Architecture of library building in library management
Library activity is a specialised activity and it should be designed so as to carry out this activity efficiently in a congenial environment. The library design should be based upon and correlated with the functions and services of the library. Just as a temple, a church, or a hospital has a distinctive architecture-both internal and external- the library is also a specialised institution, and its individuality should be reflected in its architecture. But above all its design should aim at bringing about economy in administration and optimise its operation. For the sake of economy the stack areas may have low ceilings (2.5 m), compared to the other areas (3.75 in). For effect, the lobby may have higher ceiling. Above all, library requires floor stronger than other office buildings to withstand load of stocks. While planning and execution of plan for a library building, it should be ensured that load bearing capacity of floor (1500 kg/sq m), floor height (not less than 8 ft), avoiding interior load bearing walls; quiet comfortable and attracting reading rooms, simplicity, efficiency, economy, comfort, flexibility and functional usefulness of the building are as per standards.The preliminary considerations should lead to a proper written proposal/programme and that in term should 'get translated into working drawings and specifications for the requisite building.