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Better library and learning space: Projects, trends and ideas

As libraries change, one of the greatest demands being placed on their physical buildings is space – not only space for physical collections, but space for programmes, new trends and for users to do with what they want. Better library and learning space is a collection of essays on this topic from librarians, educators and designers. It aims to help libraries to design and/or transform their library spaces to meet user needs now and into the future. The book is split into three sections. Part 1 (Projects and Trends) examines features of current innovative library spaces through case studies and identifies global and local trends in library spaces. The focus is on what is happening in the UK, USA, China, Hong Kong, Europe and Australasia, with each chapter giving an overview of recent library projects in those locations through mini case studies. This includes both new library buildings and renovations of existing ones to meet the growing demand for space and learning. Part 2 (Trends and Ideas) covers contextual factors, currents ideas in library spaces and the design of spaces. It also looks at how these spaces are adapting to new forms of learning. The contributions here examine space in relation to technology, literacy and learning, key ideas – which includes both tangible and intangible factors, and the importance of library expertise in planning these spaces. The contributions reference relevant research, including articles published this year. Part 3 (Ideas and Futures) invited librarians, academics and ‘space’ specialists to contribute their ‘future-scans’ for library spaces. This section offers insights into where the professionals believe ‘space’ will develop in libraries. This includes both physical and virtual spaces and comes from a range of perspectives, all agreeing that there is a future for some sort of library space. The book could have been improved with more illustrations – ‘seeing is believing’, but we see little in this book. However, the contributors have excellent credentials and provide a good range of references for those wanting to conduct more research. The myriad examples of successful, recently created library spaces and plenty of thoughts on future library design make this an important title in the examination of library spaces. If you are building a new library or examining your current library spaces, this book should be on your must-read list.