Sarah Houghton speaks for WTTW.

1. Assessing Library
Facility Needs in the
21st Century
Sarah Houghton
Director, San Rafael Public Library

2. Let’s start with the
messy questions

3. Is the Internet taking
the place of libraries?

4. If we continue to
need library service,
why not plan a fully
virtual library for the
future?

5. How do you start to
assess your library’s
future facility needs?

6. Evaluate limitations
and constraints to
service

12. So where do you
start?

13. Project your future
population and
service needs

14. Lot size vs.
building size

15. Wisconsin Department of
Public Instruction’s “Public
Library Space Needs:
A Planning Outline”
http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/files/pld/pdf/plspace.pdf

16. 6 Types of Library
Space
1) Collections
2) Customer seating
3) Staff work space
4) Meeting rooms
5) Special use space (for photocopiers, book
returns, displays, etc.)
6) Non-assignable space (for vestibules, furnace
rooms, rest rooms, and the like)

18. 10 Considerations for
Renovations,
Remodels, and New
Buildings

19. 1) Ease of access

20. 2) High visibility

21. 3) Adequate parking

22. 4) Convenience

23. 5) Access for youth

24. 6) Views

25. 7) Sustainability

26. 8) Landscaping

27. 9) Expandability

28. 10) Good neighbors

29. 10 Things Our
Customers Want

30. 1) Attractive

31. 2) Large

32. 3) Bright

33. 4) Civic-minded

34. 5) Customer friendly

35. 6) Technologically
advanced

36. 7) Environmentally
sensitive

37. 8) Flexible

38. 9) Efficient

39. 10) Cost Effective

40. Resources
Determining Your Public Library’s Future
Size: A Needs Assessment & Planning Model.
Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space
Planning the Small Library Facility
Wisconsin Library Building Project Handbook
Libraries Designed for Users: A 21st Century Guide
Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations

41. Sarah Houghton
librarianinblack@gmail.com
@TheLiB