Core ALA Annual Preconference: Capital Improvements Project Management for Libraries: The Tools you Need to Build a Better Library Space

CHICAGO—Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures will host the full-day session “Capital Improvements Project Management for Libraries: The Tools you Need to Build a Better Library Space " on Friday, June 26, 2026, during the 2026 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago, IL. This preconference dives into design and construction project management for libraries, exploring the process from concept to close. Topics include predesign and the development of needs assessments and project programs, selecting project delivery methods, design process milestones, and construction administration. Specific project examples will foster discussion and interaction throughout the day, and attendees will have the opportunity to take a deeper look at their personal project scenarios from a new perspective.

At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

1. successfully prepare administrative documentation to support the initial planning stages of projects:
2. have a realistic understanding of what to expect during their capital improvement projects and how to use the strategies presented to efficiently manage each stage throughout design and construction.
3. accurately translate project goals and objectives to consultants, design, and construction teams, and communicate effectively in a cross-discipline settings.

Agenda:

8:00am-8:30am - Welcome & Intros

8:30am - 10:00am - Section 1 (90mins)

• Intro/background on capital improvement projects’ overall timelines and structure

• Pre-design including four major areas: Needs Assessment; Program Development, Budget Development; Project Delivery Preparation

10:00am-10:15am - Morning Break

10:15am-11:30am - Section 2 (75 mins)

• Project Delivery Preparation and Methods, including: overview of site selection, project delivery methods, and hiring teams

11:30am-1:00pm - Lunch Break

1:00pm-2:15pm - Section 3 (75 mins)

• Design Process Overview, including: timing, milestones, value engineering, and communication/decision making procedures

• Construction administration for libraries

2:15pm-2:30pm - Afternoon Break

2:30pm-3:30pm - Section 4 (1 hr)

• Planning for the unexpected

• Communicating with your teams, both within the library and external teams

3:30pm-4:00pm -Wrap Up & Additional Q+A & Contact Info

Capital Improvements Project Management for Libraries: The Tools you Need to Build a Better Library Space

Friday, June 26, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration

Core Member Discount: Early/Advance: $239  |  Standard: $289
ALA Member: Early/Advance: $279  |  Standard: $319
Non-Member: Early/Advance: $319  |  Standard: $369

View the complete schedule of the 2026 Core Annual preconferences, programs, and events.

For questions or comments related to Core continuing education events, please contact Core CE staff at corece@ala.org.

About Core

Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is the national association that advances the profession of librarians and information providers in central roles of leadership and management, collections and technical services, and technology. Our mission is to cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy, and learning. Core is a division of the American Library Association. Follow us on our Blog, Instagram and LinkedIn.