylights are frequently unpleasantly noisy. This is
particularly true because skylights are usually curved or peakedshapes
that increase problems with sound reflection. Sounds are endlessly
reflected and magnified, then shared generously with other floors of the
library.

Skylights transmit noise laterally. If a long,
roof-shaped skylight has a reference desk
under one end and reading tables under the
other, everything said at one location will be
heard far too easily at the other.

Areas under skylights are too bright by day.

Because of the brightness, books and other
materials under skylights tend to fade badly,
and the many users who are blinded by the
glare tend to seek other places to read.
24



Areas lighted by direct sun through skylights are so bright that adjacent
areas are hard to see.

Direct glare from skylights can travel across library spaces as the sun
crosses overhead, making areas of the library uninhabitable when they are
in the direct light.

Lighting under skylights at night can be a problem as the lighting fixtures
have to be suspended. These fixtures may be unseemly during the day.

Blocking unwanted light from skylights is difficult, since most curtains
and blinds are engineered for vertical windows.

Heavy rain falling on skylights can be noisy.

The solar gain from any kind of skylights can lead to extra air-
conditioning loads.

Some of the solutions
to the problems caused
by skylights are:
Avoid skylights
as much as
possible. North
facing
clerestories may
be better
alternatives to
skylights in northern latitudes.
Use translucent material for the skylight (If the skylight HAS to be used).
Use skylights of limited size.
Avoid locating reading spaces under the skylights.


6.2 Atriums

An atrium is a high-ceilinged space connecting two or more floors. Some
atriums are massive, while others can be mere holes in the floor, sometimes with
matching tiny skylights above. Atriums can create suitably grand spaces. They
25


can also help with orientation. Patrons standing in the atrium may better
understand where things are located elsewhere in the library.
Problems caused by atriums:
Atriums take up a lot of space
Atriums are inherently noisy. Unless the walls of upper floors are glazed
(glassed in), sounds carry amazingly well between floors.
When skylights are installed over atriums, which can be dramatic, the
result is even more racket.
If they are not glassed in, upper stories overlooking atriums terrify people
with acrophobia, particularly if the upper floors have narrow walkways
around the atriums.
Atriums often get in the way. If an atrium is in the middle of the building,
it usually interferes directly with traffic flow on all upper floors.
Instead of helping with orientation, atriums can actually cause confusion
if users can see places that they cant figure out how to reach.
Atriums are really difficult to light.
Atriums waste energy. Lots of energy is needed to heat and cool a high,
unoccupied space.
Atriums can complicate air handling. Its easier to heat and cool a
building when floors are separate.


Solutions:
26


Be sure that it is glazed above ground level to simplify temperature
control, keep people from dropping things over the edge, control racket,
and make people with acrophobia less terrified.

Be sure that the upper levels have opaque walls to above waist level.
People with fear of heights are afraid to approach floor-to-ceiling glass
partitions.
Be sure that the atrium is on one edge of the building, such as above an
entry foyer. If people dont have to circumnavigate the atrium to get from
one side of the library to another on upper floors, this will reduce some of
the negative impacts of the atrium.
Be sure that crucial pathways through the library dont skirt the precipice
of the atrium.

6.3.1 Designer Staircases

They sweep upward in atriums, accompany impressive vistas, and form artistic
centerpieces of buildings. However, designer staircases provide special
problems because all staircases are prone to problems, even under the best of
circumstances. People trip and fall on staircases with grim regularity, even on
staircases that are designed with prime concern for safety. Also, many designer
staircases terrify people with acrophobia.
Designer staircases can also absorb a lot of space. Over the years, a
number of designer staircase ideas have proven their lack of merit and have been
banned by building codes, but others continue to be created.
Remember that a staircase is a means to move safely between floors on
foot. If it is also a design statement, it needs to be a safe and functional and
reasonably priced design statement.

6.3.2 Floating Staircases

Instead of being solidly filled in below, floating staircases are engineered to
hang in midair, sometimes with no visible means of support except at their tops
and bottoms. They may represent real tours de force of structural engineering.
The main problem with a floating staircase is making use of the open
space beneath it. If the space beneath the staircase is left wide open, it
offers people of every possible height someplace where they can crease
their foreheads on the lower edge of the staircase. And theres nothing
you can do with the space beneath, once the bottom of the staircase gets to
less than about seven feet from the floor.
Solutions:
27


Install curbs or railings on the floor around the base of the staircases to
keep people from wandering under the staircases and bumping their
heads.
Space under such staircases can be used as storage. However, this might
result in eyesores.
6.3.3 Staircases with Oddly-Shaped Steps

People are accustomed to a limited range of proportions in steps. Oddly shaped
stairs such as pie shaped landings might result in people stumbling. Anything
different can lead to awkwardness in climbing and descending, and it can
encourage falling.

6.4 Multiple Public Entrances

Libraries are frequently tempted to create multiple entrances, particularly if the
access areas for pedestrians and drivers are on opposite sides of the building or
if the building is in the center of site. Unfortunately, all entrances need to be
watched, and multiple entrances almost inevitably lead to wasted staff time. The
pressure for multiple entrances appears to come mostly from the need to
segregate different kinds of users.
In case multiple entrances are essential, the following measures can help reduce
the inconvenience:
If access to the library from two directions is essential, buildings can be
efficient if both entrances lead to a single foyer, with a single door
between the foyer and the library proper.
Analyze the cost implications of multiple entrances.

6.5 Courtyards

Many libraries have been built with charming courtyards. Some are at one end
of the structure, while others are buried in the center of the building. Courtyards
can introduce daylight to otherwise dark interiors. They can also provide a
glimpse of nature, not to mention sites for fountains or artwork. In communities
with moderate climates, courtyards can provide pleasant places to sit. In general,
however, courtyards tend to cause trouble with circulation (moving from place
to place in the building) and with effective room design.
Here are some of the problems caused by courtyards:
Courtyards in the middle of libraries usually interfere with navigation.
When people want to go from point A to point B, they frequently have to
circumnavigate the courtyard.
28


Courtyards can lead to user confusion. In some buildings, users
circumnavigating a courtyard may lose track of how many times they
have turned.
Although courtyards look like great places for people to read out-of-
doors, they appear not to function well for security reasons. They
probably made more sense in the days before air conditioning.
Courtyard plantings have to be maintained. If the courtyard is small, the
amount of light actually reaching the plantings can be inadequate.
Courtyards might not be appropriate in a modern green building setting.

6.6 Non Rectangular Spaces

To create architectural interest, designers frequently create oddly shaped rooms.
Some are triangular or trapezoidal. Some have oddly shaped alcoves. Portions of
some rooms are designed to project at odd angles from otherwise rectangular
buildings. Other rooms have unnecessary curves, ranging from simple sections
of circles to strangely undulating, serpentine creations. Curves on floor plans
look neat from an aerial perspective. But nonrectangular spaces cause many
problems in libraries:
Most elements used in libraries are rectangular. Oddly shaped spaces
might thus be inefficient.
They might require curved fixtures which are costlier.
Book stacks tend to fit well only in rectangular spaces.
Curved walls are difficult and expensive to construct.
Later expansion becomes difficult.
Lighting nonlinear spaces is problematic.

6.7 Bad Lighting

Bad lighting is hard to spot until the construction has been completed and the
fixtures are in place. The following lighting levels need to be maintained in
different spaces of the library.
29






















6.7.1 Book Stack
Illumination:


Book stack
illumination on the
other hand can be
denoted using a
vertical scale. The
level of illumination
depicted beside has to
be maintained at
different levels of the
stack to maintain
visibility.



Table 6.1
Illuminance
Levels for
various
spaces
FIG 6.1
30



6.7.2 Glare:

For good daylighting design, low glare
lighting is a principal objective in libraries.
Ideal ratios of brightness levels within the
field of view are often described at 10:3:1,
for brightness of visual task to brightness of
the immediate surround to brightness of the
general surround. A library space that
largely achieves these ratios can be
considered to have a good level of visual
comfort and no glare conditions.



6.8 Bad Sightlines

All libraries rely on good sightlines to enable a limited number of staff members
to supervise large areas. If a library has bad sightlines, it seldom can afford the
extra staff necessary to keep an eye on hidden corners, and the result is constant
problems with supervision of users. Some standard ways of preventing bad
sightlines include the following:
Orienting stack aisles so that staff members stationed at service desks can
see down as many aisles as possible.
Using glass walls to permit staff to supervise people using study rooms,
quiet reading rooms, etc.
Making sure that public computer workstations that offer Internet access
have screens that face service desks.
However, there are
also sightlines that
no one really
wants:
Many
libraries
provide
unwelcome
views of
toilets. This
is to be
avoided.
FIG 6.2
31


Special libraries may need computer workstations with screens that
cannot be seen by the passersby. Lawyers, for example, may be working
on confidential materials.



































32


CHAPTER 7
LITERATURE STUDIES OF MODERN LIBRARIES

This part of the study aims to analyze the design of modern libraries. In doing so
we can gain a better understanding of the requirements of a modern library. This
could go a long way in providing guidelines for the design of a modern library.

7.1 Seattle Central Library
Architects: OMA + LMN (Rem Koolhaas)
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA


The Seattle Central
Library redefines the
library as an institution
no longer exclusively
dedicated to books, but
as an information store
where all potent forms
of medianew and
oldare presented
equally and legibly. In
an age where
information can be
accessed anywhere, it is the simultaneity of all media and, more importantly, the
curatorship of their content that makes the library vital.
The building is divided into eight horizontal layers, each varying in size to
fit its function. A structural steel and glass skin unifies the multifaceted form
and defines the public spaces in-between.
33


The Spiral was a new
way of delivering books to
customers within a library
system. Instead of books on
different shelves and floors, the
spiral inclined allowed a
continuous row of books that
make them easy to navigate. The Book Spiral implies a
reclamation of the much-compromised Dewey Decimal System.
By arranging the collection in a continuous ribbonrunning from
000 to 999the subjects form a coexistence that approaches the organic; each
evolves relative to the others, occupying more or less space on the ribbon, but
never forcing a rupture.



Fig 7.2 - Area
Program
Fig 7.1
Continuous
Collection
34


Takeaways from the Seattle Central Library:

The library provides much evidence to the fact that other forms of media
(other than books) are beginning to become more and more prominent.
Children and digital media spaces are given importance. The large
computer center seen in the images below show just how large a part
digital media forms in the modern library setting.
Escalators have been used as the primary means of access.
Markings on the floor serve as organizers to assist the users.
Shops and cafeterias lend social character to the library.
Large reading spaces have an informal feel and do not exude the isolating
effect of the reading spaces in traditional libraries.
Use of a continuous numbering system to make navigation easy.
















35


The spiral allows all customers, including people with disabilities, to
move along the entire collection without relying on escalators or elevators
stairs.
The stairs and elevator stops are labeled with numbers Dewey Decimal
System, to help people find items on each floor.



Digital Media plays an important role
Converging Bookshelves make
monitoring easy
36


7.2 So Paulo Library
Architects: Aflalo and Gasperini Architects
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
The Library brings people from every corner of the city to take advantage of the
new entertainment and cultural experience. The building interior is spacious
with zenithal illumination, assuring great flexibility in the layout. Spaced every
10 meters, 20 columns and 10 beams compose the structure. The furniture adds
fun and colorful tones and playful graphics were added to the glass partitions to
give needed privacy to those who will read or research. The library is organized
as a bookstore, aiming to attract a non-reader public as well.
In the upper floor we find another quantity space, several reading spaces
and multimedia areas. On this floor specialized furniture can be found for
differently-abled people including: tables ergonomically designed for visually
and physically impaired visitors. The building has tactile floors, Braille
inscriptions, as well as adequate ramps. The upper level has terraces in the east
and west facades. For increased privacy, they were covered with pergolas made
with eucalyptus and polycarbonate, assuring a pleasant space for a living room
37


and live performances. Pre-molded panels, with texturized finishing, compose
the remaining facades
.

Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
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Takeaways from the Sao Paolo Library Study:

The library is not just a storehouse of books but has many spaces intended
for community participation.
Auditoriums and performance halls present something much more than
the individualistic approach of traditional libraries.
Like in most modern libraries, disability access plays an important role.
This just goes to show that modern libraries should be accessible to all.
Techniques used include tactile floors, ramps and braille inscriptions to
serve people with various disabilities.
The building has regular shaped stairs in order to avoid problems.
Reading spaces have been provided in semi-outdoor terraces.
All the bookshelves are in human scale. Human proportion is an
important characteristic of modern libraries.
Railings around the atrium are sufficiently high in order to provide a
sense of security for people with acrophobia.
Informal and book store like organization are designed to attract non-
reader public as well.
Glass walls on all sides provide adequate illumination. Skylights have
been avoided over reading spaces in order to eliminate glare and hence
discomfort.







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CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSIONS

Two aspects have been studied throughout this paper. Firstly, it is about the
requirements of a modern library. Secondly, it is about the solutions to some
dysfunctional elements. The conclusions are listed below.

8.1 Requirement of a Modern (Public) Library:

The literature studies and the survey have helped identify the essential features
of a modern library. The following elements could make a library more
accessible to the public.
Digital media spaces in addition to traditional print books.
Human scale bookshelves and furniture
Disability Access
Social spaces have become essential in public libraries
Adequate lighting without glare
Open plan design and circulation
Coffee stores
Informal coffee shop/ book store like spaces to attract more users
Specialist spaces for music, art, etc.
Innovative organizational and circulation guides
Automatic book delivery systems
Activity spaces for children
Sufficient number of computers and access to digital media.
Interactive spaces
Provide local information spaces for the public


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8.2 Solutions to Dysfunctional elements:

In addition various dysfunctional elements have been discussed. Solutions to the
problems caused by such elements have also been mentioned. Following these
guidelines would help improve the spaces of a library to a large extent.

Atriums
Courtyards
Bad Lighting
Bad Sightlines
Irregular Stairs
Multiple public entrances, among others.















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REFERENCES


1) The Dark Side of Library Architecture, Fred Schlipf, 2011

2) 21
st
Century Libraries: Changing Forms, Changing Futures

3) Library as Place: Rethinking Roles, Rethinking Space, 2005

4) Daylighting Design in Libraries, Edward T. Dean, 2005

5) Better Public Libraries

6) Architecting a Pleasurable User-Centered Library Experience, Sheila
Jackson, 2004

7) Library Space Planning Guide, Connecticut State Library, 2002

8) Envisioning the library of the future, Arts Council England, 2012/13