Building Resources

Building Project Webinar Series

Are You Ready for a Building Project?

Are You Ready for a Building Project?:  Assessing Space Needs and Community Readiness, John Thompson

Building Projects: Evaluating the Alternatives

Building Projects:  Evaluating the Alternatives with John Thompson

Building Projects: Evaluating the Alternatives

  • Building Projects:  Accessible Libraries 101, Angela Meyers

    Sometimes the accessibility issues in our libraries are obvious and expensive to fix. Sometimes they are less clear to the untrained eye, and often fixing them is not an insurmountable task, even with limited resources. Angela Meyers, the Coordinator of Youth and Inclusive Services from the Bridges Library System, works extensively with libraries on accessibility issues, and she’ll lead us through some things to look for in our own facilities-new, old, or in-progress–as well as some resources to consult for more information. 

Extra Reading

Montana: Missoula Public Library Named IFLA/Systematic Public Library of the Year 2022, Library Journal

The Year in Architecture, Library Journal 2021

“Using sustainable design, organic aesthetics, and materiality, this year’s new and renovated libraries are activating communities by offering a bevy of richly resourced experiences anchored in well-being…”

  • Nature Reflected and Celebrated
  • From Grand to Intimate Experiences
  • Make Way To Create
  • Texture, Shape, Material Dominate

 

Library Journal Design Institute

Missoula, MT September 29, 2022

Also browse these Forward Thinking Building Changes with no cost to higher cost improvements to increase the safety and functionality of your space as we enter colder weather and increased indoor space use.

Steps to Your Library Building Project

First Steps: Communication

Your library will be creating products to plan, inform, and market your building project.

Gather your marketing toolkit:

  • Library logo or trademark image
    • jpg, png image files for internet use
    • pdf image file for print
    • small and large files
  • Designate one email address for all building project contact
  • Gather or take pictures of current library space, indoor and outdoor, preferably on a sunny day
  • Create an email list to send project updates and communications to the public: newspaper, radio, news channel, chamber, city council, city clerk, city departments, library board, friends of the library...

Comparables

Compare your space, needs, performance with libraries in Wisconsin and across the country with these tools.

Space Assessment

Evaluate what you currently have (facts): collections, public work areas, public computers, staff workspace.

Compare

  • What were the needs of the library when this space was built?
  • What are the need of the library now?
  • Use annual report data as well as pictures and library records.

Space needs

What are your space needs for traditional collection, programming, workspace, reading, browsing, small groups, large groups, parking, storage, public computers...

Is your space accessible? Inclusive?

Choosing an Architect

This content does not imply endorsement from WVLS or DPI. These are portfolios from architectural firms that have done library-related projects.

Accessibility Toolbar