10/8/2020 Public Library | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide

Public Library  
by the National Institute of Building Sciences (https://www.nibs.org)
Updated: 05-10-2017

OVERVIEW
Public libraries can be differentiated from academic, school,
and special libraries because they function to serve the WITHIN THIS PAGE
needs of a diverse service population including small Overview
children, students, professionals, and the elderly. In contrast, Building Attributes
academic libraries (/building-types/libraries/academic- Emerging Issues
library) serve college and university faculty and students; Relevant Codes and Standards
school libraries (/building-types/libraries/school-library) Additional Resources
serve elementary, middle, and high school students and
faculty; and special libraries (such as Presidential Libraries (/building-types/libraries/presidential-
library)) serve scholars and experts within narrowly de ned elds.

Although public libraries serve the public at large, including those who are also served by other
types of libraries, they are used primarily by members of the local community in which they are
constructed and secondarily by members in communities in immediately outlying areas. The
members of those communities are the service population of public libraries and their needs affect
the design and planning of public library spaces. For example, if a community has a large
population of young children, which can result from a community with a high-quality elementary
school system, the public library design must address the needs of children and how they use
libraries, i.e., story-telling spaces, books within easy reach for children, nap areas, etc. Whereas, a
public library that serves the needs of a community with a large population of elderly people will
included design criteria to meet their needs, i.e., easy access into the building, adequate lighting,
large-print media, etc.

BUILDING ATTRIBUTES
A. Types Of Spaces
There are seven broad types of public library space:

Collection space (/space-types/library) (including public electronic workstation space)

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User seating space

Staff work space (/space-types/o ce)
Meeting space (/space-types/conference-
classroom)
Special use space
Non-assignable space (including mechanical
space)

Careful analysis of the following will allow designers to

determine the space needs for the seven general
spaces listed above, which are common to public
libraries:

Identi cation of the library's population of users

Estimation of the collections provided by the
library and the space needed to accommodate
those provisions to meet the future needs of its Reference desk at Issaquah Public Library,
users Issaquah, WA by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Photo Credit: James Frederick House
Estimation of oor space needed to
accommodate seating areas
Estimation of oor space needed by staff
Estimation of oor space needed for meeting rooms
Estimation of miscellaneous public- and staff-use space (special use space)
Estimation of space needed for entry halls, mechanical rooms, bathrooms, etc. (non-
assignable space).

B. Determining The Building's Attributes

The following steps can be used to determine the library's general building attributes. The steps
below do not assess exterior space needs such as parking and site amenities, which vary widely
depending on site selection as determined in the library program.

STEP 1: DETERMINE THE SERVICE POPULATION

A projection of the needs of the design (service) population for 20 years is the start of the library
design process. This design projection will allow the library to serve the future needs of its
population of users and allows the designer to determine the space needed for the preceding
categories of library spaces.

Population estimates can be gathered from local municipalities, county, or regional planning
commissions, or from a state's O ce of Policy and Management. Since most public libraries serve
residents of outlying communities, it is important to include the effect that non-resident use will
have on library space allotments.
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STEP 2: DETERMINE NEEDS FOR COLLECTION SPACE

Since the needs of the design population are projected over 20 years, the collection size must also
respond to the 20-year projection, i.e., collection space must be projected over a 20-year period. In
addition, public libraries should have a "weeding policy" whereby outdated material is omitted from
collections. This will allow additional space for future expansion.

The number of volumes of books, non-print materials (music CDs, audio books, etc.), and
periodicals that are maintained by the library can change from 5 to 25 volumes per square foot
depending on shelf height, aisle width, and the kind of material, whether it's magazines or
encyclopedias.

Calculate Space Needs for Books—As a general rule of thumb, to estimate the square
footage of book storage space (with aisles at least 36 inches wide) divide the total projected
number of volumes by 10. The square footage needed for compact book storage is equal to
the total projected collection divided by 25. For example, if the total projected collection over
20 years is 50,000 volumes, 50,000 divided by 10 equals 5,000 square feet needed to house
the projected collection.

Calculate Space Needs for Non-print Items—To determine the square footage necessary to
store non-print material, divide the total number of non-print items projected over 20 years by
10. For example, if the projected non-print items over 20 years equals 20,000, then 20,000
divided by 10 equals 2,000 square feet of space needed for non-print items over a 20–year
period.

Calculate Space Needs for Periodicals—Use the following formula to determine space
needs for periodicals. Divide the number of current periodicals that will be maintained by the
library by 1.5. That number equals the space in square feet needed to house the current
periodicals. Multiply the number of back issues of periodicals that will be kept in the library
by 0.5. Multiply that number by the average number of years the periodical will be maintained
in the library. That result is the space needed to house back issues. For example, if there are
100 current periodicals, then 100 divided by 1.5 is 67 square feet of space needed for current
periodicals. If the library will house 40 back issues of each title for 5 years, then 40 divided by
0.5 multiplied by 5 years equals 100 square feet of space need for back issues of periodicals.
The square footage needed for current periodicals (67) plus the square footage needed for
back issues (100) equals the total square footage needed for periodicals over a 20–year
period.

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View enlarged plan (/images/public_library_02lg.jpg)

Plan of Burton Barr Phoenix Central Teen Library, Phoenix, AZ by Will Bruder Architects
Photo Credit: Bill Timmerman

View enlarged plan (/images/public_library_03lg.jpg)

Plan of Des Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines, IL by Lohan Associates
Photo Credit: Les Boschke

Obviously, the recommended size of a library's collections (including the number of electronic
workstations needed—see Step 3), will determine how much oor space is needed for the
collections. Some state library agencies or state library associations issue standards that provide
guidance in determining the appropriate collection size. Also note the recommendations regarding
recommended planning processes for public libraries, issued by the Public Library Association, a
division of the American Library Association.

STEP 3: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR ELECTRONIC WORKSTATION SPACE

Work/study desks and tables in the primary library space and in meeting rooms must provide
connections for computers and other devices that utilize two-way communication services, such
as the Internet.

Calculate Space Needs for Public Access Computer Stations (PACs)—PACs consist of a
computer terminal (monitor and hard drive), keyboard, and access to a printer. A PAC station
used from a seated position requires at least 40 square feet. A PAC station used from a
standing position requires at least 20 square feet. PACs can by placed anywhere in the
library. For example, a PAC that can be used by a standing person can be placed near the
entry area and can function only to direct users to particular spaces in the library depending
on the users' inputted needs.

Calculate Space Needs for Computer Workstations—As an alternative, or in addition to

PACs, libraries can provide electronic workstations equipped with two-way communication 
system hook-ups to accommodate users with their own computer equipment. A space of 75
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square feet can be used as a general average for each computer workstation.

Calculate Space Needs for Micro lm or Micro che Workstations—A general rule of thumb
is 35 square feet for each micro lm or micro che workstation.

STEP 4: DETERMINE SPACE NEED FOR USER SEATING

In general, public libraries should provide at
least 5 seats for every 1,000 users in its service
population. As a guide, public libraries that serve
no more than 10,000 users should
accommodate 7 to 10- seats for every 1,000
users. These guides do not include the seats
needed in meeting rooms or staff areas. The
number of seats can be adjusted depending on
the library. For example, if the library is one that
encourages long-term use, i.e., extensive
collections of research materials, then the
number of seats should be in ated. If the library
The Great Reading Room at Burton Barr Phoenix Central
encourages browsing, i.e., latest magazines or Library, Phoenix, AZ by Will Bruder Architects
best sellers, the number of seats needed may Photo Credit: Bill Timmerman
be less.

Calculate Square Footage Needs for User Seating—The square footage needed for user
seating varies depending on the type of seating, i.e., lounge chair, table seating, etc. As a
general rule of thumb, for table seating use 25 square feet per seat; for study carrel seating
use 30 square feet per seat; and for seating in lounge chairs use 35 square feet per seat. As
a general average, designers can use 30 square feet per seat.

To determine total square footage necessary for user seating, subtract the number of PAC
and electronic workstation seats and meeting and conference room seats (if these rooms
are used only for meetings and conferences) from the projected number of total seats. That
number multiplied by 30 is the projected square footage needed for user seating.

STEP 5: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR STAFF WORK AREAS (/SPACE-TYPES/OFFICE)

Staff space should include space for computers for online access to outside resources. Staff
workloads and the number of library staff at each area where library services are provided, i.e.,
reference desk, circulation desk, multimedia stations, are important in determining the space
needed for staff. O ce space for library administrators and staff-only areas (such as staff lounges
or staff eating areas) is an important part of staff space.

Calculate Space Needs for Staff Work Areas—On average, the space needed for staff work 
areas is approximately 150 square feet per work area. Some work areas may be larger than

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others. For example, check-out areas may require

more square footage than help-desk areas. As a
general rule of thumb, the square footage
allotment for staff work areas equals the number
of projected staff areas multiplied by 150.

STEP 6: DETERMINE THE SPACE NEEDS FOR

MEETING ROOMS (/SPACE-
TYPES/CONFERENCE-CLASSROOM)
Many public libraries incorporate meeting space for
library- and community- sponsored meetings or events.
Meeting rooms also serve as staff or library patron
training space. Depending on the library's function as
determined in the library program, Internet connections
and other two-way communication system outlets may
be necessary. Front and circulation desks at Des Plaines Public
Library, Des Plaines, IL by Lohan Associates
Calculate the Space Needs for Meeting Rooms Photo Credit: Les Boschke
—There are two types of seating arrangements
common in public library meeting rooms: theater seating and conference room seating. For
theater, or lecture hall, seating arrangements, the projected square footage needed in the
meeting room equals the number of seats multiplied by 10. For conference room seating, the
projected square footage needed equals the number of seats multiplied by 25. The square
footage needed in meeting rooms targeted for children's activities will require 10 square feet
per seat. Meeting room space does not include other square footage necessary for other
peripheral spaces including a kitchen area in or nearby the meeting room and storage areas
for audiovisual equipment, chairs, tables, etc.

STEP 7: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR SPECIAL-USE AREAS

The need for special-use spaces (such as a history or genealogy room, a job center, or a
community information area) will vary depending on the function of the library as determined in its
written program.

Calculate Space Needs for Special-Use Areas—Some special-use spaces and their required
square footage are included in the table below.

ITEMS IN SPECIAL-USE AREAS* SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIRED PER ITEM

Atlas Stand 35

Bulletin Board 9
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Display Case 50

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ITEMS IN SPECIAL-USE AREAS* SQUARE FOOTAGE REQUIRED PER ITEM

Index Table 140

Map File 35

Micro lm Cabinet 10

Newspaper Rack 25

Paperback Rack 35

Photocopier 50

Staff Locker 4

Vertical Files 10

*The items listed are for example and are an abbreviated list of items that may be included in
the special-use space. Depending on the role of the library as determined in the program, the
number of items and the number of special-use areas may vary.

STEP 8: DETERMINE SPACE NEEDS FOR NON-ASSIGNABLE AREAS (SUCH AS

MECHANICAL ROOMS)
Non-assignable spaces are important for the general operation of the library facility but they are
not a direct part of the services offered by the library. These spaces include mechanical rooms,
bathrooms, entrance halls (/space-types/lobby), corridors, stairs, security rooms, and elevators.
These non-assignable spaces make up 20% to 30% of gross oor area of the library.

Calculate Space Needs for Non-Assignable Areas—The square footage needed for non-
assignable space equals the total square footage of steps 2 through 7, divided by 4.

EMERGING ISSUES
Computer technology continues to affect the way
libraries function and, as a result, the way they are
planned and designed. As a result, the electric and
wiring needs of modern-day public libraries must
accommodate changing technology. Today, public
libraries must be able to support wired and wireless
connections to digital communications from networks
within and from outside the library. Outside digital
communication systems include the Internet, area
networks, public telephone networks, and networks The Seattle Public Library features wireless
accessed through digital service providers (such as communications technologies, allowing staff 
members to provide support to patrons without
cable companies) that utilize copper wire, cable,
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wireless, or ber-optic capabilities. See also WBDG being bound to a reference desk.
Productive—Integrate Technological Tools (/design-
objectives/productive/integrate-technological-tools).

The recommended wiring capability of modern public libraries is Category 5 (CAT 5) wiring
optimized for 1,000BASE–T using RJ45 connectors. Exterior-mounted satellite dishes may also be
a consideration in some library programs.

Circuits and electrical outlets should be plentiful so that changing technology can be supported.
Dedicated circuits for computers and surge protection for electronic workstations and PACs
should be incorporated into the design of library spaces.

Another emerging technology—radio frequency identi cation (RFID)—is coming to the library
market in the form of charging and security systems that are easier to con gure into patron self-
service stations, allowing some libraries to radically reconsider the organization of functions at the
entry. Some public libraries that have adopted RFID-based patron self-charge systems have been
able to position circulation functions—traditionally in a prominent entry location—to the sides,
allowing a newly-prominent information desk to become the centerpiece of the library's entry. This
in turn changes the patron's experience of the entry and the character of the space.

Still other libraries-notably the recently—opened Seattle Public Library—are using wireless
communications technologies to allow library staff members to roam through the stacks and
reader seating, without being bound to a reference desk, the better to provide support to patrons at
the point of contact.

Sustainable design (/design-objectives/sustainable) should be a

part of every library program so that the building can function
e ciently without wasting energy during its lifetime. Below is a
checklist to ensure that public libraries incorporate sustainable
design. See WBDG Sustainable Branch (/design-
objectives/sustainable) for more guidance on sustainable design.

Is the building designed and constructed in ways that

preserve the natural outdoor environment and promote a
healthful indoor habitat?

Is the building designed to avoid adversely impacting the

natural state of the air, land, and water, by using resources
and methods that minimize pollution and waste?

Is the building designed to maximize passive and natural

sources of heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting? See
WBDG Passive Solar Heating (/resources/passive-solar- Daylighting (/resources/daylighting)
heating), High–Performance HVAC (/resources/high- employed in the children's area at Des
performance-hvac), Natural Ventilation (/resources/natural- Plaines Public Library, Des Plaines, IL, 
ventilation), and Daylighting (/resources/daylighting).

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Are innovative strategies and technologies employed such by Lohan Associates

Photo Credit: Les Boschke
as porous paving to conserve water, reduce e uent and
run-off, thus recharging the water table?

Is the project planned to reduce the need for individual automobiles, use alternative fuels,
and encourage public and alternate modes of transportation?

Is the building constructed and operated using materials, methods, and mechanical and
electrical systems that ensure a healthful indoor air quality (/design-
objectives/sustainable/enhance-indoor-environmental-quality) while avoiding contamination
by carcinogens, volatile organic compounds, fungi, molds, bacteria, and other known toxins?

Are the HVAC system's outdoor air intakes located as high as possible above the ground and
far enough away from the exhaust ducts to reduce the intake of ground level air pollution?

Are stainless-steel-strip bird guards installed over the horizontal rooftop outdoor air intakes
to prevent birds from settling on the grating and polluting the shafts below?

Does the HVAC have an e ciency air ltration system with pre- lters and nal lters at 30 %
and 85% e ciency respectively?

Are air lters designed to be easy to access and clean and/or replace? See WBDG
Sustainable O&M Practices (/resources/sustainable-om-practices).

Has the exposed berglass within the HVAC system been encapsulated to eliminate
ampli cation sites for fungal and bacterial micro-organisms?

Is the rate of ventilation with outdoor air at least 25 cubic feet per minute?

Are copy rooms and similar spaces that emit possibly toxic substances equipped with their
own dedicated air exhaust systems?

Is particleboard that emits formaldehyde emissions prohibited in the building? See

Evaluating and Selecting Green Products (/resources/evaluating-and-selecting-green-
products).

Is furniture constructed without particleboard that emits formaldehyde? See WBDG

Evaluating and Selecting Green Products (/resources/evaluating-and-selecting-green-
products).

Are only solvent-free paints speci ed for the project? See WBDG Evaluating and Selecting
Green Products (/resources/evaluating-and-selecting-green-products).

Are low-emitting, solvent-free adhesives speci ed for the project? See WBDG Evaluating and
Selecting Green Products (/resources/evaluating-and-selecting-green-products).

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RELEVANT CODES AND STANDARDS

Model Building Codes that may apply include the following (check with local building departments
for code requirements):

ICC IBC International Building Code (http://www.iccsafe.org/codes-tech-

support/codes/2015-i-codes/ibc/)

Note: Some states have their own state-written building codes. In addition, some localities have
their own local codes. State and local building departments are the best resource for applicable
codes.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (https://www.ada.gov/)

American with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) (https://www.access-
board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/buildings-and-sites/about-the-ada-
standards/background/adaag)
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) (https://www.access-board.gov/the-
board/laws/architectural-barriers-act-aba)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WBDG
BUILDING TYPES
Educational Facilities (/building-types/educational-facilities), Libraries (/building-types/libraries)

SPACE TYPES
Conference / Classroom (/space-types/conference-classroom), General Storage (/space-
types/general-storage), Library (/space-types/library), Lobby (/space-types/lobby), O ce (/space-
types/o ce)

DESIGN OBJECTIVES
Accessible (/design-objectives/accessible), Aesthetics (/design-objectives/aesthetics), Functional
/ Operational (/design-objectives/functional-operational), Historic Preservation (/design-
objectives/historic-preservation), Productive (/design-objectives/productive), Secure / Safe
(/design-objectives/secure-safe), Sustainable (/design-objectives/sustainable)

BUILDING COMMISSIONING
Building Commissioning (/building-commissioning)
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Associations
American Library Association (ALA) (http://www.ala.org/)
Public Library Association (PLA) (http://www.ala.org/pla/)

Publications
The Design and Evaluation of Public Library Buildings by Nolan Lushington and James M.
Kusack. Hamden, CT: Library Professional Publications, 1991.
Determining Your Public Library's Future Size: A Needs Assessment Planning Model by Lee B.
Brawner and Donald K. Beck. Chicago, IL: American Library Association, 1996.
Library Facility Siting and Location Handbook by Christine M. Koontz. Westport, CT:
Greenwood Press, 1997.
Planning the Small Library Facility, 2nd ed. by Anders C. Dahlgren. Chicago, IL: American
Library Association, 1996.
Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline
(https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/ les/imce/pld/pdf/plspace.pdf)  by Anders C. Dahlgren.
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Public Library Development, 2009.

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