Acoustic design of today's library

Abstract

Modern libraries are very different from past libraries, offering multiple services and having wildly different acoustic requirements. Reviewed are new uses and functional requirements: more than just a traditional information resource, the library features information sharing, collaboration, dissemination and production as a media centre. A brief history of library design is provided. Over decades, library design philosophy has evolved which has provided its own challenges. Modern building design presents more challenges; adding in the new users and uses—which even vary by age group, the acoustic designer now faces enormous challenges. Acoustic design measures are reviewed and found wanting: new measures are needed. Case studies show the variety of uses, novel design solutions and highlight how a detailed knowledge of actual users and uses is required to allow all the functions to more-or-less comfortably co-exist.