Libraries for All
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Capital Program Office:
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© 1999 Seattle Public Library
Universal Branch Building Program: Return to UBBP Table of Contents
Purpose Development Process Committee Members publish date: 14 March 2000
Introduction
The Seattle Public Library Branch Programming Committee has developed the Neighborhood Library Universal Branch Building Program for architects designing community libraries approved as part of the November 1998 Libraries for All ballot measure. The program contains summary tables, adjacency information and detailed descriptions of functional spaces for 5,000, 7,000, 10,000 and 15,000 square foot libraries.
This document is intended to be used in conjunction with technical specifications issued by the Library's Capital Projects Office and the Seattle Public Library's Basic Design Standards, which are attached. The Universal Program will also provide guidance for architects working on renovations and expansions of existing libraries, although it is recognized that not all features identified in the program will apply to these projects.
Each library community is unique, and the program will need to be adapted to meet the needs of each specific community, as well as each individual site. The architect will be guided in this effort by community and library staff input.
The program is designed to be presented in a loose-leaf format so that individual sections may be updated as the neighborhood libraries evolve and change over the course of the Libraries for All capital project.
The Branch Programming Committee consisted of representatives from all NLS job classifications, age-level specialists and staff from the SPL Capital Projects Office. Dallas Young Shaffer and Robert Rohlf, library consultants, assisted the committee.
The committee met regularly throughout the fall of 1999. They visited nine new libraries in the Pacific Northwest to familiarize themselves with new trends in neighborhood library design. The committee discussed issues and ideas and continuously revised drafts provided by the consultant.
Staff input was gathered through a variety of means. A primary source was the suggestions and ideas solicited in ten topical discussion groups held October 22, 1999, as part of a staff in-service day. These ideas were compiled and carefully considered by the committee. Many were incorporated in the final document. In addition, staff was invited to send comments via email and by contacting committee members. Branch Team Leaders as a group reviewed the draft document and provided comments as well.
The final draft was distributed to each branch and to the administrative staff for comment before final revision. The committee incorporated many of the extensive comments and suggestions received from approximately 20 teams and individuals.
It is anticipated that revisions will continue throughout the Libraries for All building program and as technology and safety consultants review the document.
Douglas Bailey, Capital Projects Manager
Beth de la Fuente, Lake City Branch Team Leader
Judy Evans, Librarian, Capitol Hill (Henry) and Montlake Branches
Michael Harkovitch, Library Associate II, Southwest Branch
Chance Hunt, Children's Services Coordinator
Jeff Katz, Young Adult Services Coordinator
David Kunselman, Capital Projects Manager
Sara Law, Coordinating Library Associate, West Seattle Branch
Bob May, Director of Administrative Services
Shirley Riley, Library Associate I, Greenwood Branch
Ray Serebrin, Director of Neighborhood Library Services
Dallas Young Shaffer and Robert Rohlf, Library Consultants