About the Book
With the wish to heighten their profile, modernize their environment and increase use, libraries in the UK have refurbished and, where necessary and possible, extended their existing buildings. Although much has been achieved in this regard across the UK, more continues and needs to be accomplished.
The case-studies in this book provide librarians, architects and others with examples of what has been undertaken and highlight the policies, processes, design issues – and the problems that have been overcome – leading to successful library refurbishments. While the case studies are mainly drawn from the UK and cover a variety of library types, the book has wider international appeal and includes case studies drawn from Ireland, Sweden and the USA.
Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; Introduction: renewing our libraries – forces for change, Michael Dewe; Part 1 Heritage Library Buildings – Enhancing the Past for the Present: Leek library, Staffordshire: listed, linked and limited – opening up service and perception in a Victorian building, Hilary Jackson and Alan Medway; Long Eaton library, Derbyshire: an art nouveau gem reborn, Robert Gent and Don Gibbs; Torquay library, Torbay: refurbishing an art deco style building, Katie Lusty. Part 2 New Styles of Provision – Widening the Library Role: Winchester Discovery Centre, Hampshire: discovery centre and more, Richard Ward; National Library of Wales: the visitor experience project, Mark Mainwaring. Part 3 Remaking University Libraries – Creating Modern Learning and Research Environments: Kenrick library, Birmingham City University: from dismal to a dynamic refurbishment, Judith Andrews; Glasgow University library: from book warehouse to lighthouse for study, Helen Durndell; Hartley library, University of Southampton: from accretion to integration, 2002–2007, Mark Brown and Richard Wake. Part 4 Extending the Library – Modernizing and Adding Space: Dublin City library and archive: from concept to reality, Deirdre Ellis-King; The London library: changing to stay the same but expansion and renewal, Inez T.P.A. Lynn; Malmö city library, Sweden: beauty vs. efficiency – planning for user and staff needs, Gunilla Petterson; Waterford central library: a space for all, Jane Cantwell. Part 5 Library Refurbishment Programmes – Forging Templates for Building Renewal: Barnsley central library: there and back – remaking libraries, Kathryn Green, Jane Lee and Wendy Mann; Coalville, Birstall and Enderby libraries, Leicestershire: case studies in renewal, Margaret Bellamy; North Yorkshire libraries: creating a new library brand, Julie Blaisdale; Lowestoft, Stowmarket, Lakenheath and Felixstowe libraries, Suffolk: refurbishments that are prize-winners, Mike Ellwood. Part 6 (1) Snapshots: Some Refurbishment Case Studies In Brief (2) Case Studies Reviewed: Snapshots: some refurbishment case studies in brief, Michael Dewe and Alan Clark; Case studies reviewed, Michael Dewe; Bibliography; Index.
About the Author :
Michael Dewe had extensive experience at senior level in public libraries and latterly as a University Lecturer in the Department of Information Studies at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Wales. As well as a long-standing commitment to writing and lecturing about library buildings, he also acted as a consultant both in the UK and abroad. Actively involved with the IFLA Section on Library Buildings and Equipment for a number of years, he was also a member of the judging panel for the Public Library Building Awards scheme from 1995 to 2003.
Michael Dewe; Hilary Jackson, Alan Medway; Robert Gent, Don Gibbs; Katie Lusty, Richard Ward; Mark Mainwaring, Judith Andrews; Helen Durndell; Mark Brown, Richard Wake, Deirdre Ellis-King;, Inez T.P.A. Lynn; Gunilla Petterson; Jane Cantwell, Kathryn Green, Jane Lee, Wendy Mann, Margaret Bellamy; Julie Blaisdale; Mike Ellwood, Alan Clark.
Review :
'Today's library users expect modern services, provided from well designed and welcoming spaces. This collection of well-chosen, detailed case studies shows librarians and architects how yesterday's buildings can be transformed into the libraries of the future.'
'Today’s library users expect modern services, provided from well designed and welcoming spaces. This collection of well-chosen, detailed case studies shows librarians and architects how yesterday’s buildings can be transformed into the libraries of the future.'
Ian Snowley, British Library, UK
'… this is a book that anyone setting out on a library refurbishment project should read.'
The Irish Library, 2010
'…everyone involved with modernising and raising the profile of any library must read Renewing our Libraries – and this includes architects, financial consultants and facilities managers, as well as library professionals.'
Australian Library Journal, November 2009
'... the author has produced timely and engaging work on renewing and modernising libraries of all types. He brings a wide knowledge and experience to the subject and writes lucidly and with commendable lack of jargon. The well chosen case studies of library buildings whilst mostly British, illuminate and expand one's professional knowledge of this area and should enhance most librarians' understanding and competence to deal with this growing sector of professional practice.'
New Library World, 2011
