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The South Carolina State Library provides consultation services to public libraries for facilities planning and construction. Our Library Development Consultants conduct workshops and visits to local libraries to orient boards and staffs to essential space planning issues. The following documents and Web-based resources are made available to assist in the planning for new library construction or renovations. For more information, please contact
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, Library Development Services Director at 803-734-8646.
Some of the following documents require a PDF viewer: 
General Information and Facts
- Basic Steps in Planning for a New Library Building
A checklist adapted from the Library Development Bureau, New Jersey State Library.
- Library Construction Bibliography
Publications related to library building projects compiled by the State Library of Iowa.
- Library Construction: what nobody will tell you
A checklist presented at the New Jersey Library Conference on April 30, 2001.
- Public Library Building Project Sequence and Time Schedule
An outline including Planning, Building Program, Selections and Contract, Schematic Design and Review, Construction, and Occupancy.
- South Carolina Public Library Building Facts
Statewide public library building needs for South Carolina to 2025, published by South Carolina State Library, July 2004.
- The Public Library Building in the 21st Century
Planning for new or expanded library facilities is a major undertaking. It is vital for the planning to be done with a long-term view of future needs. Because of its special place in the community, a number of ideas are important to keep in mind when planning library buildings.
Space Planning and Site Selection
Space Planning:
- Library Space Planning Guide
Using this guide, librarians and trustees can obtain a general estimate of their library's space needs and help initiate a larger facilities planning process.
- Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction presents this outline to help librarians and library trustees determine whether to initiate a facilities planning process. By completing it, librarians and trustees can obtain a general estimate of their library’s space needs based on their library’s underlying service goals. With that estimate, planners can assess the adequacy of their library’s existing overall square footage and determine whether a more detailed study is needed.
Site Selection:
Building Program Development
- Choosing An Architect
A list of considerations to help you choose the right architect for your project.
- Whole Building Design Guide
Architects, engineers, and project managers can improve the performance and quality of their buildings by following the guidance and recommendations provided within the categories of this web site.
Construction Related
- Americans with Disabilities Act
Information and Technical Assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Handicapped Accessible Requirements
Handicapped Accessible Specifications. Please consult the latest federal, state, or local codes or regulations for any revisions of these specifications. Be advised that new construction specifications are more stringent and that all modifications to abide by the American with Disabilities Act are subject to “readily achievable”.
- Signage Requirements
General requirements for signage system.
Opening Day
Sustainable Design Resources
Sustainable design, or "green" building," is of growing interest as our resources become more limited. Governments are looking to save energy, recycle more, and create physical spaces that have less impact on the environment. Here are just a few resources to begin your research in creating sustainable libraries:
US Green Building Council (USGBC)
USGBC South Carolina Chapter
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