New library design resource launched

9 June, 2008

Two professional bodies with expertise in library design have joined forces to create a unique gateway to key information on public, national and academic library buildings in the UK, Ireland and throughout the world.

Librarians have to respond to the challenge of providing striking multi-purpose buildings which will attract users and provide the space and facilities for a wide range of informational, educational and recreational activities. The challenge has been met in recent years with innovative new library buildings such as Bournemouth's Octagon library - which last year won the prestigious SCONUL Library Design Award.

Library planning everywhere can benefit from flagship examples and from the sharing of experience and best practice in contemporary library planning and design. This is why SCONUL and Designing Libraries, two bodies with a history of expertise in this area, have now joined forces. They recognise that many design problems are common to library building across sectors, particularly with the increasing provision of joint-use libraries

Toby Bainton, Secretary of SCONUL said,

"Thanks to the partnership between Designing Libraries and SCONUL all libraries can now benefit from a unique and easily-accessible store of information that covers both public and academic library buildings for the first time. SCONUL's members are delighted to have this shared opportunity to showcase some of our recent libraries and learn from our colleagues. SCONUL is also encouraging its members to constantly update and enrich the data."

Alan Clark, Coordinator of Designing Libraries said,

"Designing Libraries is very pleased to provide a new platform for SCONUL's academic library buildings database and to collaborate with SCONUL in sharing best practice in library design."

SCONUL, the Society of College, National and University Libraries, has a history of encouraging high standards of library design within the academic sector through its design awards, publications and since 1995 a database of academic library buildings.

Since 2004 Designing Libraries: the gateway to better library buildings www.designinglibraries.org.uk), has provided a web portal with a database and images of recent public library building projects and links to a large collection of resources. The organisation was initially funded by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and has established itself as a key resource on library planning and design.

The SCONUL library buildings records are now accessible via the Designing Libraries database at www.designinglibraries.org.uk

The two bodies see the expanded site as providing an important resource for anyone with an involvement in library planning and design across all library sectors. They also see the partnership as an opportunity to develop a range of services aimed at encouraging high standards of design in the library sector.
Notes for Editors

• Designing Libraries was set up in 2005, as part of the Government's Framework for the Future action plan for public libraries, to provide a web resource on library buildings, planning and design. The website incorporates an extensive resources section, image gallery, news and events pages and a database of information and images on over 400 library building projects across the public and academic sectors. It is managed by CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, on behalf of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and provided by the Designing Libraries Team, Information Services, Aberystwyth University.
• SCONUL - the Society of College, National and University Libraries - is the membership body for UK and Irish higher education and national libraries. It works to promote excellence in library services in higher education and national libraries across the UK and Ireland and most of its activities are carried out by the heads of library services, often through SCONUL's range of expert groups or our Executive Board. More information about SCONUL can be found at www.sconul.ac.uk or contact 020 7387 0317
• For more information on the Designing Libraries project contact: Alan Clark or Helena Earnshaw at Designing Libraries, Email: info@designinglibraries.org.uk Phone: +44 (0)1970 622418. Or Elliot Frankal at SCONUL on 020 7089 2085, elliot@linstockcommunications.com