n the past decade, the increasing requirements of the multimedia world have substantially increased the demands placed on libraries. They have gone through a transformation from introverted collections of bookish knowledge to globally networked information administrators and communication brokers. Today, public and academic libraries have to offer their users constantly advancing digital search possibilities coupled with enough spaces for concentrated reading.

Architects have to approach library projects from multiple perspectives. Whether new buildings, conversions or extensions, this book shows the diversity of the design and building tasks in order to comply with the very latest technology requirements and cultural demands within a library space.