ABSTRACT
“A Library is a repository of various forms of recorded information, as well as a collection of data in many formats.” (Metu A. 1987). The design proposal is a consequence of an investigation into the emerging concern about energy efficiency of buildings, the recent advances in information technology and their attending consequences on the planning and architecture of the future library. Demographic data and an understanding of the development need of the growing population validate the need for a library facility in Agbani.
The aim of this research and the design of the scheme is to develop a proposal that will demonstrate a careful analysis of the architectural problems identified which include the implications of library design in the context of recent advancements in information technology, control of internal environment and energy efficiency, circulation, fire protection, lighting, noise arising from different locations, flexibility and security.
As a general design consideration, open planning and a standard measurement or module, which is valid under changing conditions for the library’s equipment and furniture, will be employed.
The five primary areas that will form the interior arrangement of the library are the administrative service department, technical service department, reference service department, adult service department and support areas.
The special design considerations are Circulation and activity flow, noise, lighting, internal climate, humidification, building protection from solar radiation, hazards, security, as well as arrangement of furniture and equipments.
The project location is in Agbani, Nkanu West L.G.A. located in a prominent, easily accessible location required to attract a large number of persons. An
analysis of the site is based on the synthesis of such factors as its topography, access and views, sun analysis and orientation, source of noise and soil condition. The concept of zoning takes into consideration the noise levels of library spaces as well as sequence in time of library use.
The planning takes into consideration the collection capacity of the proposed library which will be a function of the proposed population to be designed for. The concept of massing is to symbolize the culture of formal learning, which begins with a broad scope, and as one advances in learning, he specializes. To symbolize this character, the massing of the Agbani Central Library will be like that of a pyramid, which is broad at its base and tapers as it rises.
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1.0 PROJECT DEFINITION
According to Ayodele O. K (1979), “Library as an institution is a living record of man’s progress from the Stone Age to the modern age. Through libraries, men can communicate their vision and experience from generation to generation. Libraries are also stepping stones to the future as well as bridges to the past. Libraries and schools are inseparable educational team dedicated to preparing today’s people to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Libraries are quiet places but not dull places. They houses the most exclusive and dynamic man’s creation ideas. Through libraries, scientists have unlocked the secrets of nature and philosophers have searched for meaning of age. They are also important weapons for peace, freedom and full development of the individual to understanding himself, his surroundings and the world at large.”
Libraries are established to perform the following functions:
To assemble, preserve and administer books and other related educational materials in organized collections, in order to promote an enlightened society through guidance and stimulation and to promote enriched personal lives.
To provide opportunity and encouragement for children, young people, men and women to educate themselves continuously.
To help people make such use of leisure times as well as promote personal happiness and social advancement.
To serve those who are aiding in the advancement of knowledge through research. (Microsoft Encarta 2008)
1.2.0 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The shift from the teacher to the learner has been a significant one. It does not mean that the role of the teacher is redundant, rather, that it is a change; that the act of learning must be substantially a proactive one and that access to learning resources is even essential than it has been prior to now.
“In the traditional sense of the world, library is a collection of books and though derives from the Latin word “lire” meaning book, it can be referred to as an individual or private collection, but more often it is a large collection of information resources and a group of services that is funded and maintained by a city or institution. In the senses, it is not merely a collection, but an organized collection, intended for use, accompanied by a group of services for users. The collection and the services are often used by people who chose not to –or cannot afford to purchase an extensive collection themselves, who need materials.” Calvin R. (1999).
However, with the collection or invention of media other than books for storing information, many libraries are now also repositories and points for maps, prints, or other art works , microfilms, microfiche, audio tapes, CDs, LPS, video tapes DVDs, and provide public facilities to access CD-Rom and subscription data base and the internet. Thus, modern libraries are increasingly being redefined as places to get unrestricted access to information in many formats and from many sources. In addition to providing material, they also provide service of specialists who are expert in matters related to finding and organizing information, interpreting information needs, called libraries.
It is essential, the library service a multiplicity of purpose, that its staff is able to meet the demands of a sophisticated and literate audience, capable of using a variety of information and communication media.
Libraries perform a range of functions in the society, academic libraries for instance obtain, collect and store literature for education and research purposes and is usually open to the general public. Public libraries provide communication with a wide choice of more general literature and other information media with as much of them displayed on open shelves. In addition online information searches on databases stored in CD-ROMs are also available, including photocopying, reading and printing from microfilms.
‘The role of public libraries has been changing in the past few years, notably through the acceptance of new media of communication, the recognition of the new social objectives and parities, which index reaching out to those who do not at present use the library services, thus, libraries are changing and dynamic places; libraries are techno-savvy at the forefront of the information age, and help people to find information they need, when they need it.’ (Allen Kent, 2000).
Libraries are places of opportunity; libraries are part of our dream place for education, self-help and lifelong learning.
‘Libraries brings you to the world; where else can one have access to virtually everything in print or online and even have the personal assistance of librarians to help find what you are looking for?’ (Angelo W, 1967).
More recently, libraries are understood as extending beyond the physical walls of a building, including materials accessible by electronic means, and providing assistance by librarians in navigating and analyzing the tremendous amount of knowledge with a variety of digital tools. It is obvious that a vital institution housing and documenting the living records of man’s progress from ages and also forms an essential link through which man’s vision and breakthrough are communicated between generations which forms a stepping stone into the future and a bridge to the past .Libraries are quiet places, they house the most explosive
and dynamic of all man’s creative ideas. Through libraries, scientist have embarked to unravel the secrets of nature, and philosophers, have searched deep into the meaning of life, they are indeed an important weapon for preparing people today to meeting the challenges of the future, for peace, freedom and help towards self development and better understanding of the environment and the world at large.
‘Today, libraries building are constructed so that they can be easily expanded or modified to accommodate changes in collections, formats, and user needs including users with disabilities. The rapid expansion of the information technology since World War II has forced libraries to consider new methods of storage such as compact movable shelving, microfilming of bulky or deteriorating materials. The décor of modern libraries is determined largely by practical consideration, lighting is bright, furnishing is sturdy, and structural elements are designed to conserve energy.’ (Encyclopedia Americana Inc. NY 1981 VOL. 17, Pg. 31). In future, libraries may see space given over to bookshelves cleared to make way for extra computer terminals as internet access supersedes access to books as primary function of the library institution.
1.3.0 MOTIVATION AND PURPOSE
Agbani and its environs experienced a rapid influx of academic institutions under the governorship of Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani (Ebeano).These institutions ranges from primary to tertiary institutions an even a professional institution( Nigerian Law School). These institutions includes Renaissance University Ugbawka, Air force Primary and Secondary School, Mea Mater High School Agbani, Nigerian Law School Agbani Campus, and the mother all being the movement of Enugu State University of Science and Technology to its
permanent site in Agbani. Considering the number of these institutions, the importance of a Library to be located there cannot be overemphasized. Another factor that earnestly calls for this project is the fact that most of our institutions don’t have what it takes to equip their libraries to a reasonable standard, owing to the presence of this proposed project, the various institutions could still be running their sketchy library services while the proposed Divisional Library Agbani, will be equipped to cover up the deficiencies of the various school libraries.
1.4.0 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The scope of the project of this nature needs to be definitely given. Broadly speaking, the project scope has been determined to accommodate facilities covering the following services:
The administrative facility includes:
– Boardroom, committee rooms, office of the board chairman and some administrative staff.
– Offices housing these sections: administration, personnel, finance, and accounts, internal audit, public relations, etc.
The operations supports will involve the provision of bibliographic services, legal unit, National union catalogue, national and state documentation centers, collection development, library statistics research and training. All these will be present within the proposed library.
The readers’ activities will present the boiling point of the library and will be made functional through the provision of entrance halls, Referencing section, audio-visuals, reading rooms, public catalogue, etc. These areas will be clearly provided in the design to avoid conflict and confusion while enhancing more
efficient readers’ productivity. The stack area and all other book shelving areas will be large enough to contain a total capacity of 40,000-50,000 volumes, which is the projected capacity of the library.
Movement of volumes forms stacks to the service desk will be partly automated to enhance speedy services. The mechanized service will involve printing, binding, and photocopying.
The service will be given full consideration worthy of an industrial process, which they represent. The support facilities will basically serve to make the use of the library more interesting and comfortable. It will also include facilities such as exhibition halls, auditoriums, snack bars, restaurants, kitchen, etc.
1.5.0 STATEMENT OF ARCHITECTURAL PROBLEM
The main architectural problem in the design of the proposed library is that of “flexibility and adaptation to change in library design and use of library”. Changes in spatial and functional requirements of libraries, in terms of the dynamic needs of the users and administrative authorities (librarians) in the present and especially the future are referred to as “change”.
Other library design related problems which are to solve includes:
Library design in the context of recent advancement in information technology.
Control of internal environment and energy efficiency
Accessibility (Both physical and visual impact)
Circulation of people and material (horizontal \vertical)
Space relationship (zoning)
Acoustics and noise control
Lighting
Heat and noise control
Security and fire protection
Landscaping.
1.6.0 AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of this research and design scheme will be to develop a proposal that will demonstrate a careful analysis of the architectural problems highlighted and the variety of probable solutions, the result of which will be a skilful synthesis that will be given expression through the function, form and architectural character of the design of the proposed Divisional Library Agbani. Therefore, considering the problems already identified and the aim already stated, the following will be objectives of this project:
The design will seek to use a variety of formula and library design reference works to define the space allocation, which will accommodate the size of the projected material collection. The space allocation will be in terms numbering of shelving units to house the collection and the floor area required to accommodate the shelving units and related public circulated ways.
The space allocation will attempt to accommodate various ways in which patrons will utilize the resources of the facility. This concerns the seating arrangement because different reading activities require different seating arrangement. Reference, study and research work require table seating. Patrons interested in browsing and recreational reading seek comfort
lounge in which to pursue their pastimes. Retrieval of electronically processed information requires study carrels and computer terminals. Children need tables and chairs for projects, reading and other programmed activities. All of these types of seating have specific space requirements. The outcome of this design will take this into consideration.
To develop a library-building program that will incorporate elements that will magnify its role as a community facility. This is equally necessary since the library will function as a focal point for community learning.
The fenestration will be designed such that windows will be used to provide needed natural light. The windows provided will be located such so that they do not interfere with shelving layouts in the book area. The design will take advantage of window openings placed high on the wall above shelving units, which are often an effective source of evenly distributed ambient light. Adequate lighting that will not produce glare where computers terminals at right any source of natural daylight.
The design will seek to solve the problem of peripheral noise generated by absorbing the noise by the spatial design, spatial separation and material selection. Provision of special “quiet study” rooms will assure patrons of an acoustically quiet environment. In addition, with special programs and homework center activities, the children Area will be a source of moderate noise in the facility. Care would be taken to acoustically isolate this area from other areas of the facility.
An attempt will be made to design a security system that will not be entirely dependent on a book theft security system. Since the ultimate responsibility for protecting materials and equipment used by the public in the library rests with library staff, the reader service desk and staff
workrooms should be located in view of public seating and collection areas, thereby enhancing visual supervision. This will be a more architectural response to the problem of Security.
In order to achieve flexibility and expandability in the library design, the meeting room space should be designed to accommodate a variety of configurations for meetings, seminars and training sessions. Lighting systems should be adaptable to varying use patterns. In designing the staff support areas, consideration will be given to visiting librarians and staff. Hence, a flexible design will accommodate such situations.
To contain the risk of fire by arson, attention will be paid to the design of fenestrations. Windows that does not open eliminates such risk. However, since windows that do not open will be counter productive when other factors like ventilation are considered, the risk can be reduced by the use of screening to cover windows that can open.
In order to limit the spread of fire, there will also be an attempt to employ the use of compartmentalization. This implies subdividing the book stack by constructing fire resistant walls, ceilings, and floors to limit the spread of fire, smoke and to some extend water. Compartmentalization is a highly successful method of reducing risk if barriers are designed and installed properly. Fire ratings must be appropriate for book stacks, and there can be no breaks or interruptions to the barriers. Points often overlooked in the use of compartmentalization are continuation of the walls above drop ceilings to the floor above, installation of automatic dampers in air handling system, sealing of gaps around utility tunnels, and use of automatic fire doors; all are measures designed to help isolate compartments from one another to prevent spread of fire ,a smoke and water. Vertical openings between floors for services, stairwells, and elevators need to be sealed if each floor is to become a separate compartment and barrier to the spread of fire.
1.7.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research successes are usually hindered by lack of adequate material due to the economic recession being experience in the world today, while making findings increasingly difficult, however, efforts for sourcing information were made to achieve an appreciable success. Such efforts were made through primary and secondary sources.
The main research procedures adopted in this study is chiefly deductive; involving the collection of data through both the primary and secondary sources. These include;
Primary Sources:
– Site/Field Study, Surveys and observations.
– Personal interviews
– Library Research
– Participant or Detached Observation
– Filling of Questionnaires by Persons
– Measurement of people events or things under direct manner
Secondary Sources:
– Case Studies reviews.
– Review of existing records, books, journals, magazines, monographs etc. The Author visited the site to become acquainted with topographic and environmental peculiarities of the chosen site. To achieve this goal, a preliminary survey was carried out and major landmarks and features established.
A visit to Agbani and its environs was undertaken and relevant information obtained from the Ministry of Land, Survey and Town Planning, and the Ministry of Information Enugu State among others.
In addition, various case studies and reviews of the materials obtained proved quite useful in determining exact problems and possible solutions to be adopted in the project. Useful information was also obtained from interviews and discussions with the author’s project supervisor and lecturers that guided and directed the research. Various books, journals, and Unpublished Project Reports which formed the bulk of this research materials.
The information and data collected or obtained by the various means were gathered, analyzed and synthesized to give a framework for this Project Report and the subsequent design.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
DIVISIONAL LIBRARY AGBANI ENUGU STATE (STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL SPACE REQUIREMENT OF A MODERN LIBRARY)
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