An updated introduction to planning a new library building

CHICAGO — Drawing on the expertise of authors Ayub Khan and Stella Thebridge from time spent on library projects around the world, the new second edition of “Better by Design: An Introduction to Planning and Designing a New Library Building,” published by Facet Publishing and available through the ALA Store, charts a readable path through everything from the planning of a new library to major refurbishment or the remodeling of a current library. It clearly explains the library design language and processes needed by professionals overseeing any project, and discusses such essential aspects as ensuring cost-effectiveness, eco-efficiencies, improved service, and positive community impact. Fully revised and updated, it includes coverage of:

• the need for flexible and adaptable library spaces;
• the environmental impact of building design, construction, and use;
• the trend towards multi-use, multi-purpose buildings to serve community, cultural, and educational needs;
• a customer-centered approach to service delivery;
• heightened focus on health and wellbeing for all stakeholders;
• the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and customer access needs on the design and layout of a library; and
• the rapid growth of digital services.

Khan is Head of Universal Services for Warwickshire County Council where he leads several public-facing departments, including Libraries and Communities, Heritage and Culture, and Archives. He has undertaken a number of library new-build and refurbishment projects and is currently working on a project to build a new library and cultural center in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. He is President of Libraries Connected and a Fellow and past President of CILIP. He is on the governing board of IFLA, and a member of its Library Buildings Committee. In 2013, he was awarded an MBE for his services to libraries and communities. Thebridge retired from Warwickshire County Council at the end of December 2020, where she was a Principal Librarian in Warwickshire Libraries. She has numerous publications to her name in the sphere of librarianship, most recently chapters on library services to children and young people in the five-yearly volumes of “British Librarianship and Information Work.” She was a member of the Association of Senior Children's and Education Librarians in the UK (ASCEL) for many years and Chair from 2018 to 2020. She was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours of 2021 for her work in libraries in Warwickshire and nationally.

Facet Publishing, the commercial publishing and bookselling arm of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is the leading publisher of books for library and information professionals worldwide. Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, order direct from the ALA Store. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.