LIBRARY

 SHARE

by WBDG Staff
Updated:
05-09-2016
OVERVIEW
WITHIN THIS PAGE

 Overview
 Space Attributes
 Relevant Codes and Standards
 Major Resources

The Library space types are areas where bound paper documents, film, or magnetic media
are stored. A Library space type may include both open and closed storage systems and
moveable shelving systems, and be applicable to file rooms and other dense storage of
material in conditioned office environments. Libraries are assumed to be general purpose,
and may include display spaces and reading, meeting, and electronic workstations, as
defined by the desired level of access to materials being stored.
See also WBDG Libraries.

SPACE ATTRIBUTES
Internet access, electronic media, computer technology, and other forms of modern-day
advancements have had a profound effect on the function and design of libraries. As a
result, Library space type design must be flexible enough to take into account these types of
integrated technologies as well as to properly store, handle, and circulate printed and other
media types. No special type of humidity control is assumed in the Library space type since
storage of archival materials is not typical.
There are seven broad types of library space:

1. Collection space
2. Public electronic workstation space
3. User seating space
4. Staff work space
5. Meeting space
6. Special use space
7. Non-assignable space (including mechanical space)
Typical features of library space types include the list of applicable design objectives
elements as outlined below. For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives
within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below.

FUNCTIONAL / OPERATIONAL
 Integrated Technology: Begin the design process with a thorough understanding of
the technological requirements of the space, including anticipated future needs.
 Shelving systems: Depending on the particular needs of a library space, shelving
systems can be integrated into the design of the room or installed as modular and
adaptable units.
 Heavy floor loads: Library stacks and records storage are typically designed for a
150 LB/SF live load.
 Acoustic and Visual Privacy: Library space types will typically include reading and
private work/study areas that require acoustic and visual separation from general
circulation and work areas. Program these spaces in relation to public access to
shelving for self-service.
 Special Lighting: Establishing lighting zones at the beginning of the design process.
Differentiate between the lighting needs for shelving, circulation, reading and
workrooms. Consider energy efficient lighting.
 Occupancy: Occupancy Group Classification for the Library space type is Assembly
Occupancy for libraries of 5,000 SF or greater, and Business Occupancy B2 with
sprinklered protected construction, and GSA Acoustical Class C1 for spaces smaller
that 5,000 SF and for enclosed offices.

PRODUCTIVE
 Flexibility: The Library space type is durable and adaptable, and will typically
include features such as a raised floor system for the distribution of critical services
(power, voice, data, and HVAC) and mobile workstations and storage.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM
The following is a representative building program for the Library space type.

LIBRARY

DESCRIPTION QTY. SF SPACE SUM TENANT USABLE

TENANT OCCUPIABLE EACH REQ'D. ACTUAL SF FACTOR
AREAS
Library Facilities 4,496

Entry Vestibule 1 80 80

Exhibits 1 100 100

Check Out 2 80 160

Reference Desk 1 80 80

Reference Computer Terminals 4 20 80

Card Catalog 3 12 36

Lounge Seating 10 20 200

Table Seating 20 16 320

Carrels 10 30 300
Research Computer Terminals 8 20 160

Microfiche Cabinets 6 12 72

Microfiche Readers 2 20 40

Periodicals 4 12 48

Reference Stacks 10 12 120

Collections Stacks 100 12 1,200

AV Work Room 1 200 200

Audio Lab 1 200 200

Audio Visual Media Collection 6 12 72

Duplication Center 1 80 80
 ADP 1 88 88

Librarian's Office 1 120 120

Librarian's Assistant 2 80 160

Work Room 1 200 200

Store Room 1 300 300

Housekeeping 1 80 80

Tenant Suite 4,496 4,496 1.24

Tenant Usable Areas

EXAMPLE PLANS
The following diagram is representative of typical tenant plans.

EXAMPLE CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA

For GSA, the unit costs for library space types are based on the construction quality and
design features in the following table . This information is based on GSA's benchmark
interpretation and could be different for other owners. Court-related libraries and/or libraries
with extensive hardwood finishes are not included in the unit costs and must be treated as a
special requirement or Chamber space type.

RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS

The following agencies and organizations have developed codes and standards affecting
the design of library spaces. Note that the codes and standards are minimum requirements.
Architects, engineers, and consultants should consider exceeding the applicable
requirements whenever possible:

 GSA PBS-P100 Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service

 International Building Code

MAJOR RESOURCES
WBDG
BUILDING TYPES
Educational Facilities, Health Care Facilities, Libraries, Office Building, Research Facilities

DESIGN OBJECTIVES
Functional / Operational—Account for Functional Needs, Secure / Safe—Fire
Protection, Sustainable—Optimize Energy Use

PUBLICATIONS
 Architectural Graphic Standards, 12th Edition by American Institute of Architects,
Dennis J. Hall. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2016.
 Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space by Buildings and Equipment
Section, Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA). Lanham, MD:
Scarecrow Press, 2001.