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.
Outcome 15
The library facility is sufficiently sized to enable the library to maximize the community benefits of its collections, programs, and services.
Essential
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 15.1 | Library leadership periodically reviews population growth in the service area and considers the need for new and expanded facilities. (System Level) |
| 15.2 | Facilities planning takes into account a minimum of twenty years of population growth projections. (System Level) |
| 15.3 | Buildings 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:
|
Enhanced
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 15.5 | The library meets Enhanced Standards according to tables (see below) for:
|
Exemplary
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 15.6 | The library meets Exemplary Standards according to tables (see below) for:
|
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)
| Tier | Up to 24,999 | 25,000-99,999 | 100,000+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | 0.7 | 0.65 | 0.6 |
| Enhanced | 0.75 | 0.7 | 0.65 |
| Exemplary | 0.8 | 0.75 | 0.7 |
Library Seats
Recommended # Seats per 25,000 population
| Tier | # Seats per 25,000 |
|---|---|
| Essential | 62.5 |
| Enhanced | 100 |
| Exemplary | 125 |
Library Public Access Computer Stations
Recommended # PACs per 25,000 population
| Tier | # PAC per 25,000 |
|---|---|
| Essential | 25 |
| Enhanced | 37.5 |
| Exemplary | 50 |
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)
| Tier | Sq feet per PAC |
|---|---|
| Essential | 30 |
| Enhanced | 40 |
| Exemplary | 50 |
Staff Offices and Staff Workstations (Square Footage)
| Tier | Staff Office Size (sq ft) | Staff Workstations (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 100 | 60 |
| Enhanced | 125 | 65 |
| Exemplary | 150 | 70 |
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
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 16.1 | The library provides service for all residents of the jurisdiction at geographic locations according to the Essential Standards table. (see below) |
| 16.2 | Where possible, the library is on a fixed transportation route (e.g., public transportation route or near main roadways). |
| 16.3 | The library facilities meet current building, safety, and fire codes and conform to Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards. |
| 16.4 | The library maintains dedicated funding and a schedule for capital improvements and maintenance of facility and grounds. (System Level.) |
| 16.5 | The 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) |
| 16.6 | Facility 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) |
| 16.7 | Buildings are capable of supporting the infrastructure necessary for present and future technologies. |
| 16.8 | Library facilities:
|
| 16.9 | Electrical power outlets/charging stations are strategically located throughout the library based on furniture placement and to accommodate individual patrons using personal devices. |
| 16.10 | The library provides a safe, convenient method to return items 24 hours/7 days. |
| 16.11 | The library identifies opportunities for and implements "touch-less" services – e.g., self-service zones, virtual programming, curbside pickup, space reconfigurations, and capacity considerations. |
| 16.12 | The library offers at least one alternative service location(s): pop-ups, bookmobiles, storefronts, low-touch kiosks, drive up pickup, etc. |
| 16.13 | The library meets local code or offers one parking space per every 400 gross square footage of its facility, whichever is greatest. |
Enhanced
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 16.14 | The library provides service for all residents of the jurisdiction at geographic locations according to the Enhanced Standards table. (see below) |
| 16.15 | The long-range facility plan is reviewed annually and revised every three years in a process that includes public input. (System Level) |
| 16.16 | The library promotes energy efficiency, usage of natural daylight, waste reduction, and improvement of air quality. |
| 16.17 | When possible, newly constructed and renovated library facilities are "green" or sustainable facilities, constructed with ecologically sound materials. |
| 16.18 | The library provides additional facilities accommodations (e.g., wheelchair turnaround space in restrooms) to support the needs of people with disabilities. |
| 16.19 | The library offers 2 or more alternative service locations: pop-ups, bookmobiles, storefronts, low-touch kiosks, drive up pickup, etc. |
| 16.20 | The library meets local code or offers one parking space per every 300 gross square footage of its facility, whichever is greatest. |
Exemplary
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 16.21 | The library provides service for all residents of the jurisdiction at geographic locations according to the Exemplary Standards table. (see below) |
| 16.22 | The long-range facility plan is reviewed annually and revised every two years in a process that includes public input. (System Level) |
| 16.23 | When possible, the facilities work toward or meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards established by the U.S. Building Council. |
| 16.24 | The library includes sensory-friendly spaces for people with disabilities. |
| 16.25 | The library provides a gender-neutral or family bathroom. |
| 16.26 | The library offers 3 or more alternative service locations: pop-ups, bookmobiles, storefronts, low-touch kiosks, drive up pickup, etc. |
| 16.27 | New facility design considers building a "drive-through" or "teller" window to facilitate curbside pickup. |
| 16.28 | The 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)
| Tier | Rural | Urban |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 30 | 20 |
| Enhanced | 20 | 15 |
| Exemplary | 15 | 10 |
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
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 17.1 | The library's building exterior is well-lit and visible from the street. |
| 17.2 | The library offers sufficient, well-lit parking located near or adjacent to the facility. (See Facilities, Design) |
| 17.3 | The library's 24-hour drop off location is easily accessible, safe, and well-lit. |
| 17.4 | The library has an emergency/disaster preparedness plan. (System Level) |
| 17.5 | The library observes all jurisdictional safety and health protocols. (System Level) |
| 17.6 | The library staff receives annual training on safety and security. (System Level) |
Enhanced
| Number | Indicators |
|---|---|
| 17.7 | Security cameras are installed as needed covering the interior and exterior of the facility. |
| 17.8 | The library emergency plan includes provisions to open the library when possible during a local or national disaster. (System Level) |
| 17.9 | The library staff receives bi-annual training on safety and security. (System Level) |
Exemplary
| Number | Indicators |
|---|---|
| 17.10 | Indoor material returns include fire mitigation materials and features. |
| 17.11 | The library emergency plan is coordinated with local emergency management agencies. (System Level) |
| 17.12 | The 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
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 18.1 | The library has a technology plan (System Level) that:
|
| 18.2 | The 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) |
| 18.3 | The library has an Acceptable Internet Use policy posted within the library. |
| 18.4 | The library provides internet speeds per simultaneous user at peak usage according to the Essential Standards table. (see below) |
| 18.5 | The library maintains a website and updates it every 3-5 years. The website is accessible for people with disabilities. (System Level) |
| 18.6 | The library website provides community information, databases, and an online library catalog. (System Level) |
| 18.7 | Where appropriate, the library takes advantage of the E-rate program. (System Level) |
| 18.8 | The 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:
|
Enhanced
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 18.10 | The library technology budget includes a schedule and funds to replace or upgrade equipment every three years. (System Level) |
| 18.11 | The library provides internet speeds per simultaneous user at peak usage according to the Enhanced Standards table. (see below) |
| 18.12 | The library staff receive training on how to track and monitor bandwidth to build capacity. (System Level) |
Exemplary
| Number | Indicator |
|---|---|
| 18.13 | The library technology budget includes a schedule and funds to replace or upgrade equipment every two years. (System Level) |
| 18.14 | The library provides internet speeds per simultaneous user at peak usage according to the Exemplary Standards table. (see below) |
| 18.15 | The library circulates technology (laptops, devices, hotspots). |
| 18.16 | The library provides audio/video editing, graphics, and development software. |
| 18.17 | The library offers digital media labs and replaces outdated equipment every 2 years. |
| 18.18 | The 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.
| Tier | Download | Upload |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 1-10 Mbps | .05 -1 Mpbs |
| Enhanced | 11-25 Mbps | 1.1 - 12.5 Mbps |
| Exemplary | 26 + Mbps | 12.6 + Mbps |
Example:
| Number of Staff Computers | Number of Public Access Computers or Tablets | Number of patron-owned devices at peak hours | Total Simultaneous Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 15 | 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
- Technology Planning Articles and Resources from OCLC WebJunction
- Tech Trends American Libraries Magazine
- Public Libraries Leading the Way – Information Technology and Libraries Series of columns highlighting technology-based innovation or approach to a problem from the public library perspective.
- Web Content Accessibility Guidelines Ensuring website content is accessible to all people of all abilities.
- NCDIT Broadband Infrastructure Office This office serves as a statewide resource for broadband access and other connectivity initiatives led by the state of North Carolina.
- State Library of North Carolina Homework Gap Project The State Library of North Carolina offers a resource toolkit for working with families of K-12 students affected by the Homework Gap.
- Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit to help libraries learn about and improve their current broadband infrastructure.
- M-Lab Speed Test “Measurement Lab (M-Lab) provides largest collection of open internet performance data on the planet”.