Buildings for Library and Information Services: Some International Concerns and Comparisons, 1980-1991

Abstract

A description and analysis of the four seminars and the three study tours organized by the IFLA Section on Library Buildings and Equipment, 1980-1991, and attended by the author. The themes chosen for the seminars can be seen as planning and design issues of international concern to librarians, architects and others during the period covered: viz., interior design and layout; library buildings in the network context; the adaptation of buildings to library use; preparing for the planning and design of a library building; the control of capital and maintenance costs of library buildings and equipment. Inaugurated in 1988, the countries chosen for the three study tours—Finland, Sweden and Germany—reflect an international view of their reputation for good library design and the example they provide for others. The article concludes with comments on a number of topics raised by the study tours, such as, the architect and librarian relationship, building form, colour, study cartels, and children's libraries.