[Libs-Or] Library square footage

[Leah Griffith]

Sara,

The Oregon Library Association Public Library Standards are your best place to start.  http://www.olaweb.org/assets/PLD/PLDStandards/library%20standards%20final%202015%20revision.pdf

On page 26-27, it specifically looks at sq footage comparables with other libraries in Oregon.

This gives something in writing that is a “standard” to work with your council.

I would also respond that libraries are meeting spaces and computer spaces, especially in a rural community.  Books are still vital, but space for computers and loaning laptops and tablets and having WiFi are cruicial services.   Again, in a rural community, the library may be the only location for people to access fast internet.    The library needs space for books and computers  and people, which usually translates into more than what we used to need for books as people take up much more space.

You can also look at Jefferson Library in our own system who are building a new library.     The state library lists your population at 1,787 and using the OLA chart, you would be looking at about 2,300 sq. feet.  Using the city population of 1,100 it goes down to 1,400 sq ft.   I would agree with your councilor that an open space, with ADA accommodation and good technology connectivity would be imperative.

I hope this helps.

Leah
Leah M. Griffith,  Director
Newberg Public Library       503.537.1256

From: Libs-Or [mailto:libs-or-bounces at listsmart.osl.state.or.us] On Behalf Of Sara Trott
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 12:23 PM
To: libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us
Subject: [Libs-Or] Library square footage

Hi everyone,

I received an email from one of our City Council member in Lyons, Oregon, and I need your help to answer it.  Lyons is a small, rural town of about 1100 people about 45 minutes from Salem, Oregon.  Here is the message he sent me:

Sara
I’m in need of your expertise – in a perfect world new building with ADA single floor big open space to design as needed what is the minimum square footage needed for a library in Lyons?
I’m assuming the old church is not a very efficient design for a library and that it’s not an accurate reflection of size needed.

Also what is the future for libraries print vs electronic media does that change the space requirements??

We currently use an old church building that is not ADA complaint, so a new library building would be very nice.  We have six computers and Wi-Fi access for the public, but not tablets.  Where do I start looking for information to answer his questions?  What has been your experience?

Thank you so much for your help!  I appreciate it!

Sara Trott
Assistant Librarian
Lyons Public Library
Lyons, Oregon
http://lyons.ccrls.org/
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