Academic Libraries As High-Tech Gateways: A Guide to Design and Space Decisions

A guide to building or remodeling a library as a complete information center which will accomodate computer hardware, software, electronic networks and communication systems as well as the printed page. The authors present a planning process to help librarians make design and space decisions for maximum use of modern communication technology. Illustrated with photographs and drawings. With chapter notes, a bibliography and index. xvi, 180, 2 pages. paper wrappers.. 8vo..

In response to the changing nature of the university library, these two titles advocate the need for flexibility in library design. Academic Libraries as High-Tech Gateways provides a timely discussion on preparing for the library of the future and on the librarian's role in the teaching of electronic research skills. Librarians Bazillion and Braun predict that the future academic library will be centered around patrons who will bring their personal notebook computers into the library, requiring all study areas to be fully accessible to library and campus networks. Specific information is given on lighting, furniture, equipment, and interior design; numerous black-and-white photographs help illustrate design suggestions. The significant bibliography and the focus on the role of the computer in library planning make this volume valuable reading for any academic librarian. Planning Additions to Academic Library Buildings originated as a Library Administration and Management Association (LAMA) presentation at the American Library Association's 1993 annual conference. This volume provides brief information on three academic libraries and their building additions. Each case study presents a short history of the individual library's need to expand library space, basic floor plans of the new design, and a brief discussion of a few of the problems encountered during the building process. For librarians actively involved in library construction plans, the most helpful section of this book may be the listing of librarians and architects who recently worked on building projects. Unfortunately, most of the information here is too case-specific or too brief to be of much help in the planning process.?Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida at St. Petersburg Lib.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.