Preperation of a Library Programme of library building in library management

A written building  programme (or proposal) is must for any library. It is a basic statement about the need of the community and can be used as a legal document of requirements to the architect. Further, building programme forces the library to make basic decisions and go through a process of soul-searching. It helps to establish the criteria for a  site and  aids  site selection. It also helps to estimate the potential cost requirements. It enables architect to know the requirements in specific terms of space, function, relationship of areas and minimise friction between librarian and the architect. A  written building programme is useful to governing bodies, citizen's groups, the library staff and the architect. It needs  to be prepared by librarian and senior library staff in consultation with experts, consultants, users, authority and architect. Steps involved in preparation of a library building programme/proposal are: 

a) The contents

The contents of a library programme for building should reflect the following: 

1) General features 

•    Objectives of the library 
•    Type of the library 
•    Status of the library 
•    Location of the library 

              & competitors within the organisation 

2) Nature of library users 

•     Number, types and composition of users 
•     User activities 
•     Use of library and user-interactions 

              with the library i.e. pattern of usage, movement and interaction 

3) Construction features 

• Useful life of the facility 
• Unusual construction features 
• Environmental controls 
• Space for special users (e.g., handicapped) 
• Space requirements 
• Services offered 
• Future expansion  

b) Gathering statistics 

c) The planning team

• library planners 
• consultants, architects, field representatives
• users 
• library staff and other staff in the organisation
• construction coordinator,  telecom staff,  engineering staff,  facilities planning, interior designers, etc

d) Resources required

e) Implementation schedule

 Some tips for preparation and execution of a library building programme are:

• Know existing constraints
• Compromises are inevitable
• Have a (base) year of reference 
• Estimate annual growth rate  
• Trade off of aesthetic, functional, safety & cost factors is inevitable
• Forsee the impact of  emerging technologies and anticipate  impact of new technologies on building, layout and space
• Have a floor plan with 3-dimensional model racks & furniture
• Plan use of appropriate sign boards.