Basic Steps in Planning for a New Library Building

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	Construction Bond Fund: Basic Steps in Planning for a New Library Building I. PRELIMINARY STEPS _____ Recognition of the need for a new building _____ Alternative considerations _____building an addition _____ purchasing a building to be used as a library _____major renovation _____building a new building _____other (sharing space or other options) _____ Appointment of a building committee _____ Outline proposed program _____ Investigate financial status _____ Visit other libraries _____ Plan for community input II. DECISION TO BUILD _____ Retain legal counsel _____ Hire consultant to do library building program _____ Undertake survey of community including focus groups _____ Delegate specific responsibilities to individuals or groups _____ Establish timeline III. COMMUNITY ANALYSIS _____ General characteristics of the population _____ Projected population growth in ten years _____ Review of demographics and analysis _____ Relationship to academic community and school community _____ Relationship to cultural community _____ Relationship to recreational community _____ Future needs and general trends _____ Special emphasis on problems _____ Economic profile _____ Special community needs _____ Relationship of community to general region IV. WRITTEN BUILDING PROGRAM _____ Library objectives _____ Existing and projected services _____ Future needs of the library _____ Standards required (ADA) ____ Interrelationships of spaces within the building, with reference to public use and staff use, utilizing flow charts and relationship charts and indicating priorities for contiguous location of spaces _____ Name of each space _____ Description of service function of each space and activities which take place _____ Number of occupants to be accommodated (patrons and staff) _____ Resources to be accommodated (books, tables, computers, etc) _____ Square footage requirements for each space _____ Current inadequacies _____ List of special features _____ Lists of movable furniture, equipment, and built in furniture and equipment _____ Community architectural preferences _____ Technology issues _____ Environmental considerations and special requirements if needed _____ Explanation of need for major renovation or expansion V. HIRING OF THE ARCHITECT _____ Develop a philosophy of architecture _____ Become familiar with the architect's work _____ Check for New Jersey license _____ Check references and competence _____ Design process of input to architect _____ Sign contract VI. DEVELOPMENT OF PLAN FOR FINANCING _____ Estimate project cost _____site _____ site survey _____ bond sale _____ architect's fees _____ consultant fees _____ construction costs _____ mechanical costs _____ demolition _____ furniture and equipment _____ landscaping _____ owner's representative _____ clerk of the works _____ test borings _____ legal fees _____ Sources of funding _____ operating budget _____ bonds _____ gifts _____ mortgage _____ funding campaign VII. ACQUISITION OF SITE _____ Accessibility of site _____ Relationship to existing city plan _____Visual prominence _____ Traffic patterns _____ Soil conditions _____ Zoning _____ Parking _____ Centralized location _____ Clear title _____ Fair price _____ Site survey VIII. SCHEMATIC DESIGN ______ Floor plan _____ Elevation _____ Comparison with building program _____ Approval by governing body IX. PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS _____ Advanced drawings, elevation, etc. _____ Outline specifications for materials _____ Comparison with building program _____ Consult staff for suggestions _____ Cost estimates _____ Approval by governing body X. WORKING DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS _____ Detailed drawings _____ Detailed specifications _____ Preparation of construction documents XI. FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT LIST _____ Complete list _____ Specifications

	Comments and questions to: Tina Keresztury, Construction Bond Specialist tkeresztury@njstatelib.org
	Page last updated on: January 5, 2004

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