Library Architecture
- Education
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 126 pages
- 13 units
This course introduces students to the principles of library architecture, covering building design, space utilization, and facilities management. It explores the historical evolution of library architecture, from ancient Roman libraries to modern green libraries. Students will learn about needs assessment, space planning, and the roles of architects and consultants in creating effective library environments. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge to design and manage library spaces that meet user needs and promote efficient service delivery.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 64 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS411, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS411 · UNIT 1: Definition and Characteristics of LibraryArchitecture
This module introduces you to the concept of library architecture by defining library architecture and the characteristics of library architecture. The relevance of library architecture and the components of library architecture will also be discussed.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the meaning, relevance, and characteristics of library architecture.
- Know the history of library architecture from the Roman period to the present.
- Discuss the components of library architecture: building, space, furniture.
- Design a community needs assessment.
- Determine the composition of a library building committee.
- Know the elements of a 'Green' building programme and green libraries.
What it prepares you for
- Library Manager
- Information Architect
- Space Planner
- Library Consultant
- Archivist
- Academic Libraries
- Public Libraries
- Special Libraries
- Corporate Information Centers
- Government Archives
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Components of library architecture
Unit 3: Library Furniture
Requires understanding of technical specifications and ergonomic considerations for selecting appropriate library furniture.
- Module 4: Designing Library Architecture
Unit 2: Space Needs of Libraries
Involves complex planning and coordination among various stakeholders, including librarians, architects, and community members.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concept of Library Architecture
Unit 1: Definition, relevance and characteristics of library architecture · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Define library, architecture, and library architecture.. Identify different types of libraries and their features.. Explain the relevance of library architecture in modern information service provision..
- Week 2Module 1: Concept of Library Architecture
Unit 2: Components of library architecture · 2 hours
Study Unit 2: Identify physical components like building, space, and furniture.. Examine human components: users, librarians, and architects.. Discuss the importance of each component in library architecture..
- Week 3Module 2: History of Library Architecture
Unit 1: Roman Empire · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Explore library architecture in the Roman Empire.. Identify key libraries and their features during that period.. Understand the historical context of library design..
- Week 4Module 2: History of Library Architecture
Unit 2: Modernism and post modernism · 2 hours
Study Unit 2: Development in learning spaces.. Differentiate between information commons, learning commons, and library learning spaces.. Discuss the relevance of learning spaces in modern libraries..
- Week 5Module 3: Components of library architecture
Unit 1: Library Building · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Identify characteristics of a functional library building.. Examine the importance of adaptability, accessibility, and conducive environment.. Discuss how to plan a library building..
- Week 6Module 3: Components of library architecture
Unit 2: Library Space · 2 hours
Study Unit 2: Discuss the importance of space as a component of library architecture.. Identify the types of spaces required in a library building.. Plan for efficient space utilization..
- Week 7Module 3: Components of library architecture
Unit 3: Library Furniture · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Explain the importance of furniture in a library.. Discuss factors for consideration in selecting furniture.. Identify different types of furniture and their uses..
- Week 8Module 3: Components of library architecture
Unit 4: Emerging Trends in Library Design · 2 hours
Study Unit 4: Explain the concept and relevance of Blueprint.. Describe the procedure for creating a service blueprint.. Discuss how technology can be deployed for library services..
- Week 9Module 4: Designing Library Architecture
Unit 1: Needs Assessment of Library Users · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Explain the significance of assessing the needs of library users.. Discuss how to conduct a needs assessment for library users.. Understand the concept and relevance of needs assessment..
- Week 10Module 4: Designing Library Architecture
Unit 2: Space Needs of Libraries · 2 hours
Study Unit 2: Know what space needs means and its relevance in a library.. Highlight the benefits of library space needs assessment.. Ascertain how to conduct a space needs assessment programme for a library..
- Week 11Module 4: Designing Library Architecture
Unit 3: Formation of a Library Building Committee · 2 hours
Read Unit 3: Explain the people that constitute a library building committee.. Discuss the roles of the people in a library building committee.. Determine how to constitute a library building committee..
Unit 4: Use of an Architect or Library Consultant · 2 hours
Study Unit 4: Identify the qualities of an architect for the library building committee. Explain the qualities a library building consultant should possess..
- Week 12Module 5: GREEN LIFE BUILDING
Unit 1: Explanation, relevance and components of a Green Life Building · 2 hours
Read Unit 1: Explain what green life building is about.. Write on the relevance of green life building.. Discuss the components of green life building..
Unit 2: Green Libraries · 2 hours
Study Unit 2: Define a green library.. Highlight the benefits of a green library.. Discuss the challenges that occur in green libraries and solutions to them..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review all modules and units. Work on assignments and TMAs. Prepare for final examination.
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of library architectural history, focusing on key periods and influences (Units 1-2).
- Develop a checklist for evaluating library building plans based on functional, adaptable, and accessible design principles (Units 3-4).
- Practice conducting a sample needs assessment survey and analyzing the data to inform library design decisions (Module 4).
- Compare and contrast different approaches to green library design, considering energy efficiency, material selection, and environmental impact (Module 5).
- Review case studies of modern libraries, analyzing their architectural features, technology integration, and user experience (Unit 4).
- Prepare diagrams illustrating key library spaces and their functional relationships, considering workflow and user needs (Module 3).
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS411 about?
This course introduces students to the principles of library architecture, covering building design, space utilization, and facilities management. It explores the historical evolution of library architecture, from ancient Roman libraries to modern green libraries. Students will learn about needs assessment, space planning, and the roles of architects and consultants in creating effective library environments. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge to design and manage library spaces that meet user needs and promote efficient service delivery.
How many units does LIS411 have?
LIS411, Library Architecture, has 13 units across 5 modules, over 126 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS411?
LIS411 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Education.
Is LIS411 hard?
LIS411 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS411 take to study?
About 64 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is LIS411 assessed?
LIS411 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with LIS411?
Library Manager, Information Architect, Space Planner, Library Consultant and Archivist.