My Church is going to construct a new building within the next 1 1/2 years that will house a new and larger library. I have been told that I will need to work with the architech firm in the layout and setup. Does anyone know of resources available for this type of project either through Lifeway or other resources?
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Definitley be sure to have a work area/office out of the public area. It's so much nicer to have someplace where you can receive materials, spread them out, do repairs, processing, etc. and perhaps even temporarily store excess donations, as well as store supplies, and seasonal decorations, etc., because those things or projects tend to be messy at times. Keeping the clutter out of the view of your borrowers will be much nicer.
You might also want an area within the office for hanging a few coats or sweaters, plus a cabinet for purses, and a secure area for money, if you charge fines, or sell things on a regular basis. You might also want a counter for a printer/copier. Depending on the size of your library, you might want a small restroom (especially if your location is a distance from the regular restrooms), or just a small sink for washing hands or filling a coffee or tea maker. You might want a window so you can see into the library from the office.
Be sure that your room(s) are wi-fi so that both your library team and guests can bring in laptops. Depending on the size and needs of your church, this area could also serve as an additional meeting room on occasion, which might just be the bonus use that gets you approved and funded for a bigger area. Trustees have a tendency to think small when it comes to libraries.
You might also want to contact a Christian university near you and find out what new technologies they are using or planning for and decide if those trends will be what your clientele will be expecting in a few years as well. They would probably be happy to have you tour their library.
Great to hear about your new space!! Sandra mentioned an out of print resource that LifeWay did several years ago. Literally, as I write here, I am working with our Text Management area and web site area to post that book on our Church Library web site. Probably won't be up and running for another couple of weeks. It will be a free download. I will announce when it is ready through the CLN and through our March eNewsletter.
Happy planning!!
Not necessarily for the footprint of the room as far as the dimensions go, but I have used Gaylord for a free space analysis. If you can send them the blueprints/measurements for the space, they can design a library space for you (taking into consideration your wants/needs). Of course, all the items listed are theirs. But you would have all the item numbers once you get a design that you are comfortable with, and you can then find comparable items from any number of library supply companies to do comparison shopping for your budget. http://www.gaylord.com/librarydesign.asp? if you are interested.
It would be very good if you have the opportunity to have input into the layout and setup for your new space!
There are some basics about space in the resource Church Library Ministry Information Service, Broadman & Holman Publishers, c2004, pages 33-37. This resource is available through LifeWay (Click the LifeWay ad in the sidebar of this page.) There are also some out-of print resources which might give you more details about lighting and other environmental concerns. I think we could share copies of pages with you,
If you have an opportunity to visit other church libraries, take pictures and talk with librarians to see what works in their library and what they wish had been done differently, or what they would like to add if the opportunity was presented. Looking at the pictures on this website might be helpful, too. There are also some drawings of shelving and furniture in the out-of-print resource which I believe we could send to you.
Remember that the people making the plans are not always aware of the special needs of the church library and you may have to prepare drawings to let them "see" your ideas. Research, Research, Research and Pray, Pray, Pray!