Facilities

As unique as their communities, libraries are housed in a diverse variety of structures across North Carolina. As populations grow, and expectations of libraries change, library leaders and their funders may consider whether their facility is appropriately sized and designed to meet community needs for services in a comfortable, safe environment.

NOTE: Facilities and Technology should be assessed at the branch level, if applicable, unless otherwise noted as System Level.

Tab/Accordion Items

Outcome 15

The library facility is sufficiently sized to enable the library to maximize the community benefits of its collections, programs, and services.

Essential

NumberIndicator
15.1Library leadership periodically reviews population growth in the service area and considers the need for new and expanded facilities. (System Level)
15.2Facilities planning takes into account a minimum of twenty years of population growth projections. (System Level)
15.3Buildings are capable of supporting the infrastructure necessary for present and future technologies. (System Level)
15.4

The library meets Essential Standards according to tables (see below) for:

  • Facility Total Gross Square Footage per Capita by LSA Population Size
  • # Library Seats per 25,000 population
  • # Public Access Computers per 25,000 population
  • Square Footage per Public Access Computer (PAC) station
  • Square Footage per Staff Office
  • Square Footage per Staff Workstation

Enhanced

NumberIndicator
15.5

The library meets Enhanced Standards according to tables (see below) for:

  • Facility Total Gross Square Footage per Capita by LSA Population Size
  • # Library Seats per 25,000 population
  • # Public Access Computers per 25,000 population
  • Square Footage per Public Access Computer (PAC) station
  • Square Footage per Staff Office
  • Square Footage per Staff Workstation

Exemplary

NumberIndicator
15.6

The library meets Exemplary Standards according to tables (see below) for:

  • Facility Total Gross Square Footage per Capita by LSA Population Size
  • # Library Seats per 25,000 population
  • # Public Access Computers per 25,000 population
  • Square Footage per Public Access Computer (PAC) station
  • Square Footage per Staff Office
  • Square Footage per Staff Workstation

Facilities Size

The needed size of library facilities is determined by considering a number of factors which include, but are not limited to:

  • Collection size (shelving needs)
  • Population serviced
  • Programs and services offered in the facility
  • Furnishings, fixtures, and equipment to be housed
  • Estimated or actual number of people coming into the facility in a year (attendance)

The recommendations below roll up various factors into a population factor.

 

Recommended Facility Total Gross Sq Feet per Capita by LSA Population Size (Square Footage)

TierUp to 24,99925,000-99,999100,000+
Essential0.70.650.6
Enhanced0.750.70.65
Exemplary0.80.750.7

 

Library Seats

Recommended # Seats per 25,000 population

Tier# Seats per 25,000
Essential62.5
Enhanced100
Exemplary125

 

Library Public Access Computer Stations

Recommended # PACs per 25,000 population

Tier# PAC per 25,000
Essential25
Enhanced37.5
Exemplary50

 

Note: PAC standards are subject to patrons' increased use of personal devices and may need adjusting down (See Sustainable Organization, Planning).

 

Public Access Computer (PAC) Stations (seated Square Footage)

TierSq feet per PAC
Essential30
Enhanced40
Exemplary50

 

Staff Offices and Staff Workstations (Square Footage)

Tier

Staff Office Size

 (sq ft)

Staff Workstations (sq ft)
Essential10060
Enhanced12565
Exemplary15070

Library design is distinctive and reflective of communities. Nonetheless, community expectations of libraries; library delivery mechanisms, including library and personal technology; and environmental impacts such as natural and community health disasters demand evolving design considerations.

Outcome 16

The library facility's design facilitates flexible use of library space, enhancing patrons' ability to effectively navigate the library's collections, programs, and services.

Essential

NumberIndicator
16.1The library provides service for all residents of the jurisdiction at geographic locations according to the Essential Standards table. (see below)
16.2Where possible, the library is on a fixed transportation route (e.g., public transportation route or near main roadways).
16.3The library facilities meet current building, safety, and fire codes and conform to Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards.
16.4The library maintains dedicated funding and a schedule for capital improvements and maintenance of facility and grounds. (System Level.)
16.5The library has a long-range facility plan that addresses library usage, projected growth, community needs, and technological changes affecting the delivery of collections, programs, and services. The plan is reviewed annually and revised every five years in a process that includes public input. (System Level)
16.6Facility planners consider the future of physical storage versus digital media and access to such and the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and expandability, when designing for new developments. (System Level)
16.7Buildings are capable of supporting the infrastructure necessary for present and future technologies.
16.8

Library facilities:

  • Have exterior signs so that the library is clearly visible from the street
  • Have directional signage to the library
  • Feature interior signage adequate to help patrons make good use of the facility
16.9Electrical power outlets/charging stations are strategically located throughout the library based on furniture placement and to accommodate individual patrons using personal devices.
16.10The library provides a safe, convenient method to return items 24 hours/7 days.
16.11The library identifies opportunities for and implements "touch-less" services – e.g., self-service zones, virtual programming, curbside pickup, space reconfigurations, and capacity considerations.
16.12The library offers at least one alternative service location(s): pop-ups, bookmobiles, storefronts, low-touch kiosks, drive up pickup, etc.
16.13The library meets local code or offers one parking space per every 400 gross square footage of its facility, whichever is greatest.

Enhanced

NumberIndicator
16.14The library provides service for all residents of the jurisdiction at geographic locations according to the Enhanced Standards table. (see below)
16.15The long-range facility plan is reviewed annually and revised every three years in a process that includes public input. (System Level)
16.16The library promotes energy efficiency, usage of natural daylight, waste reduction, and improvement of air quality.
16.17When possible, newly constructed and renovated library facilities are "green" or sustainable facilities, constructed with ecologically sound materials.
16.18The library provides additional facilities accommodations (e.g., wheelchair turnaround space in restrooms) to support the needs of people with disabilities.
16.19The library offers 2 or more alternative service locations: pop-ups, bookmobiles, storefronts, low-touch kiosks, drive up pickup, etc.
16.20The library meets local code or offers one parking space per every 300 gross square footage of its facility, whichever is greatest.

Exemplary

NumberIndicator
16.21The library provides service for all residents of the jurisdiction at geographic locations according to the Exemplary Standards table. (see below)
16.22The long-range facility plan is reviewed annually and revised every two years in a process that includes public input. (System Level)
16.23When possible, the facilities work toward or meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards established by the U.S. Building Council.
16.24The library includes sensory-friendly spaces for people with disabilities.
16.25The library provides a gender-neutral or family bathroom.
16.26The library offers 3 or more alternative service locations: pop-ups, bookmobiles, storefronts, low-touch kiosks, drive up pickup, etc.
16.27New facility design considers building a "drive-through" or "teller" window to facilitate curbside pickup. 
16.28The library meets local code or offers one parking space per every 200 gross square footage of its facility, whichever is greatest.


Proximity of Library facilities to Population (minutes of drive time)

TierRuralUrban
Essential3020
Enhanced2015
Exemplary1510

 

NOTE:  The library may establish other service targets based on unique community needs.

Natural and community health disasters have altered society's definition of safety in public spaces.  Considered secure, accessible public spaces for all community members, libraries continually adapt to ensure a safe experience for all.

Outcome 17

The library's facilities incorporate a variety of features to ensure a safe staff and patron experience.

Essential

NumberIndicator
17.1The library's building exterior is well-lit and visible from the street.
17.2The library offers sufficient, well-lit parking located near or adjacent to the facility. (See Facilities, Design)
17.3The library's 24-hour drop off location is easily accessible, safe, and well-lit.
17.4The library has an emergency/disaster preparedness plan. (System Level)
17.5The library observes all jurisdictional safety and health protocols. (System Level)
17.6The library staff receives annual training on safety and security. (System Level)

Enhanced

NumberIndicators
17.7Security cameras are installed as needed covering the interior and exterior of the facility.
17.8The library emergency plan includes provisions to open the library when possible during a local or national disaster. (System Level)
17.9The library staff receives bi-annual training on safety and security. (System Level)

Exemplary

NumberIndicators
17.10Indoor material returns include fire mitigation materials and features.
17.11The library emergency plan is coordinated with local emergency management agencies. (System Level)
17.12The library staff receives quarterly training on safety and security. (System Level)

Technology continues to interrupt, enhance, and push library services far beyond expectations from even 10 years ago. The pace of technological change will continue to accelerate, challenging libraries to assess, plan for, and meet patrons' needs for technological service delivery and broadband access.

Outcome 18

The library maintains a robust technology infrastructure to ensure equitable access that builds, stimulates, and accommodates user demands for technology.

Essential

NumberIndicator
18.1

The library has a technology plan (System Level) that:

  •  
    • Regularly reviews and employs emerging technology
    • Monitors current use of networks, devices, and bandwidth
    • Includes a Disaster Preparedness and Recovery plan (See Sustainable Organization, Planning)
    • Includes a designated refresh/replacement cycle of 3-5 years, depending on user needs
18.2The library technology budget includes a schedule and funds to replace or upgrade equipment every five years and funds for the ongoing maintenance and updating of equipment. (System Level)
18.3The library has an Acceptable Internet Use policy posted within the library.
18.4The library provides internet speeds per simultaneous user at peak usage according to the Essential Standards table. (see below)
18.5The library maintains a website and updates it every 3-5 years. The website is accessible for people with disabilities. (System Level)
18.6The library website provides community information, databases, and an online library catalog. (System Level)
18.7Where appropriate, the library takes advantage of the E-rate program. (System Level)
18.8The library adopts current industry standards for physical or wireless networking in conjunction with library renovations or new construction. (System Level)
18.9

The library monitors and protects its operating network, workstations, application software, and website with appropriate security measures such as:

  •  
    • Firewalls and authentication processes
    • Anti-virus software
    • Removal of unauthorized software, cookies, and temporary files
    • Critical updates and patches

Enhanced

NumberIndicator
18.10The library technology budget includes a schedule and funds to replace or upgrade equipment every three years. (System Level)
18.11The library provides internet speeds per simultaneous user at peak usage according to the Enhanced Standards table. (see below)
18.12The library staff receive training on how to track and monitor bandwidth to build capacity. (System Level)

Exemplary

NumberIndicator
18.13The library technology budget includes a schedule and funds to replace or upgrade equipment every two years. (System Level)
18.14The library provides internet speeds per simultaneous user at peak usage according to the Exemplary Standards table. (see below)
18.15The library circulates technology (laptops, devices, hotspots).
18.16The library provides audio/video editing, graphics, and development software.
18.17The library offers digital media labs and replaces outdated equipment every 2 years.
18.18The library pursues and offers emerging and automated technologies as they become available.

Divide internet download or upload speeds:

  • To determine internet speed: libraries can use information provided by their internet service provider or conduct at speed test. Tested speeds depend on many factors, so libraries may choose to test on multiple occasions to determine typical speeds. Tests should be completed on a device connected via ethernet cable as close to the broadband router as possible at a time when no others are using the internet. If choosing to use information provided by the internet provider, conducting a speed test periodically is recommended to ensure the library is receiving the contracted speed.
  • To determine simultaneous internet users: libraries should add up the number of staff computers being used, the number of public access computers being used, and the number of devices using the Wi-Fi at peak usage.  
  • To determine the number of devices connected to Wi-Fi during peak usage: libraries may determine the number of connected devices through managed Wi-Fi portals or through their routers during the busiest time at their location. If that information is not accessible, libraries may choose to use a formula, such as assuming 50% of patrons in the library building are connected to the Wi-Fi at any given time. 

 

TierDownloadUpload
Essential1-10 Mbps .05 -1 Mpbs 
Enhanced11-25 Mbps 1.1 - 12.5 Mbps 
Exemplary26 + Mbps 12.6 + Mbps 

 

Example: 

Number of Staff ComputersNumber of Public Access Computers or TabletsNumber of patron-owned devices at peak hoursTotal Simultaneous Users
1015

Gate count at peak hours = 100

Assume 50% connected to Wi-Fi = 50

75

 

Formulas:      75/download speed = mbps per user

                        75/upload speed = mbps per user

Helpful Resources