Subject Guides: Facilities Construction and Renovation: Design

In the design stage, the library will:

The resources on this page can aid the library in making informed decisions during this process.

Space Planning

Linear Feet and Square Feet Calculator (SC State Library)
This excel worksheet can aid in estimating the space needed to house the library's collection. The first tab calculates linear feet measuring the total length of shelving required. The second tab can estimate total shelving units and square footage, which takes shelving heights into consideration.

Library Space Planning Guide (Connecticut State Library)
Using this guide, librarians and trustees can obtain a general estimate of their library's space needs and help initiate a larger facilities planning process.
WebJunction Space Planning Webinars
Recorded webinars and related training materials.
Design Thinking for Libraries (2015)
The Public Libraries in Aarhus (Denmark) and Chicago (USA), with funding from the Gates Foundation, created the Design Thinking for Libraries toolkit to introduce a way of working that will help you understand the needs of your patrons and engage your communities like never before.
Library Space: A Planning Resource for Librarians (Massachusetts Libraries, 2020)
This guide was developed to empower librarians, administrators, space planners, and architects with a collection of best practices for the planning and design of public library buildings.
Whole Building Design Guide
Architects, engineers, and project managers can improve the performance and quality of their buildings by following the guidance and recommendations provided within the categories of this web site.

PBS-P100 Facilities Standards For The Public Buildings Service
Design standards and performance criteria for the GSA Public Buildings Service
South Carolina Legal Resources: Municipal Ordinances
LibGuide from the University of South Carolina Law Library
MuniCode
City and County ordinances
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards
American Restroom Association
"America's advocate for the availability of clean, safe, well designed public restrooms." Be sure to check out the section on family restrooms.
Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
An approach to building design that factors security risks into account

Architecture Dictionary
Illustrated dictionary of architectural jargon, terms, and acronyms