See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/353211306

LIBRARY BUILDING: PLANNING, PRINCIPLE & STANDARDS IN THE

PERSPECTIVE OF 21 ST CENTURY

Chapter · July 2021

CITATIONS READS

0 6,844

1 author:

Hafijull Mondal
Elitte Institute of Engineering and Management
36 PUBLICATIONS   6 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Advancement and Utilizing of 21st centuries Library services in developing countries View project

Library science technology, Modern Library service View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Hafijull Mondal on 13 July 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

LM001
LIBRARY BUILDING: PLANNING, PRINCIPLE & STANDARDS IN THE
PERSPECTIVE OF 21ST CENTURY

Hafijull Mondal
Assistant Librarian
Elitte Institute of Engineering and Management
Sodepur, West Bengal, Kolkata-700113
Email-hafijullmondal@gmail.com

Abstract
The construction of a library building is of initial and foremost step for designing a library or
info centre because it cannot exist while not a correct building. The library building ought to be
planned. The outside ought to be invitatory and therefore the interior ought to be engaging. The
building ought to be useful and at identical time aesthetic. It ought to be useful one providing
enough area for varied functions to fulfill the wants. The library building conjointly ought to be
standard and will have the availability of future growth. New coming up with principles square
measure needed to fulfill the dynamic wants of the users of the library of the longer term. The
digital revolution has modified the looks of today’s libraries entirely. The bulk of today’s data
resources square measure of a non-physical nature and accessing data is additional varied and
complicated. The normal role as quality keeper is one in every of several tasks these days. In this
chapter briefly discussed about why library building should be well planned with basic principle
of library building design and some standards of library building design. Finally a discussion
about space allocation, utilization and management with some new areas in modern library
Keywords: Library building design, Need and Principles of Library Building Design, Library
Building Standards, Space Allocation, Utilization and Management
Introduction:
Library building is one amongst the necessary factors required for the event of the libraries.
Library is a growing organism. It grows in all spares of service and resources, i.e., staff,
collection and buildings. The space requirement is a primary need and it is determined by its
purpose. Two questions come in mind, what work is to be done in the building, and what service
it will render. Even constructing our privatehouse, we consider the family members house
holdings, function of the family and the future programs, e.g., sleeping, eating, bringing up a
family, recreation, quite and noisy space, indoor and outdoor and various likings of the persons.

1
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

Similarly, libraries have different nature-public, academic, children, adult, research, business
etc., different collection-reference, non book material, photographic equipments, different
services-reference services, computer service, photo-graphic service, lending service, inter-
library loan service etc., different readers-scientists, general public, research scholars, blinds,
general students, laborers, children’s, women etc., different staff technical staff, non-technical
staff, semi-technical staff etc. It is very difficult to estimate the space requirement from the point
of one aspect, by visitors or readers, but it should be decided from various points of views.

There is difference between works on the screen and behind the screen, services-indoor or
outdoor. Architect cannot draw an exact time of space demand until unless he consults the
librarian and the persons attached to the library services. All libraries have basically similar
library pattern of organization which makes the library functional. Library differs in them
functions. The functions of youngster’s libraries are going to be completely different thereupon
of adult libraries and therefore the faculty libraries. A college library needs a reading room, and a
university library needs a seminar room in addition to more reading room.

Literature review:

The regulatory bodies of professional education such as AICTE, MCI etc. in India also prescribe
various norms and standards for library as the role of library in ensuring quality professional
education is pivotal (Rathinasabapathy,2014). Growing environmental concerns in recent
decades have caused the call for sustainability of buildings. Sustainable design needs to achieve
the saving of energy and resources in the production and maintenance of a building. Running
costs for energy and maintenance of a public building (based on an economic life-cycle of 50-
100 years) are much higher than the actual procurement costs (Bundesamt, 2001).As the
architects for the new Aarhus DOKK1 explains, the library is ‘a place where the life of the city
unfolds’. Design is an important way of bringing about this change, and architects and interior
designers will play a key role in the transformation of public libraries from a warehousefor books
into a gathering space for people.According to Met Calf “Architectural property and aesthetics
are the basis and should not be completely subordinated to functional aspects of buildings. But
the beauty of building should not interfere with its satisfactory operation”. Dr. Harish Chandra
(2006): The present paper highlights the background about IIT Madras and the Central Library
with brief statistical profile. Various reasons for the construction of new library building for the
Central Library, the composition of Library Building Committee, the completion of two phases
of Library Building, key facts about the Library Building, major facilities and the areas of
Library Buildings are also discusses. Selected distinguished features like the usage of walkway
on level- II, retention of old Banyan tree, landscaping, high ceiling foyer are also described in
detail. Dennis Ocholla (1997): Library Review > Volume 46 issue 1 > She state that the
construction and development of a library building depends on the management of building
development and construction processes and in various environments it is not similar because of
the magnitude, functions, location, materials used, cost and of course use of the buildings.
Similarly, building processes depend on the magnitude of financial involvement, the
management of the building process, architecture, construction processes and environmental
factors associated with location, politics, economics and culture.

Objective of the study

2
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

 Explain the need for planning a library building/ set up;

 Planning a Library Building
 preparation of a library programme or proposal;
 Basic Principles of Library Building Design
 Describe some of the standards and specifications necessary for physical planning of
a library.
 Space Allocation, Utilization and Management.
 New areas in modern library

Function of the library buildings:

 Access to the library and its Medias should be obvious and easy for everybody.
 There should be multifarious space for formal and informal communication between
customers and staff.
 The interior should offer an attractive and comfortable environment for both
customers and staff.
 The library building should adequately represent its institutional philosophy and aims.
 Its building design, structure and appliances should give consideration to
sustainability

Need for planning a library building

Libraries come in various types and sizes to fulfill certain specific needs of the community it is
established to serve. Thus we can have a single room village panchayat or school library to
gigantic edifices spread over acres of national library. It may serve a lay clientele who have
barely mastered the rudiments of the three R’s or highly sophisticated, erudite cream of the
society. It may handle a couple of reluctant readers a day or may have to cope with a huge rush
of knowledge seekers as in a public or university library. The range is enormous, demands are
endless and variety limitless. Needless to say, planning for providing services to this diverse
clientele has to be different, to suit the needs of a particular group of clientele. It is not possible
to frame rigid guidelines which will be equally applicable under all conditions. What we shall try
here is to elaborate some guiding principles which should be kept in mind while planning a new
library set-up.
Characteristics’ of Modern Libraries

The modern library has to be multifunctional.

The modern library has to be comfortable.
The modern library has to exist in harmony with its natural and urban environment.

3
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

The modern library as an open, democratic and intellectual communication institution.

Planning of the building has to be flexible and simple.
An internal garden in the middle of a building.
Locate the storages on the underground floors. (Jakovlevas-Mateckis,2004)

Planning a Library Building

Plan is regarded as a projected course of action or the course of action to be done in near future.
According to Koont’z and O’Donnell, “planning is deciding in advance what to do? How to do?
When to do? and who is to do it?”. After that planning is a continuous process requiring constant
reappraisal. It is not an end in itself, but a means to an agreed aim and objective. It involves
selecting from alternative future course of actions for the organization as a whole and for each of
its department or section. It might be evaluated and revised in the light of developing situation,
that is to say, a plan is always being brought up-to-date throughout the long or medium term in
which it is based.

The planning for a library and information science centres arises out of a need. A library
operates in a complex, dynamic, ever-changing and uncertain environment and as a social
organization it has to take care of increasing government regulation, union activities and
increasing community interest. It is always a growing organization and, with passage of time,
some of the libraries grow into large and complex organizations. In view of the above, sound
planning is highly essential for a library. It is through planning that a manger can deal with a
potential problem before it can take an ugly shape.

The planning of the building of library and information centre can have the following
steps-

a) Formation of a Committee: A planning committee should be formed in the first step. The
head of the parent institution, librarian, architect, library consultant, interior designer and, if
possible, representative from the user community should also be included.

Inclusion of the a librarian should be treated as one of the most important components in
planning a library and information science centre because he / she is the best person for planning
and equipping the library. She/He himself/herself should also be very conscious about his/her
responsibility in planning the library and information science centre. He/She should work closely
with the building committee. He/She must identify each and every factor with reference to which
planning has to be made. The librarian should also consult other experienced librarians if there is
any confusion as mistakes made at this stage could prove to be extremely serious.

b) Studying the Library Environment: The planning committee should be accustomed to the
library. To do so, they should read the existing literature on planning a library and information
centre, visit some other library and information centre, and so on to assess the existing situation.
They should also try to understand the present strength and weakness of the library in the light of
where it stands.

4
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

c) Studying the Functionality of the Parent Organization: The committee should study the
functionality of the parent organization, its resources and visualize its future direction and be
aware about the changes and the consequent effect thereof.

The objective should be established for the entire library and then for each subordinate
unit i.e. department or section of a library or information centres then the subordinate parts of the
department or section and so on. Major department objectives in turn control the objectives of
the subordinate departments and so on down the line. The objectives are divided and sub divided
into successively smaller components to arrive at each department or section of the library to
meet the definite set of goals for the short as well as long period.

A formal structure of authority should be established that is well defined and that can co-
ordinate towards the attainment of the objectives. Proper job analysis and assignment of job
should be planned in such a manner that no overlapping in duties occur. This can be achieved by
establishing various departments.

d) Identifying Information Need of the Users: Libraries and information centers are highly user
oriented and so it should take care of the exact needs of the user. The experienced planner
immediately asks for the evidence of the extent and the nature of demand for the libraries and
information centre, going to be planned. Needs of the user may be ascertained by questioning or
by carrying out potential user studies. The nature and extent of local demand will have to be
checked by consultation, surveys and controlled test so that all fits to the need.

e) Identifying Facilities in the Library Building: The building should be well equipped and
must be free from dust, dirt, cobwebs and also should be water proof, theft proof and equipped
with noise prevention measures, the provision of drinking water, heating and cooling machine
(air conditioned), proper lighting, staircase, lift, etc..

f) Establishment of Plan Premises or Forecasting: Forecasting is estimating or predicting the

future internal and external environment of the library and information centre. Premises refer to
planning assumptions concerning the expected internal or external environment under which the
plan will operate. Since planning is concerned with the objective to be attained in the future and
the provision of the means for their attainment, it is imperative that various dimensions of the
future are explored and estimated.

g) Selecting Course of Action: The planners should search for and examine and evaluate the
alternative course of action by weighing them in the light of various factors involved i.e cost,
time, materials, manpower, equipment, etc. The use of operation research and mathematical and
computing techniques may be helpful in this regard. Out of the alternatives, a suitable course of
action should be selected.

h) Choice of the Site: Objectives of the library is the main factors on which the planning of a
modern library depends. Depending upon the objectives, it may be a public, special or academic
library. Choice of the site should be the one conveniently accessible to the community to be
served taking into consideration of the future expansion.

5
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

i) Public Library: For public library, the site should be centrally located where everybody finds
it convenient. This should be the place where normally public visit more often than any other
place. Therefore, a place where they go for shopping might be found suitable.

ii) University Library: The site should be centrally located within the campus.

iii) College and School Library: The location of the library does not matter very much if the
distances are small, but if possible the library should be at the entrance path or centrally located.

iv) Special Library: Library site in case of special library should be near the factory building or
the factory canteen or staff canteen. The ground floor might be preferred for the library.

v) Financial and Cost Consideration: Without a proper source of finance a building of

information centre cannot be erected. The building should be visualized based on the present and
future source of funds.

Basic Principles of Library Building Design:

Some of the basic principles of library building design are mentioned below-

a) Functional Design: A library building should have functional design rather than a
monumental one. There should be provision for documents, users, staff, and service areas. There
should be areas for senior professional’s rooms, library staff, seminar room, binding section,
reprographic section, digital library section with additional areas for acquisition section,
technical section, reference section, reading room, room for stack book, circulation section, etc.

b) Modular Design: In a modular building, the only fixed commitments will be column,
stairways, elevators, toilets, etc. The outside walls along with columns instead of interior load-
bearing walls will provide the vertical support. Beyond the basic elements, everything that goes
into the building should be movable or subject to re-arrangement, removal with a minimum of
time, effort and expense based on taste of time or ever-changing need of the library. The
dimensions of the building should be in multiples or submultiples of some module/column. The
surrounding walls as well as the vertical column should be capable to hold anywhere at any time
any reasonable load of books, readers or equipment and any combination or concentration of
these. Typically the whole structure including the lighting should permit any combination of
activities re-arrangements of activities anywhere and at any time. The modular system will lead
to the flexibility.

c) Flexible: There should be the means of interchangeability of all major stack areas, service
areas, reading room, and staff areas. The whole design should be such that if any change in
library function takes place in future it will be possible to adjust the layout without carrying out
major structural operations. There should be no interior load bearing walls but the building
should be able to bear the stack load anywhere.

d) Open Access / Close Access: The availability of the number of library staff, the user demand
and the type of collection are the deciding factors for a library to go for open access or closed

6
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

access system. In a closed access library, the users are prohibited to enter the library, they should
write their demands in some slips. The building design for open access is also considered useful
for closed access system. However, vice versa is not true. But, in both the closed and the open
access systems, library property counter and some other things are a must, because the users are
free to enter the reading room and the periodical section in both the cases. Both the systems
require that the library building should have a single entrance and one exit point for keeping a
proper control on incoming and outgoing users. The whole building should be accessible from
the entrance to different parts of the building by means of simple and easy to understand plan
requiring only a few directions or guides. Doors and windows should be protected by means of
wire fabric to avoid any loss of books.

e) Scope for Future Growth: A library building should be planned for at least next 20 years,
keeping in view the rate of collection development, number of readers, technology
enhancements, etc. The building should be extendable to allow for future growth with minimum
of disruption. There should also be adequate provision for future expansion, both horizontally
and vertically.

f) Air-conditioning, Lighting and Noise: Uniform standards of lighting, heating, cooling,

ventilation, noise prevention, communications, fumigation and flooring are necessary to meet the
criteria of interchangeability. The natural light should come inside the whole building throughout
the day time. Outside or background noises generally cannot be controlled except by double
glazing which involves air conditioning. The inside noise of human voice, equipment and
mechanical device, impact of footsteps, banging of doors should be reduced by using insulating
materials and devices, use of acoustical material for walls and ceilings in corridors, reading
rooms and work rooms. Use of proper floor coverings is also essential.

g) Economic: The design should be such that the operation of the library can be carried out with
the minimum of staff and finance. The windows should be covered with net.

h) Secure: The building should be free from dust, dirt, and cobwebs. To deal with other vermin,
the best remedy would be to have a rat proof building. The water may not enter the stack room
either through ventilators and windows or due to leakage of roof. The stacking material should
be fire proof. Sufficient number of fire extinguishers and fire buckets should be fixed at various
strategic places in the building. The library building should also be designed to guard against
some detrimental habits of the readers, visitors and outsiders.

Principles given by different authors:

Dr. Ranganathan prescribed following principles for planning a library building: -

(1) Standardization and modular unit- It is now commonly accepted all over the world that it
helps national economy if a national and international standard are adopted in respect of the
basic dimension involved in a construction. These dimensions should be based on a modular
unit. All dimensions should be in multiples or submultiples of the modular unit. The dimension
concerns every piece of library furniture too.

7
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

(I) Simplification and single modular unit – Next to standardization come simplification. By
simplification is meant having the smallest possible number of sizes of the modular units of
dimensions. It is desirable and possible to use three feet or one meter as the only modular unit for
the inner dimensions of all the rooms, and fitting and furniture in the library.
(II) No bar to originality – The adoption of the single modular unit for the dimensions involved
in a library building its fittings and furniture does not at all prove a bar to originality in designing
and yet the adoption will not at all take away from the freedom of the creative architect.

(2) Monumental v/s Functional Library Building- So far as the external treatment, the
elevation, and the section are concerned, full weight may be given to the “monumental”. But in
regard to the inner lay out the utilization of the inner space, it should be absolutely functional.
The inner architectural feature should be designed to secure comfort and quite to the readers,
without any eye to impress on tourist traffic. The overlooking of this principle reduced library
service to a mockery in the University library. A big high rotunda with excellent qualities, the
hanging of the huge portraits in the inside, and the outlook of the authorities, used to bring into
the reading room crowds of sightseers with babies in arms.
(I) The interface:- Huge domes, massive ornamental stair-cases occupying the most accessible
part of the building, high ceiling with paintings, wide windows, circular design, square design,
and butterfly design, which make extension difficult, do not generally go with the functional
design of a library building. This does not imply any objection to turrets, towers and domes
about the roof level, i.e. outside the functional part of the building or to any external treatment in
order to give the library building character, dignity and beauty without any denial to the freedom
of a creative architect.

“Charles C Soule” has suggested these nine principles which are as under:-
(i) A library should be planned for library work.
(ii) Every library building should be planned especially for the kind of work to be done and the
community to be served.
(iii) The interior arrangement ought to be planned before the exterior is considered.
(iv) No convenience of arrangement should ever be sacrificed for mere architectural effect.
(v) The plan should be adapted to possibilities of growth and development.
(vi) Simplicity of decoration is essential in the working rooms and reading rooms.
(vii) A library should be planned in a view to economical administration.
(viii) A room for public use should be so arranged as to allow complete supervision with the
fewest possible attendants.
(ix) Modern library plans should provided accommodation for readers near the book they want to
use, whatever system of shaving is adopted.
To the Sole‟s principles Mr. Ralph E. Ellsvorth (10) added the following six
points:-
(1) Subject arrangement,
(2) Modular planning,
(3) Physically attractive interiors,
(4) Flexibility in design,
(5) New theories of administrative procedures, and
(6) Development of new building methods, materials and equipment.

8
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

Library Building Standards:

Ranganathan was the protagonist in the propagation of standards in the field of librarianship and
library science in India. Indian Standards Institution appointed him the Chairman of its
Documentation Sectional Committee. This committee took upon itself the onerous responsibility
of examining and identifying the areas in librarianship and documentation which admitted of
standardisation. The documentation sectional committee accorded priority to the areas of library
buildings, furniture and fittings. The committee met various times and on 25th March, 1960, after
the draft was finalized, the Indian standard IS. 1553-1960 code of practice relating to primary
elements in the Design of library Buildings was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution and
since then following more standards have been developed by Indian Standards Institution.
1. IS: 2672-1966: Code of Practice for Library Lighting.
2. IS: 1829 (Part I)-1977: Specifications for Library Furniture and Fittings, Part I, Timber (First
Revision)
3. IS: 1829 (Part II)-1993 Specifications for Library Furniture and Fittings, Part
II, Steel
4. IS: 1233-1958 Recommendations for Modular Coordination of Dimensions in the Building
Industry.
5. IS: 1172-1957 Code of Basic Requirements for water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation.
6. IS: 1883-1975 Metal Shelving Racks (Adjustable Type) (Second Revision).
7. IS: 8338-1976 Recommendations relating to Primary Elements in the Design of School
Library Buildings.
8. IS: 3312 Steel Shelving cabinets (Adjustable Type) (First Revision)
9. IS: 4116-1976 Wooden shelving cabinets (Adjustable type) (First Revision).
10. IS: 1553-1989 Arrangement of gangway second revision reprint Dec. 1992.
11. IS: 766- 2(Part-I) Orientation of Libraries 1974 IInd Revision. Second reprint December,1992.
12. IS: 1642-1988 Type -I Construction fire resistance IInd Revision Second reprint Dec. 1992.
13. IS: 11460 – 1985 Details of fire protection and safety II nd Revision second reprint Dec. 1992.
14. IS: 2672 – 1966 Levels of illumination second Revision IInd reprint Dec. 1992.
15. IS: 7942-1976 For day lighting reference second revision II nd Reprint Dec. 1992.
16. IS: 7942 – 1976 Method for achieving noise reduction and sound insulation second revision
IInd reprint Dec. 1992
17. IS: 2661-1978 Specification for mobile library Van. (First revision)

It is desirable that a library should use standard specification. In this connection the following
standards will be found useful:
a) Library Committee (1957): The UGC programme (Commission) appointed a committee under
the chairmanship of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan to advice on a wide range of subjects including the
standards and principles for the designing of library building, fitting and furniture, administration
of university libraries, training of librarianship, etc. The report of this committee was published
by the UGC in the year 1959 under the title "Development of University & College Libraries".

b) IS 1553 (1960): Indian Standards Institute which is now known as Bureau of Indian
Standards, appointed Dr. S. R. Ranganathan as the Chairman of its first Documentation Sectional
Committee, which fixed (accorded) priority to the areas of library buildings, furniture’s and
fittings. The Committee finalized its draft for Standards regarding Buildings, Furniture’s and

9
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

Fittings, and as a result IS: 1553 – 1960 Code of practice relating to Primary elements in the
design of library building came into existence. The IS 1553-1960 prescribed the average size of
different types of libraries, the different kinds of rooms required, etc.

c) IS 8338 (1976): IS 8338 (1976) Recommendations Relating to Primary Elements in the

Design of School Library Buildings was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution on 22nd
December, 1976, after the draft finalized by the Library Buildings, Fittings and Furniture
Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council.

d) IS 1553 (1989) (Reafirmed 2005): Indian Standard: The “Design of Library Buildings -
Recommendations Relating to its Primary Elements” covers the recommendations relating to
primary elements in the design of library buildings. This standard does not provide
recommendations for the types of libraries for special classes of users, such as, library for the
blind, field library (military), etc, for which requirements will-have to be separately worked out.
Some of its recommendations are-

i) Adequate separation (about10m) should preferably be available between the building and the
other neighboring buildings.

ii) The site shall abut on a road of not less than 12m width. One end of the road shall join another
road of the same width and the road shall not have a dead end.

iii) Longitudinal gangway not less than 1m, cross gangway not less than 1.35m, and end
‘gangway (between the end wall and nearest row of racks / reading table) not less than 1.325 m.

iv) The average area per reader in the reading room should be 2.33 m2

e) ISO/TR 11219:2012: ISO/TR 11219:2012 specifies data for the planning of library buildings.
It also provides guidance on the selection of technical building equipment for the different
functional areas of libraries. ISO/TR 11219:2012 is applicable to all types of libraries in all
countries, but especially to academic and public libraries.

According to Keyes D. Metcalf, Planning academic and research library buildings, New
York, McGraw-Hill, 1965, P. 316 space for stairways, corridors, entrances, lobbies, toilet
facilities, walls, columns, vertical communication and transportation, etc. would consists of 30
percent to one-third of area for documents, readers, and service to readers and staff.

Indian Standard Recommendations relating to primary elements in the design of library

building (first revision), Delhi, Indian Standards Institution, 1977 recommend the following

a) Documents: 150 volumes per square metre;

b) Library Staff

i) Librarian and deputy librarian=30 m2

10
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

ii) Classifier, cataloguer, accession librarian and maintenance librarian= 9 m2

iii) Administrative and professional staff not at service points = 5 m2

c) Users: Average area per reader in the reading room=2.33 m2

d) Services: Area required for services to users can be calculated on the basis of local
requirements;

Recommended Library Standard from Other Bodies: All India Council for Technical
Education (AICTE), Medical Council of India (MCI), Dental Council of India (DCI), Pharmacy
Council of India (PCI), Indian Nursing Council (INC), Veterinary Council of India and National
Council for Teacher Education also have some recommendation regarding library building and
space. These recommendations used to change time to time.

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have the specification for the library
in its Approval Process Handbook. According to AICTE, Institutes offering Programs in
Management and MCA should have a library with 100 sq. m. reading room with the seating
capacity of 15% of total students (maximum 150). Institutes offering Degree / Diploma programs
in Applied Arts & Crafts, Hotel Management & Catering Technology; Architecture / Town
Planning Institute; Pharmacy College offering Degree / Diploma should have 150 sq. m reading
room with the seating capacity of 15% of total students (maximum 150). Polytechnic College
offering Diploma should have 300 sq. m. reading room with the seating capacity of 15% of total
students (maximum 150). Engineering College offering Degree should have a 400 sq. m. reading
room with the seating capacity of 15% of total students (maximum 150).

The Medical Council of India (MCI) have some mandatory requirements for the library
of a medical college as per Amendment Notification dated 8th July 2009 of Medical Council
Act, 1956 (102 of 1956). According to it, there shall be an air-conditioned Central Library (2,400
Sq.m) with seating arrangement for at least 300 students for reading and having good lighting
and ventilation and space for stacking and display of books and journals. There shall be
minimum one room for 150 students’ inside and one room for 150 students outside.

The Dental Council of India (DCI) insisted the requirements of the library based on the
number of admissions to first year BDS. If the intake is 50, the requirements are to have a library
building with 4500 sq. ft. with reading room to accommodate 50% of total student’s strength. If
the intake is 100, the requirements would of 8000 sq. ft. library building with reading room to
accommodate 50% of total student’s strength.

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) recommended a library with minimum of 150 sq.
mts.The Indian Nursing Council (INC) guidelines and minimum requirements to establish a new
College of Nursing to offer B.Sc. (Nursing) insists to have a separate library for the college with
a minimum of 2400 sq. ft.The Veterinary Council of India - Minimum Standards of Veterinary
Education- Degree Course (B.V.Sc. & AH.) Regulations, 2008 prescribes to have a library with
reading room and arrangement for staff and students with adequate seating accommodation.The
norms and standards prescribed by the National Council for Teacher Education to the colleges

11
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

offering B.Ed. program is to have a library-cum-reading room with seating capacity for at least
fifty percent of the students.

Space Allocation, Utilization and Management:

Standards for Reading Area

In United States, the standards for college libraries have been in existence formany years
whereas the standards for larger University libraries have yet to bedeveloped. India began with
standards for all types of university and college libraries.All of these standards have been
approved by the University Grants Commission.About the reading area the Indian standards (3)
prescribes that the average area perreader in the reading room should be 2.33 sq. meter
minimum. The Canadian standardsrecommends 25 sq. ft. (2.3 square meter) per undergraduate
reader (reading tableaccommodation) 35 sq. ft. (3.3 square meter) per graduate reader and 75 sq.
ft. (7.0square meter) per faculty reader (accommodation in individual carrels). Further it was
suggested that 25-40 percent of total student enrolment should be taken as the numberof seats to
be provided for students. In France, the standard of 1.5 sq. meter perstudent remains the average
standard for university library buildings. Nevertheless ithas become apparent in practices that
this standard must be modified according to thenumber of students and the subjects studied. In
fact a number of students below 1,500requires a higher standard of about 2 square meter, which
can be reduced to 1.20square meter when the number of students reaches about 10,000. At the
research levelthe area needed for a research worker is evaluated at 6 square meters. The number
ofresearch workers is calculated in relation to the students. Lodewycks while recommending
standards for Australian University Libraries, states that the overallprovision per reader in
general reading area as 20 sq. ft. (2 sq. meter). However,Metcalfsuggests that at least 25 sq. ft.
(2.3 square meter) per undergraduate studentto be housed in a reading area be used in estimating
preliminary space requirementsand that careful planning should make that figure possible and 30
sq. ft. (2.8 squaremeter) is recommended for graduate student who makes more use of the library
thanthe under-graduate student and they need rather more reading accommodation perreader.

UGC (India) has recommended following size of a reading room for University and College
libraries in India: - Length – 1.5 x (n) meter (excluding the control region). Here ―n‖ is the
number of rows of reading tables. Usually the size of the reading table is 2x.70m. The center to
center distance between two consecutive rows of reading room tables is 1.5 m with seating
arrangement on one side of the table only. Width – 5m (On the basis of two tables each 2m long
plus central gangway one meter wide); or 7.5m (On the basis of three tables each 2m long plus
central gangway 1.5-meter-wide); or 10m (On the basis of four tables each 2m long plus central
gangway 2 meters wide)

Height-The standard height for these areas is 7 and half. There are many librarians who are not in
favour of such low ceilings in reading areas. An alternative to low ceiling is to have the height of
ceiling of reading areas approximately double the height of the stack areas. In this type of
arrangement ceilings of reading areas are kept 16’’-6’’. It is a fairly good height for a reading
room, at the same time is not wasteful.

Seating capacity of the reading area: There is no consensus of opinion regarding this point.
Estimates differ from 25% to 75%. UGC (India) (1965) has suggested that for University central

12
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

library total capacity of the reading room should be 1/5th of the students. Dr. Ranganathan
(1958) also suggested that it should be 1/10th of the total number of teachers.

Standards for stack area

15 volumes per square foot space is a standard formula. This includes gang ways. ISI has
suggested Length - 1.80 n plus 3.15 meters where, n’ is number of rows of book racks; Width-3
m close to a longitudinal wall; or 5 m close to a longitudinal wall; or 8 m or 10 m close to a
longitudinal wall. (It depends upon number of racks plus number of sides (one or two sides
gangway) for gangway and width of the gangway); Height-Floor to ceiling 2.35 m. It is also
approved by UGC,while calculating the space requirement, not only the dimension of the
furniture, but the gangway space has to be considered. Gang ways in the stack room is also an
essential part of the stack room. The width of the gang way between two rows of racks should be
4.5 feet. If the stack room is unusually big the central gangway may be 5 feet wide. The nearest
rack should be 3 feet away from the wall so that unexpected rain water and direct sun rays do not
damage books.Each unit book rack (2m) long may be assumed to house 150 volumes. In bigger
libraries, for less used materials, compact shelving is recommended to save space. The racks for
compact storage move on rails, and no space is left between the rows.

Dr. Ranganathan(1958) suggested some basic principle in reference to stack room: Each floor of
the library building should be in one single floor. Sloping surfaces and curbs are avoided due to
movements of books trolly within the library. Movement from one floor to another should be
through electric lifts provided in the stack room. It is essential that every new library building
should be designed as for open access. For this stack room should have these special features: -
Book-racks should not exceed 7 feet in height. This leads to another inference. The ceiling of a
tier in a stack room should not be more than 9 feet high. Otherwise much space will be wasted.

To protect the books from sunlight and rain water, these points should be kept in mind: - The
longer axis of the stack room should run east to west. There will then be no need for windows on
the eastern or the western walls. To prevent the southern and the northern sun from falling on the
backs of the books, the stack room should have a gangway of about a meter or three feet of width
all along the southern and the northern walls.

Standards for Book Space

The Canadian standards prescribe that while using the space formulas forreaderaccommodation as
constant, ten volumes per square foot for open access stacksshould be allowed with some
interspersed reader accommodation and spacingbetween ranges upto 5 ft. (one centres). One
should allow 12.5 volumes per squarefoot for stacks planned as book-storage areas with narrow
aisles, spacing betweenranges down to 4 ft. 2 inch (on centres).While the British
standardsprescribe that book storage in the universitylibrary buildings should be on the following
scale:

Open Access:
Books - 213 vols/m2, 4.7 m2/1000 vols (19.8 vols/ f2).

Bound journals = 106 bjs/m2 9.4 m2/1000 bjs (9.8 bjs/fs).

13
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

Closed Access:
Book = 248 vols/m2 (23 vols/fs)

Bound journals = 122 bjs/m2 (11.3 bjs/fs).

Standards for Staff Areas

Indian Standard 1553-1976prescribes the following sizes of various roomsrequired for this staff
of the library.
i. Librarian and Deputy Librarian 30 square meters
ii. Classifier, Cataloguer, Accession 9 square meter perperson
Librarian and Maintenance Librarian
iii. Secretary to the Librarian 9 square meter
iv. Visitor's room 15 square meter
v. Administrative and professional staff 5 square meter per person
not at service points and other than
those mentioned in
vi. Group discussion room 2 square meter per person
vii. Conference room 2 square meter per person
viii. Seminar room 2 square meter per person
ix. Committee room 2 square meter per person
x. Cubicals 7 square meter per person

VARIOUS NATIONAL STANDARDS ON READING AREA, BOOK SPACE AND

STAFF AREA

Sl Country Reading Area Book Space Staff Area

no
i. Indian Standards 2.33 150 volumes/m2 Librarian & Dy. Librarian
Institution m2perReader – 30m2. Asstt. Librarian
and Secretary to
Librarian-9m
ii. University Grants 2.3 m2per seat Open/Access Librarian-22m2
Committee (UK) Books 213 vols/m2 Dy. Librarian 13.5m2
Bound journals 106/m2 Asstt. Librarian and
Closed Access secretary to Librarian 9m2
Books 248 vols/ m2.
Bound journals 122
vols /m2
iii. American Undergraduate 160 vols/m2 120 sq. ft. (11.3 m2) per

14
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

Library 25 sq. ft. person

Graduate 30
Association sq. ft Teacher
40 sq. ft.
iv. Canadian Lib. Undergraduate Open Access 125 sq. ft. per staff
25 sq. ft. 10 vols/sq. ft. member in processing
Assoc. (2.33m2) Dept.
Closed Access
Graduate 35
12.5 vols/sq.ft.
sq.ft. (3.3m2 )
v. French 1.5m2 per Open Access 8 to 10m2 person in the
reader 10,000 vols/60m2 Technical section

Periodical Room: It should be keep in mind that now subscription of printed periodicals are
decreasing due to the e-journal databases, consortia, repositories etc. So big periodical rooms are
almost not required in such libraries where printed journals are not subscribed. They may require
an office to deal correspondence and to keep the record of subscription of databases.

Earlier days the size of the periodical room was depended on the number of bound volumes and
loose issues of periodicals to be accommodated and the number of readers who will consult at
one time. When a separate periodical room is provided, it was preferably be located adjacent to
and in connection with the reference room. The height of the ceiling of a periodical room was the
same as that of the general reading room.

Reference Section: Reference rooms are preferably placed on the entrance level where space is
at premium, close to the main entrance lobby and not far from the professional staff of the
processing department. This area must be located near public catalogue circulation counter and
main reading areas.It is suggested 100 seats are adequate for a reference room in an academic
library except in case where it is expected to be used for other purpose as well.

Public Catalogue:Catalogue is the key to the resources of the library. It should be placed in such
a way that readers can use it easily. The location of the public card catalogue should not be far
from the main entrance, and it should also be near the circulation desk, the acquisition and
catalogue departments, and the bibliographical and reference services. (Wilson and Tauber,1958)
Space totally depends upon the number of volumes and number of entries or catalogue cards.
This can also apply for OPAC also. The size will depend upon number of terminals and number
of users.

Circulation Area: The circulation counter is the focal point of the library.The location of
circulation counter should be near the entrance and stack. Adequate space should be left near this
counter for free movement of readers. At the counter some space must separate it from the
reading area, otherwise readers will be disturbed and this space may be utilized for exhibition
display and public catalogue, etc. So, the location, size and shape of the issue counter should be
decided before the building plans are finalized.

Size of the circulation counter will depend upon: (1) Number of persons who will have to work
on it at one time; which in turn will depend on the number of readers to be served at one time.

15
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

(2)The issue system used will also affect the size of the counter.(Sharma,1972 ) ( 3)The nature
and type of organization of the library, and the number of other services - points and the study
habits of 45 users.(Metcalf,1965 )

New areas in modern library

E-Library: Library users have access to a wide variety of electronic resources (online
repositories, online databases, e-journal sites etc.) in the E-Library.

A Social Space: This concept is gaining popularity in foreign countries. DOKK1 – the famous
library in Aarhus (Denmark) is a vibrant space for all generations, offering spaces such as:
learning spaces, media spaces, youth spaces, family spaces, community spaces and many more.
This way, people have access to resources, classes, trainings, community events, company
events, group meetings, book clubs, gaming facilities, programs for teens, kids and more.
Therefore, modern library should create a space where patrons can openly engage with
information—process it, reflect on it, have conversations about it, and develop new
ideas,conversations, and opportunities as a result of it.

A Maker Space for Innovation: MakerSpace is considered a place where informal,

collaborative learning and discovery take place through hands on creation, via use of any
combination of art and technology. MakerSpaces facilitate both analog (low-tech) and digital
(high tech) creation.Recently many libraries have begun to develop spaces for design and
activities that both teach and empower patrons. The learning in these spaces varies wildly–from
home bicycle repair, to using 3D printers, to building model airplanes. Fittingly, they are called
makerspaces.

Conclusion:

Planning the library building could be a team project associated not completely the task of an
creator. The fundamental aim of the look of a library building ought to be to realize flexibility
victimization standard system. Additionally, open access and provision of future growth is a vital
thought. The look ought to be useful instead of a monumental consisting of an oblong space
having pillars or modules. The basic aim of the look of a library building ought to be to realize
flexibility by victimization the standard system. The library building should demonstrate a
stimulating ability to grow, to adapt to ever-changing conditions to fulfill new demands and to
implement new technologies. If these aspects are taken care of then one needn't to provide
abundant weightage to the predictions created concerning their future growth and existence. The
area estimates for the library workers, documents, services, users and for alternative functions
i.e. corridors, entrances, lobbies, toilet, etc. ought to even be ready.

The inclusion of the professional person within the library building committee could be a
crucial issue. He/she is that the best person for coming up with and militarization the library and
determines the precise useful relationship between the varied elements of the structure. He/she
can prepare a note on library building program explaining the necessities of the library to the
creator, management, etc. The creator on the idea of his/her note would propose a concept

16
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

keeping in sight the ways in which within which the users would use a library. He/she would be
ready to counsel the coming up with of a useful and enticing building among the budget allotted
for the aim. the choice of the library building committee should be finally approved by the
competent authority.

Reference:

1. Barman, B. (2020). A comprehensive book on Library and Information Science. New

Publications.
2. Rathinasabapathy, G.(2014). Norms and Standards for Library prescribed by Regulatory
Bodies of Professional Education in India: A Study. https://www.researchgate.net/
publication /271837254_Norms_and_Standards_f or_Library_prescribed_by_
Regulatory_Bodies_of_Professional_Education_in_Indi a_A_Study.
3. Hohmann, Tina. (2006). New Aspects of Library Design, LIBER QUARTERLY,
ISSN 1435-5205. DOI: 10.18352/lq.7841.
4. Indian standards Institution. Recommendations relating to primary aliments in the design
of library building, IS:1553-1976, New Delhi, ISI, 1977, p.10.
5. Canadian Association of College and University Libraries. Guide to Canadian
University Library Standards, Ottawa, CACUL, 1964.
6. Whithers, F.N. (1974). Standards for library service. Paris, UNESCO, 1974, p. 42-43.
7. Lodewycks, K.A. (1961). Essential of library planning Melbourne. The University
Library, 1961, p.23.
8. Metcalf, K.D. (1965). Planning academic and research library buildings, New York,
Mcgraw-Hill, 1965, p.100.
9. Brown, H.F. (1972). Academic library buildings in united kingdom. In advances
inlibrarianship, vol. 3, New York, Seminar Press, 1972, p.112.
10. Met Calf , K. D.(1956). Planning Academic and Research Library Buildings.
New York, McGraw hill, 1965. p.16.
11. Ranganathan ,S. R.(1958). University Library Building. (An. Lib. Sc. 5); 1958; 24-28)
12. Soule ,Charles. C.(1891). Points of Agreement Among Librarians As to Library
Architecture (Lib. Jou. 16; 1891;17-19)
13. Ellsworth, Ralph E.(1955). Library architecture and building (Lib. Q. 26; 1955; 66-75).
14. Unit four physical planning of library – eGyanKosh. Retrieved
fromhttp://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/33057/1/Unit-4.pdf. Accessed on 20th
October, 2020. Accessed on 20th October,2020.
15. Chapter- 2 Function, Principles and Planning of University ... Retrieved from
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/jspui/bitstream/10603/188953/8/08_chapter%202.pdf.
Accessed on 21st October, 2020.

17
 Library Planning, Administration and Management
in the Present Scenario

16. Library Building - Free Online NTA UGC NET Guide Book December... Retrieved from
https://www.sites.google.com/site/ugcnetguidebook/library-building. accessed on 20th
October, 2020.
17. Nadya (2019). Chapter-8 Standards for Library Buildings. Retrieved from
https://www.scribd.com/document/411289981/Library-Standart. Accessed on 21st
October, 2020

18

View publication stats