The library brief outlines the requirements of a library service and the new or extended building.
The brief will be used to inform discussion and more detailed planning with the architect and design team.
The process of writing a brief will grow out of the needs analysis and will evolve through the planning process. At the outset it is important to focus on the bigger picture and set clear and achievable targets in the form of a mission statement. The brief is much more than just the allocation of space within the building.
Examples from previous library projects may assist in understanding the content and format of architectural briefs. Architects and library staff can work together to write the library brief. Consider engaging an architect to prepare the brief as a separate exercise to the final selection of the design architect.
Spatial planning at the initial design phases will challenge and verify briefed areas, which may alter. The brief is therefore not a static document and will be read in conjunction with schematic/design development reports and space data sheets as the building phases progress.
Functional area schedule
A functional area schedule provides a guide to the type of functional areas that may be included in a public library. Each area, its size and possible location within the library will vary from building to building depending on the type of services the library provides and the needs of the local community. There may be other specific functional areas required in your library building project which have emerged from analysis of the community’s needs. The functional areas listed below, included in the design briefs, should be considered when planning and designing a public library building.
Campsie Library
Campsie Library
Campsie Library
Collections
Reference collection – can be combined with non-fiction
Fiction collection
Non-fiction collection
Specialist collections (Local Studies, Community Languages and Indigenous collections)
Large print collection
Children’s collection
Young adult collection
Audiovisual collection
Special genre collection, e.g. business, gardening
Reading and seating
Newspaper and magazine lounge
Individual study areas
Individual seating areas including laptop use
Lounge areas
Group study areas
Meeting spaces
Customer service
Service desk
Self-check
Reference, information, roving service points
Community information and display
Council and community services
Additional service desks – these might be needed for some libraries, for example local studies, toy library, tech help
Public access computers
Public access computers with Internet
OPACS
Children and youth
Children’s activity area
Children’s storytelling
Young adult area
Games area
Toy library
Specialist options
Specialist genre areas
Specialist local and family history area
Specialist storage and archive
Digitisation area
IT training room
AV areas
Mixing, recording and graphics studios
Staff areas
Woollahra Library at Double Bay
Staff work room
Staff work room storage
Staff toilets, showers and lockers
Staff kitchen and breakout area
Staff meeting areas
Staff outdoor area
Ancillary, circulation and amenities
Foyer, corridors
Additional space for vertical circulation
Scanners, photocopiers, printers
Toilets and parents’ room
Plant room
Server room
Out of hours access
Public lockers and shelving
Cleaner’s storage
Loading and delivery
Additional services
Café
Outdoor area/courtyard
Community services
Community kitchen
Meeting rooms, lecture rooms, auditorium, multipurpose space, function room
