Massachusetts Public Library Trustees Handbook

Library Facilities Planning
	Chapter 5. Planning

Library Facilities Planning

The library's physical plant is key to both a successful and efficient operation of the library and the effective implementation of a library's mission. A building which supports programs and services is of much greater benefit to the community than one which limits these. Both the trustees and the library staff have a responsibility to continually review the adequacy of the facilities. The library facility should be viewed in total. Often in correcting minor problems, major ones are created. Therefore, it is essential that a comprehensive facilities plan for improvements be established and implemented.

If this review indicates inadequacies, the trustees should lead the initiative to have them corrected either by maintenance, remodeling, renovation, additions or new construction. Chapter 12 of this Handbook discusses in greater detail new construction and renovation.

Conducting a Facilities Review: Factors to Consider

Adequacy of patron service areas, i.e. reference, children's
Physical accessibility for disabled persons
Shelving capacity
Energy efficiency
Adequacy of staff work areas, i.e. cataloging, administration
Ability to meet state, federal and local standards and codes
Maintenance on a regular basis
Adequacy of program space
Ability to handle new technologies
Lighting
Signage
Security
Parking
Reasonableness of location of library for optimal community access
Appropriateness of structure and ability to house modern library services.

Once the review has been completed, the trustees and staff should develop a plan to correct the identified deficiencies. These could range from the preparation of a budget request for painting to the development of a major building program. Many corrections can be made to facilities without implementing a major construction project and can be requested through the normal municipal budget process. It is important for trustees to support and advocate building maintenance so that the facility does not deteriorate, resulting in the need for an even greater municipal appropriation.

What are Trustees' Responsibilities?

Provide support and assistance to the library director and staff in reviewing the present library facilities and developing a building program plan.
Obtain an appropriation and/or identify sources of funds necessary to support the implementation of written recommendations included in the program plan.
Represent community needs and interests and ensure that they are included in the development of the library facility.
Promote and develop a library facility that adequately supports the library's programs and services.
Commit to an annual review and reevaluation of the building and its facilities.

Materials and consulting services regarding building program plans are available through your regional library system and at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.


Disaster Planning		Sample Board Calendar