Site Selection for

Libraries
Site Selection for Libraries. 2002. This material has been created by Lisa Padilla, AIA and provided
through the Libris Design Project [http://www.librisdesign.org/], supported by the U.S. Institute of
Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act,
administered in California by the State Librarian. Any use of this material should credit the author and
funding source.
 Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... .....1

2. SITE CONTEXT....................................................................................................................... .......2

2.1 GEOGRAPHY......................................................................................................................................2
2.2 LAND ACQUISITION ...........................................................................................................................3
2.3 SOIL AND SITE INFRASTRUCTURE..........................................................................................................4
2.4 SITE TOPOGRAPHY.............................................................................................................................6
2.5 APPROVALS.......................................................................................................................................8
3. SITE FIT........................................................................................................................................ ...8
3.1 MEASURING A PROJECT’S SIZE............................................................................................................8
3.2 DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS............................................................................................................11
4. ACCESSIBILITY......................................................................................................................... ..13
4.1 VEHICULAR ACCESS.........................................................................................................................14
4.2 MASS TRANSIT................................................................................................................................14
4.3 PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLES.............................................................................................................15
4.4 UNIVERSAL ACCESS.........................................................................................................................15
4.5 SERVICE ACCESS ............................................................................................................................15
5. SITE ORIENTATION.......................................................................................... .........................16
5.1 SOLAR AND WIND ORIENTATION........................................................................................................16
5.2 VIEWS............................................................................................................................................17
6. SUMMARY............................................................................................................. .......................18

7. GLOSSARY OF SITE PLANNING TERMINOLOGY................................................. .............19

8. SITE EVALUATION CRITERIA.......................................................................................... .......21

1. INTRODUCTION

Libraries manifest a community’s intellectual and cultural identity. They are a place for
learning and a repository for a community’s past. In both capacities, libraries draw a
broad cross section of a community to their doors. For many the library is a regular
destination. A visit to the library is shaped by the intellectual adventure that comes from
using the collection. Equally important is the physical experience of the building and of
its surrounding landscape. We can surmise why patrons go the library, but the experience
of their arrival and the quality of the spaces, sounds, and light once they are inside is the
province of library design.

Most everyone can recall his or her first library visit. Mine began on a warm summer day
when my mother drove a mile or so and brought us to a building about the size of a local
business like a barbershop. The structure, a green stucco box with white-trimmed
windows, fronted a major thoroughfare, the route for an increasing number of cars
travelling in and around a growing suburban community. Once inside, the street noise
subsided and I discovered a series of intimate spaces including a children’s corner where
low, wooden shelves held books that were easy for me to reach. Wood venetian blinds,
dark like the book shelves, filtered natural light in a pattern of stripes that fell on the
books in an intriguing way. I recall our exit through the storefront door, seeing an
elementary school across the street, and knowing that I would join the big kids soon. I
recall as well the narrow sidewalk we then negotiated and the sense that the entrance was
a refuge from cars whizzing by.

As this vignette suggests, library design begins with a place, a plot of ground, a parcel or
lot, its topography, the surrounding neighborhood, and a larger context of transportation,
zoning and land use, and even climate. And yet, every location has specific attributes.
Analysing these is a critical first step in the process of determining what a library will
look like and what the patrons’ experience of that place will be. Site analysis should
address a series of issues: Is the size of the parcel sufficient to accommodate the program?
Is the site convenient for potential library patrons? Is it proximate to other public
institutions? Will the site afford the kind of visual prominence required to enhance the
library’s programs? Will the soil support the type of structure you would like to construct?
Although the library building can be remodelled and modified over time, many aspects of
its site cannot be changed. An appropriate site can promote patronage and improve the
likelihood that those who use the library will enjoy the experience and have a lifetime of
positive associations.

There are several factors that should be considered during site selection for a library.
These include the availability of land and its acquisition, soil conditions, accessibility,
climate, and legal issues such as approvals for use and construction. Each of these factors
will affect a library’s real and perceived success whether success is measured in terms of
the quality of the design, construction cost, meeting the budget and building schedule, or
patronage. This essay will provide a general introduction to these issues and will suggest
additional factors, such as local politics, that must be taken into account for site planning
and library design.

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2. SITE CONTEXT

2.1 Geography

Finding the proper site for a library is contingent upon understanding whom the library
might be serving. A central library, used by patrons from adjacent areas as well as by
those who might come a great distance, is usually sited in relation to major civic facilities.
Branch libraries might also be placed in a satellite civic center. Often, however, the
location of a branch library will be determined by its service area, the zone a majority of
patrons most likely will come from. (This concept is similar to the retailers’ “catchment
area.”) Another determining factor is the availability of land and its cost. These
constraints vary by locality and their relative weight will vary depending on whether a
library is to be sited in a city or in a more rural area.
Generally, a central library in a large or mid-sized city should be in close proximity to
other civic institutions such as a city hall, cultural centers, major open spaces (plazas and
parks), and educational facilities (high schools, a college or university). This type of
clustering creates a density of public and civic activity and enhances the relative status of
each institution. Together, these buildings and uses create a central place and can serve as
a city’s core.

Figure 1: Library within a civic center

As important as centrality is for site selection, it is not a simple criterion. Centrality can
be measured by distance, by accessibility (the hub of a regional transportation system), by
relative density, by population distribution, or by proximity to other land uses such as
schools. Siting libraries close to schools can provide students enhanced access to books,
computers, and special learning programs. But centrality is also perceptual and there may
not be an overwhelming consensus on where the center is in a large city or metropolitan

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 region. When evaluating different sites in the selection process each of these issues must
be considered.

Figure 2: Factors determining centrality differ by criteria of measurement

A vital resource for any such analysis is the United States Census. In some regions,
Census 2000 recorded rapid demographic change. This information can be invaluable
when analysing current patterns and future need. Additional data on demographics and
urban growth can be obtained from the State of California Department of Finance, local
planning agencies, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI). A demographic study of current
population and expected growth conducted as part of a needs assessment can provide
valuable decision-making data as part of the site selection process.

2.2 Land Acquisition

Once a general area has been agreed upon for a new library, a specific site must be
secured. It is important at this point to have an understanding of the library building
program. How many square feet should the structure be? Will it be constructed in
phases? Will the facility be expanded over time? (See Section 3, Site Fit.)
Many cities and counties own or have options on parcels of land that are being held for
future development. Often municipally-owned land is a likely site for library construction
and research into municipal ownership of appropriate parcels is a good first step. If there
are no such sites available land must be acquired. When assessing multiple sites, the cost
per acre is often a measure for comparison. Depending on local valuations and real estate
economics, funding for land acquisition can be significant. Unless a city has funds set
aside for this purpose, it is common to fund land purchase through a bond initiative.
Either way, it is imperative that alternative sites are assessed using standard criteria. (See
Section 9, Site Evaluation Criteria.)
Another option is to lease land. However, even a long-term land lease will need to be
renegotiated when the term expires. The downside is that a renegotiated lease might be at
less advantageous terms than the original one. If the lease is between jurisdictions (e.g., a
city leasing from a county) it may improve the likelihood that a subsequent agreement

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 will be on similar terms. More recently, municipalities have begun working with
developers to package projects that include public amenities such as libraries.

2.3 Soil and Site Infrastructure

Understanding soil conditions, including the relative stability of the soil and its capacity
to support a structure (bearing capacity), is an essential component in site selection.
Before design consultants can begin their work the client should arrange for an engineer,
or an engineering firm, to test the characteristics of the soil and to quantify their findings
in terms of soil composition, bearing capacity, and erosion. These findings should be
shared with the design consultant. Typically, geotechnical engineers extract core samples
from a number of locations on the building site. These samples are then analysed to
determine the precise composition of the soil and rock on the site. The exact locations for
the core samples are selected so that the findings reveal the range of conditions across the
site.
While a construction system can be designed to make almost any parcel of land a
buildable site, the composition of the soil and the location of bedrock (assuming there is
bedrock) will influence the overall design of a structure and determine the options
available for structural footings. The type of footings required has implications for
building costs. How far footings need to extend to reach bedrock or whether site shoring
and extensive site preparation are required will affect the overall budget. Each site is
unique. When comparing different parcels in a given area, it is important to keep in mind
that soil conditions can vary dramatically across adjacent or proximate sites. Even if
conditions are roughly similar, a structural engineer needs a soils report for a specific site
before designing footings and a foundation system for a building. A general rule of thumb
is that a hillside site requires more expensive footings than a site with a more level grade.
However, the cost of site engineering and footings should not be the sole determinant for
site selection since a sloping site might afford views or may provide desired adjacency to
complimentary land uses. In some cases, a hillside site may be on bedrock and could
provide favorable conditions for footings and foundations.

Figure 3: Types of building footings

On occasion, there may be an existing structure on a site under consideration for a library
and analysis may determine the building must be demolished. In this case, the cost of
demolition must be factored into the budget. If the prior use was for manufacturing or for
certain noxious businesses such as a gas station, an automobile repair shop, or a dry
cleaner for example, there may be residual chemicals or other toxic substances in the
ground. These must be remediated before construction can begin on a replacement

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building. Site remediation can be costly and the procedure can add significant time to the
project schedule. In older cities with a history of sequent land uses (residential,
commercial, and industrial) soils tests may uncover artifacts from the past. These must be
assessed for their archaeological value. A certified archaeological consultant can survey
the nature, extent, and importance of the find.
In some cases an existing structure can be renovated into a library. The process of
adaptive reuse can transform existing buildings into new facilities different from the
original intended use. This approach might save some initial cost otherwise spent on
foundations and a building shell, but can involve costly upgrades in order to meet current
code requirements. In some communities, reusing a historic structure means renewing an
important cultural resource that can justify the additional cost of preserving and upgrading
an older facility into a state of the art library.

Infrastructure refers to the provision of services including but not limited to power for
equipment, heating and cooling, water, data and telephone lines and the elimination of
waste and storm runoff from the site. While assessing sites during the selection process
one criteria should be the availability and location of infrastructure. Ideally, a potential
site will have basic services provided up to the edge of the property line or along a public
right-of-way. If a site is in a less developed area, services must be brought to the site
from a remote location. The costs for making these connections and running services to
the site must be factored into the project budget. On occasion, services and utilities
already in place on a site may need to be relocated to accommodate the proposed
building. Depending on the size of the project, electrical transformers and vaults may be
required to control electrical power between a service point and the structure served. If
electrical and telephone service are provided on overhead power lines, some jurisdictions
require that these be buried underground as part of new construction on the site. While
infrastructure systems are often buried, the cost for doing this work is not. To avoid such
surprises, a site survey performed by a licensed civil engineer or land surveyor should be
completed as soon as it is feasible to do so. This survey will call out existing property
lines, easements and setbacks, site grades, existing structures (if any) and other landscape
elements, and the location of existing underground and above grade utilities.
Infrastructure (utilities) may come with easements that must be honored. (See Sections
3.2.3 and 3.2.4 on Easements and Dedications.)

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 Figure 4: Library infrastructure needs

2.4 Site Topography

Topography in this usage refers to the lay of the land. It is generally represented in site
plans as a measure of the change in elevation from an established datum point. On a hilly
site, for example, the elevation changes significantly over a short distance. The
topographic characteristics of a site can be modified to accommodate structures and to
provide for site drainage. This reworking of a site’s topography is called grading.
Typically, grading consists of taking soil from an area (cut) and placing it somewhere else
on the site (fill). The costs for grading can add up if there is a lot of soil to cut and fill or
if large quantities of soil need to be removed from the site (exported) or brought in
(imported).

Figure 5: Site Topography

How water moves across a site is an important consideration for site selection and site
planning. Drainage, permeability of the soil, and surface flow are important determinants
for site grading. Grading alters the contour of the land and this is done to improve

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drainage. Rain water and the water from irrigation need to be controlled and in extreme
cases, to be moved off the site. Excess water is usually brought to area drains. These
may be located at multiple points on the site. Water collects in the drains and these are
connected to a subterranean storm system and ultimately (in most cases) to a municipal
main. Some jurisdictions will allow excess water to drain across the site and directly onto
public streets. Once at the street, the water is picked up by a catch basin where it enters
the storm system. Some water will percolate into the soil. On-site drainage systems are
intended to limit the amount of percolation since an over-saturation of the soil can affect
its bearing capacity and in the worse case, damage or undermine the structure’s
foundation.
Accessibility should be considered when assessing a hillside site since the slope may
restrict arrival, departure, delivery and other vehicular and pedestrian access to the
building. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that establishes
minimum slopes to create access for those individuals who are mobility impaired. ADA
requirements are in force wherever there is public access. If there is considerable change
in topography from a parking lot to a library entrance for example, then access will need
to be provided through ramps or a lift. (See Section 4 Accessibility.)

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2.5 Approvals
Many jurisdictions have zoning and planning ordinances that limit the type and size of
project that can be constructed in a given area. While evaluating potential sites it is
important to assess whether or not a specific site will require special authorization by the
city or county before either (or both) will approve construction. Libraries are broadly
understood to be a civic amenity, so the issue most likely will not be whether a library is a
good use. Rather, there may be concern as to what scale project is appropriate for a given
site. Some cities have approved specific plans that fix allotted density and outline design
guidelines for new projects as well as a process for securing approval for the proposed
development. Approvals are required for major project milestones. This process may
involve a local planning department and its zoning commission, a design review board, a
public facilities commission, and a city council. Prior to this, the library’s board, trustees
or governing body most likely will have authorized the project to proceed to the approvals
stage at a defined size and budget.
Any new building project must be evaluated in terms of its potential affect on the
environment. (SPECIFIC TO CALIFORNIA) In California, the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) defines a process for project assessment and the
measure of environmental impact. Projects are evaluated according to scale, traffic
implications, noise, view sheds, landscape, and infrastructure requirements. The
environmental review process can take months to complete and ample time should be
allocated for the preparation of documents, for obtaining public comment, and to
determine impacts and mitigation measures. This should be done as soon as a site is
selected and the mass and form of a project is defined; ideally once the schematic design
is completed. Because CEQA is a regulated and legal process, it is best to obtain the
advice of the planning jurisdiction regarding what environmental review is appropriate for
a particular project.

3. SITE FIT
Measuring whether a candidate site is an appropriate scale for a specific library project
should be done early in the evaluation process. There are two primary issues. First, the
library’s proposed overall size needs to be defined. Second, the site’s development
restrictions need to be assessed.

3.1 Measuring a Project’s Size

3.1.1Determining the overall size of the project

The library’s size, measured in square feet, is usually determined during the space
programming phase of work by a programming consultant. If the space program is still in
development, it may be possible to forecast a possible range of size; applying the
maximum size in the range would be wise. Library space programs usually describe net
program area, or net square feet (NSF = area of specific library functions such as reading
rooms, stack areas, customer service and administrative offices, but do not include
common building spaces like public circulation areas, restrooms, and mechanical rooms).
The program will also define the gross program area, or gross square feet (GSF = a total

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measurement of everything that must be contained in a building). The gross square feet
(GSF) is the only building measurement of concern during testing of the building’s fit on
a site. This gross program area can then be arranged and assessed on candidate sites in a
variety of building footprints.

Figure 6: Building program areas and potential building footprints

3.1.2Determining parking need

The amount of land needed to accommodate surface parking or a parking structure can be
significant. Each vehicle can require between 300-350 square feet of space, depending on
the stall size, circulation pattern and type of structure. Most libraries provide parking
directly on-site, where it becomes a key siting issue that impacts overall site access,
building orientation, and the location of the front door. In some urban areas, a project’s
required parking can be provided at an adjacent, off-site facility. One option is to
establish shared parking where adjacent commercial structures or educational institutions
will allow use of their parking facilities if the library’s peak demand time is different from
their own (e.g. a library busiest at night, during a time when retail stores are closed).

The required number of parking stalls will be determined by the applicable local parking
code. The city or county will have parking standards that define the number of stalls
appropriate for a given land use, most often based on the project’s square footage or on
the projected occupancy. The local parking code will also specify the number and
apportioning of standard, compact, universally accessible, and even electric vehicle stalls
that must be included in site improvements. It will also define minimum stall sizes and
drive aisle widths.

When assessing the overall land area needed for vehicles, note that parking structures can
utilize land more efficiently, but will have substantial construction costs that must be
accounted for in the early budgeting stages. Depending on the design of the structure,
costs can range from $25,000-35,000 per stall. Libraries that have a history of heavy use
and can afford the expense may want to provide additional parking above and beyond the
required count in order to accommodate the high volume of patrons that isn’t necessarily
tabulated in the local parking standards. Conversely, for a site that is close to public
transit or is a viable walking destination in a community, the design team can argue that
less parking is required since more patrons will arrive by means other than automobiles.

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Some jurisdictions allow a parking reduction in anticipation of increased transit use
representing 5-10% fewer stalls than normally required.

Figure 7: Land utilization and parking alternatives for a site

3.1.3Allowing for site amenities

Open space is an important site amenity for public facilities. Outdoor areas for
programmed activities, casual interaction and views can enhance entrances, reading
rooms and areas designed for children. Whether designed gardens, courtyards or adjacent
natural areas, open space provides a relationship to the landscape that can complement
architecture. While gardens can be creatively designed from “leftover space,” they
warrant attention during the conceptual design phase so as to assure ideal siting and
proper budgeting. For example, sunny spaces (when temperatures are moderate) are
natural places for people to congregate, and socialize. This suggests such spaces be sited
with southern exposure. Shady seating areas are also desirable and can be provided under
trees, or beneath a trellis, pergola or canopy. Water features are a desirable amenity that
can add visual focus and delightful sound to a space.

Photographs of site amenities: (clockwise from upper left) a courtyard and garden with
fountains, and the Los Angeles Central Library’s Maguire Gardens.

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 3.1.4Thinking about future expansion
Public facilities are designed for long life spans during which there is usually a need to
expand. Historically, libraries are not immune to this pattern, and many have built
appendages reflecting various eras of growth and evolving attitudes about library design.
Library expansions are usually necessary to house larger collections for a growing or
changing population. Remodelling to upgrade an existing library for compliance with
new seismic and accessibility codes can also result in major modifications and an
opportunity to simultaneously enlarge the structure.

When selecting a new site, it is prudent to think beyond the immediate project at hand
(which can be daunting) to 20-30 years into the future. In the current context of
information systems and patron services, many librarians are rethinking the relationship
of collections to physical space. It is difficult for anyone to predict what the ideal library
will look like in 2030. It is wise to consider expansion space, where feasible, when
selecting a site today. It may accommodate new and complementary uses not envisioned
by librarians and information specialists today.

3.2 Development Restrictions

In more urban settings or special districts, development guidelines can define how much
of the parcel is buildable and how large the building can be. Such guidelines can be
obtained through the local zoning or planning office; staff can help interpret them.
Outlined below are the more common restrictions that might be found.

3.2.1Floor Area Ratio

Development guidelines may specify the acceptable density that can be obtained on a site.
The most common measurement of density is floor area ratio (FAR), which measures total
building area to total buildable site area. For example, a proposed library of 20,000
square feet on a site of 10,000 square feet has a FAR of 2:1. Jurisdictions can set FARs
that encourage or discourage higher density depending on the setting and future vision for
a particular district.

Figure 8: Floor area ratio where both examples are shown on a 24,000 square foot site

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3.2.2Setbacks
Setbacks are buffer spaces that specify a distance back from a property line or an adjacent
structure to where a new building can be located. Setbacks were originally developed to
prevent a fire spreading across property lines from one structure to another. They also
create yards and open space that can become desirable outdoor amenities. Often, the
front, side and rear property line setbacks vary. Sometimes a proposed building can
encroach a limited amount on a setback if certain modifications are made to the design of
the exterior walls, windows, and doors to increase their fire rating. Development
guidelines often define setbacks to meet aesthetic objectives. For example, along a major
commercial corridor, it may be desirable for all new buildings to be setback a consistent
distance to allow more light to reach the street. If there aren’t applicable guidelines, the
local building code usually specifies setback requirements that meet basic life safety
purposes.

3.2.3Easements
Easements can apply where there are major utilities that require access for service. They
can exist around utility poles or below ground utility lines and vaults. They are
essentially zones within a site that cannot be built upon. Easements can also be required
for existing or future transit.

3.2.4Dedications
Dedications are portions of a site that are required to be turned over to public land prior to
development proceeding. They most often apply when a jurisdiction is planning future
widening of a street and asks for a dedication to allow for a future traffic lane. While the
land owner must cede the dedication, sometimes there is flexibility as to when the land is
actually taken and used for the intended public use.

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 Figure 9: Setbacks, easements and dedications

3.2.5Height Restrictions
Local codes and guidelines often specify a height limitation by building type or by
district. They can define number of stories allowed or a maximum overall building height
in feet. In areas where there is a specific desired urban form along a commercial corridor,
height limitations can be defined in a stair stepping manner. In other words, a low height
may be promoted nearest the street edge with more height allowed further back from the
street. Height restrictions combined with required setbacks begin to define the building
envelope, within which the new structure must remain.

Figure 10: Height restriction and building envelope

3.2.6Variances
It might be reassuring to know that when assessing a site for a future library, some of the
local restrictions can be revised or waived for a particular project if there is a compelling
reason. Most jurisdictions allow variances from applicable guidelines after the project
goes through a review and approval process that includes opportunities for public input.
It is prudent during the early conceptual design phase of a new library to discuss design
compliance with the local planning agency so that a realistic course can be set for
obtaining project approval.

4. ACCESSIBILITY
The entry sequence from the neighborhood, street, sidewalk, or parking lot to the library
front door (or main entrance) should be designed with patrons’ needs foremost in mind.
In the interest of open and full access to public buildings, Congress enacted the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA). These regulations include standards that ensure the path of
arrival to the library front door is well marked, legible, and serves the requirements of all
patrons. The front door is also an important civic symbol and the design of both the door
and the approach to it should take into account the quality and character of this transition
from the world outside the library to the distinctive realm within. The design team can
address both practical and symbolic requirements by siting the library entry to ensure
maximum visibility.

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4.1 Vehicular Access
Library staff and patrons often arrive by automobile. The relationship between parking
(whether open lot or in a parking structure) and the library entry is an important aspect in
site planning. In some cases it may be advantageous to place parking behind the building
and keep the library and its main entry closer to the street and sidewalk. This relationship
might be especially important in a setting where adjacent buildings are set close to the
street and the library siting is intended to emulate this existing pattern. Where possible, it
may be advantageous to have the parking ingress and egress off a secondary street at the
rear of the lot.

Figure 11: Parking in front yard vs. rear yard

There are appropriate designs for either type of parking and for the associated entry
sequence. In some cases, this may require a plan that has more than one “front” door or
main entrance. When addressing these issues, it is good to keep in mind the location of
the circulation desk so that the overall plan ensures a clear, efficient, and enjoyable path
of travel from the parking lot (for those who arrive by car) and the sidewalk (for those
who arrive on foot). Note that there may be implications for staffing if a library has more
than one entrance.
A vehicular drop off area for visitors and material returns may be appropriate depending
on the size of the library and its patron base. Planning for a vehicular drop off requires
the inclusion of driveways, an area for people to get into and out of cars, and an area for
the vehicles to turn or exit.

4.2 Mass Transit

When siting a library building and locating the library’s front door, the design team
should consider mass transit, both lines and routes in existing systems as well as current
plans for future service. As population in many cities and in rural areas continues to
grow, there has been increasing investment in mass transit. These routes, and the location
of bus stops, light rail and subway stations, and shuttle stops will become increasingly
important criteria both for site selection and for the location of a library’s front door. The
likelihood is that additional mass transit will enhance access to and increase patron use of
public libraries. Given this, it is imperative that the design team consult with local and
regional transit authorities to assess current and future services and to have an

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 understanding of where transit stops might be located. Some cities now require libraries
to integrate bus stops and transit shelters into the design of new facilities.

4.3 Pedestrians and Bicycles

Some patrons may choose other modes of transit for their trip to the library such as
walking or riding a bicycle. Ample sidewalks and the planting of shade trees can enhance
the pedestrian’s experience and make it memorable. Bicyclists often prefer demarcated
bike lanes so drivers are alerted to their presence on the street. Dedicated bike lanes are a
city or county improvement and although beyond the scope of a library project, are a type
of ancillary improvement that may benefit library patrons. Entrances to the library should
allow room for bike racks. Many jurisdictions require bicycle parking or bike lockers for
staff use and to encourage alternative transit modes.

4.4 Universal Access

Universal or equal access requirements under ADA extend to parking, walkways, and
building signage. ADA sets the number of parking spaces dedicated for the mobility
impaired and the location of these spaces in relation to the front door of the library. These
standards also define criteria for the path of travel. The latter includes minimum widths
and maximum slopes for walkways. Ramps cannot exceed a one foot elevation change in
twelve feet of travel (1’:12’). On a sloping site this translates into a ramp with a sequence
of sloping segments and landings every thirty feet of travel distance. Alternatively, access
can be by elevator. Each approach has different cost implications for the project budget.

Photographs accessible ramps: (L to R) paired ramp and stair, and ramp under a garden
pergola.

4.5 Service Access

An access drive and loading area will usually be needed for deliveries and servicing of the
building, e.g., trash removal, custodial vehicle parking, etc. The size of the loading area
will be scaled to the library’s program. It is desirable to zone services to avoid possible

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 conflicts of trucks and service vehicles with patrons. In larger facilities there will often be
a separate entrance for service vehicles.

5. SITE ORIENTATION

5.1 Solar and Wind Orientation

The orientation of a site will influence the massing and formal detail of the building
constructed. Knowing the local solar and wind patterns is essential to good design. This
knowledge will be brought to bear when evaluating the most appropriate placement for a
library on a given site.

Many jurisdictions encourage site planners and architects to practice sustainable design in
their work for public facilities. This type of design is often called green architecture in
reference to its attention to issues of ecology. Sustainability implies that a building is
energy efficient. The design team for a library project can specify materials that are
renewable, that have been recycled, and that improve energy conservation. Each of these
will improve the project’s sustainability rating, but a design team can be most effective if
they site a building wisely from the start.

Much of the energy demand in buildings is for lighting and climate control. A library that
is sited to maximize the use of natural light and to allow for natural ventilation will
require less energy to operate. These issues are even more critical given California’s
current energy crisis with a scarcity of supply and an escalation in rates. The savings in
dollars that can be realized through energy efficient design can be significant over a ten or
twenty year period. The money saved could be allocated for library materials and
programs.

An analysis of solar orientation will inform designers regarding which areas of the site
receive the most sun. Sun exposure translates into heat gain, a measure of the sun’s
radiation stored in a structure. Heat gain can be beneficial in cool climates or during
colder times of the year. If heat is captured and retained in the building mass, the need for
mechanical heating will be reduced. However, heat gain in warmer climates or during
warmer seasons must be mitigated through natural ventilation or the use of air
conditioning to maintain comfortable temperatures. Typically the greatest increment of
heat gain is from the south and the west. Buildings with a reduced mass or with fewer
windows on the south and west will have less heat gain. If it is not possible to reduce the
mass or limit the windows facing these directions, heat gain can be controlled through the
use of sunshades or window glazing that provide greater insulation.

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 Figure 12: Site orientation factors

At a greater level of detail, the design team should study seasonal sun angles to analyze
the pattern of shadows cast on the site from adjacent structures and the shadows that the
proposed library will cast on adjacent outdoor areas.

Understanding a site’s orientation with respect to wind patterns is also an important

criterion for site design. Winds often have a regular pattern in terms of direction and time
of day. In more temperate areas, a site with cross breezes can save energy by natural
ventilation, i.e., opening windows rather than turning on the air conditioning. Natural
ventilation might be useful for cooling isolated or semi-enclosed areas of the library.
Areas with computer equipment and special collections must be serviced with mechanical
air.

If the library design includes outdoor areas, the solar and wind patterns are critical
variables for ensuring that these spaces are comfortable and functional extensions of the
library proper. Ideally these spaces would offer a mix of sunny and shady environments
during different times of the day and over the annual change of seasons.

5.2 Views
Potential building sites should be evaluated in terms of the views out from the library
itself, and views of the structure from other locations. Views out to the natural or
designed landscape from key public spaces in the library or from reading areas can
enhance the patron’s experience. Conversely, views of the library from surrounding
buildings and public spaces should be studied. There may be opportunities to improve the

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 library’s visibility if it is located at the end of a view corridor or placed at a prominent
location on the site.

6. SUMMARY
While libraries can be remodelled and expanded over time, the characteristics of site and
general location cannot be changed. The common methods of site assessment outlined in
this paper are those mandatory to ensure that the library team and its consultants choose
an appropriate site. Each process of site selection is unique. Ideally, one would have time
to assess all candidate sites in detail. Realistically, one may not have the time or
resources to do this. In either case it is important to apply a standard and consistent
means of assessment, even if limited in scope, to assure the greatest access for all.

The issue of siting the central or branch library rose to prominence in the United States
during the early twentieth century when Andrew Carnegie funded a philanthropic program
for more than 1,600 new libraries in various cities and towns between 1890 and 1917. In
Free to All: Carnegie Libraries & American Culture (University of Chicago Press, 1995),
historian Abigail Van Slyck reveals the role that political differences between local
philanthropists and municipal officials over siting, architectural design and intended
patronage played in site design and site planning. The City Beautiful, a turn of the century
urban planning movement, encouraged library trustees to locate main libraries near
developing civic centers. Van Slyck uncovered fundamental differences between the
views held by men and women on issues of location. Many businessmen saw the library
as contributing to local commerce; a sign of cultural advancement that should be easily
seen by visiting investors. Conversely, women saw the library as extensions of the hearth
and home, better located away from the commercial district and saloons frequented by
businessmen.

While these differences are not as evident today, finding the ideal site for a library will be
no less contentious than during Carnegie’s time. Then and now, politics inform the
process through which decision makers select a building site. Constituents can greatly
influence site selection through the process of electoral politics. Library trustees can also
steer the process towards a specific site, and may wield influence in the local business and
cultural communities. The library staff can make strong recommendations that will
ultimately set the tone for the decision. Finally, timing and budget constraints will define
the realm of possibility.

Throughout this paper, I have noted various professional consultants who can provide
expertise along the way. And while each of them brings insight regarding a specific site
selection issue, it is important to remember the role of local knowledge. The selection
committee should have an understanding of what the community might be like in the
future, what the library ought to be, and whom it will serve. This picture is changing at a
rapid pace in many communities as everyone tries to reassess the library’s role in modern
urban life. Despite the seemingly limitless advances in information technology, libraries
still fulfil a fundamental role of bringing people together in real time and place. They
remain important cultural symbols for our towns and cities.

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7. GLOSSARY OF SITE PLANNING TERMINOLOGY

Adaptive reuse Renovation of an existing built structure into another use other than
originally intended.
California Environmental State code that applies to new projects that requires approval by
Quality Act (CEQA). State and local government agencies. Its goal is to develop and
maintain a high-quality environment while aiming to identify, avoid
or mitigate significant environmental effects of a proposed project.
Dedication Appropriation of land by an owner to some public use, together with
acceptance for such use by or on behalf of the public.
Easement Right or privilege of a person or entity, other than the landowner or
tenant, to use a piece of property.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Floor area of a building on any lot divided by the area of the lot.
Footings Foundation or underlying support for a structure.
Right-of-way (ROW) Easement over another’s land. The term is used to describe a strip
of land used for a public utility for a public purpose.
Setback Distance from property line or other established line within which
no building may be erected.
Sustainability A method of using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or
permanently damaged. Sustainable architecture aims to utilize
materials and methods that preserve natural resources.
Topography Elevation change or grade across an area.
Topographic Map Map that presents the vertical position of features in a measurable
form, as well as their horizontal positions.
Zoning Control of land usage by city, county or state authorities with power
to limit the property use by established standards.

Further SOurces of Information

Societies, Organizations, and Agencies

APA American Planning Association http://www.planning.org/
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act http://ceres.ca.gov/ceqa
ULI Urban Land Institute http://ww.uli.org/

Reference Books
Lynch, Kevin. Site Planning. 3rd edition. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, c1984.
Simonds, John Ormsbee. Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Site Planning and Design.
3rd Edition. N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing, c 1997.
Peter Calthorpe, William Fulton, Robert Fishman. Regional City: Planning for the End of
Sprawl. Island Press, c2001. ISBN 1559637846.

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 • • •

The Author
Lisa Padilla is a Principal in the Los Angeles office of Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership
(ZGF), a national design firm specializing in architecture, interiors and urban design. At
ZGF Ms. Padilla is responsible for the design and management of civic and institutional
projects. As a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) she serves on the
editorial board of ArcCA, the California chapter’s quarterly publication devoted to
architectural design and practice. She also served on the AIA National Committee on
Urban Design, as well as the Los Angeles board of the Association for Women in
Architecture. Her work on the Santa Monica Boulevard Master Plan for the City of West
Hollywood was the recipient of the 2001 AIA Honor Award for Urban Design.

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 8. SITE EVALUATION CRITERIA

Criteria SITE A SITE B

1) Geography
Evaluate proximity to other civic
services, schools and transit.

2) Land Acquisition Costs

Compare initial cost, long-term
lease cost or other arrangement.

3) Soil /Structural Implications

Assess soils report and
anticipated structural footings.

4) Infrastructure
Estimate extent of new or
modified infrastructure needs
(water, power, tel/data, gas,
vaults, utility reroutes)

5) Topography
Gage extent of site grading
needed to prepare site.

6) Project Approvals
Compare environmental, design
and city approvals process.

7) Site Fit
Check library building program
on the site’s buildable area.

8) Parking
Check parking requirements
based on local codes and
recommendations. Factor in
costs for structure if needed.

9) Site Amenities
Assess opportunities for
accommodating gardens and
gathering places.

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Criteria (continued) SITE A SITE B

10) Future Expansion

Check if site can accommodate
future growth.

11) Development Restrictions

Evaluate any development limits
that affect buildable area and
envelope (maximize size, height,
setbacks, dedications,
easements)

12) Ease of Access

Assess inherent ease of
pedestrian, vehicular, bicycle and
service access to the site.

13) Site Features

Natural views to/from site, wind
and sun patterns, site’s visibility
to the general public.

14) Other Considerations

Unique factors based on local
context and politics.

Site Selection for Libraries. This material has been created by Lisa Padilla, AIA and provided through
the Libris Design Project [http://www.librisdesign.org/], supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum
and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered
in California by the State Librarian. Any use of this material should credit the author and funding
source.

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