Chapter 12 Buildings and ADA |Next Chapter | Return to Table of Contents
Increasingly the stature of libraries will depend on their physical appearance and the public’s perception of them as desirable public spaces. The appearance, functionality, safety and accessibility of the library building is the shared responsibility of the board and the library director. This responsibility involves monitoring existing facilities and, when necessary and appropriate, planning and budgeting for renovation or construction of facilities.
Facility Evaluations
Desirable public space encompasses these key elements:
- Ease of access – streets, walkways, and parking lots lead you here
- Comfort and image – users are drawn here, they want to be here
- Uses & Activities – there are materials and programs that people want
- Sociability – the staff has the welcome mat out
One of the best ways to evaluate your library building and its usefulness is to conduct a periodic evaluation of library facilities with the help of a professional library building consultant or a qualified building engineer or librarians from other communities. On a more informal scale, the board and staff can take the pulse of their building by walking through the front door and imagining this is their first visit to the library. Some libraries use the services of "secret shoppers". The information gleaned from the building walk-around should be integrated into the library's long-range plan. Some questions to ask:
- What is your initial impression? How do your library facilities shape up?
- Are there obvious space needs? Could you add new services?
- What is the age and condition of the building's heating and cooling system?
- Is this facility ready to serve 21st century customers?
Funding a Building Program
Municipal and county government authorities may raise taxes for the construction of library facilities or issue bonds pending approval from voters. Many agencies plan for capital expenses by putting aside a reserve fund over a number of years. Most libraries, however, find it necessary to mount a fundraising campaign to fully fund construction and acquire new materials and furnishings. The board and director
must coordinate the efforts of private fundraising groups, such as, Friends and foundations, to ensure a positive, unified campaign.
Currently, there are no federal or state monies earmarked for library construction. Many communities have successfully applied for Community Development Block Grants (CBDG) through their county planning associations. For more information on CDBG, contact the State of Utah, Division of Housing and Community Development.
ADA and Building Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (PL 101-336) is a federal law passed in 1990. The law provides that all people, including those who have disabilities, have essentially the same rights of access to public buildings and services. Title I requires equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in state and local government buildings and services, including public library buildings and services.
Building Modifications
The law requires "reasonable" modifications to buildings. The law permits buildings to remain unchanged if the modifications would be too costly, as long as the plan indicates that the problems are to be resolved if remodeling is undertaken or a new building is built.
Inside the library
Federal specifications indicate that all public areas of the building should be accessible to someone who uses a wheelchair. However, if a staff person should become disabled, or a person with a disability is hired, all staff areas would have to be modified to make them accessible as well. The federal law indicates that certain types of permanent directional signs must be in braille.
Library Services
Reading and Study Areas –A certain percentage of the seating area must be accessible to people using wheelchairs so that they can sit at a table. Specific clearances must be allowed between pieces of furniture so people who use wheelchairs can move between them.
Checkout Areas –At least one part of the checkout desk has to be a specific height for people who use wheelchairs. Security gates must accommodate wheelchairs.
Library Catalogs –There is a maximum height for card catalogs. There must be accessible workstations for use of an online catalog. (Though not addressed in the 1990 technical guidelines, this point falls under the need to make services accessible.)
Magazine and Reference Areas –There must be access to these areas for people who use wheelchairs, and there is a maximum height for shelving in these areas.
Book Stacks –There is not a maximum height for the general book stacks, but the library staff must accommodate people by helping them get the materials they need. There are width specifications between the book stacks, and there must be a turn radius at the end of each one.