Spaces/Areas Minimum Space Requirements
Entrance and Lobby Area
- Reception/Information Desk 50 sqm.
- Lobby / Seating Area 7.43 sqm. /person when seated
- Display Areas (showcases for new arrivals, 6 sqm.
announcements, or upcoming events)
Reading and Study Areas
- General Reading Room 3.3 sqm. / person
- Quiet Study Rooms 3.3 sqm. / person
- Collaborative / Co-working Spaces 3.3 sqm. / person
Technology and Digital Media Spaces
- Computer Lab 3.04 sqm. / person
- Maker Spaces/Fab Labs 140 sqm.
- Audio Visual or Media Rooms 13.02
Meeting and Event Spaces
- Meeting Rooms 6 sqm.
- Community Rooms 6 sqm.
- Conference Rooms 6 sqm.
- Auditorium/ Theater 2.28 – 3.35 sqm / person
Collection Spaces
- Acquisition/ Technical Processing Section
- Circulation Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Periodical Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Filipiniana Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Reference Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Stack Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Back Volume Sections
- Special Collection Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Recreation Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Braille sections 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Local History/ Archives Section 100 volumes/ sqm.
- Rare Books Room 100 volumes/ sqm.
Administrative and Staff Areas
- Staff Offices 9 sqm. / person
- Office of the Director 15 sqm. / person
- Security Offices 9 sqm. / person
- Technical Services Area 19.50 sqm.
- Break Rooms and Lounges 22.86 sqm + 7.62 sqm. / seated person
- Pantry or Cafeteria 100 – 350 sqm.
Specialized Areas
- Exhibit Area 100 sqm.
- Student Hub 3.3 sqm. / person
- Cafeteria or Snack Area 100 – 350 sqm.
- Outdoor Reading/ Activity Area 3.3 sqm. / person
- Rentable Spaces (i.e. Coffee Shop, Bookstore, 18.58 – 37.16 sqm.
Souvenir Shop)
Support Spaces
- Restrooms 1.24 sqm. / cubicle
- Storage Areas 4.65 – 6.96 sqm.
- Utility and Maintenance Rooms 19.50 sqm.
- Parking 2.5m × 5m / car
Accessibility Features
- Elevators and Ramps Elevator: 3.15 sqm.
Ramp width: 0.90 m
Ramp slope: 1 :20
- PWD Parking 3.70m × 5m / car
- Accessible Seating and Tables Min. table height: 0.75m - 0.90m
Background
According to Afukidang and Ungwugwaye (2024), libraries have long been recognized as places where
information is provided to the public. Their main role is to gather, store, and share information. As a key
part of the information network, libraries offer access to data, generate knowledge, and contribute to
cultural and scientific development within communities through both technology and intellectual
resources.
A public library is a type of library that is available to the public, which is wholly or partly funded by the
public. This library is available to all people in the country despite their socioeconomic status. Public
libraries are typically long-standing institutions with a distinct purpose compared to research, school,
and other specialized libraries. Their primary mission is to meet the general public's information needs,
while also offering resources for entertainment and leisure (Chidozie, 2022).
The primary focus of public libraries are materials such as popular fiction and movies, as well as
educational and non-fiction materials that interest the general public where computer and internet
access are also often offered. In addition to printed books and periodicals there are also different
varieties of other media due to modernization which include audio-book, e-books, CDs, cassettes, video
tapes, DVDs, and video games (Chidozie, 2022, as cited in Boston, 2017).
Beyond providing information, libraries play a vital role in helping individuals improve themselves and
enhance the community's educational well-being. Allan Konya's book “Libraries: A Briefing and Design
Guide,” emphasizes that public libraries should be easily accessible to everyone. Libraries can be located
within or connected to places like shopping centers, community centers, cultural hubs, or educational
facilities. They may also offer additional amenities, such as meeting rooms, lecture halls, theaters, small
cinemas, restaurants, cafés, and bookstores (Mawardah et al., 2021).
Security/Fire/Smoke Detection Systems
Careful planning is required when creating a safe environment.
Accessibility and Location
Libraries are designed to provide physical comfort for people with varying mobility needs, including
senior citizens, children, and individuals with disabilities (such as those using wheelchairs or visually
impaired). As described, libraries are democratic spaces where the physical environment is easily
accessible without barriers (Javdani et al., 2015, as cited in Lang, 1987).The accessibility of a location,
including how and to whom it is accessible, is a crucial element in enhancing the quality of a space
(Javdani et al., 2015, as cited in Kaar, 1999). According to Javdani et al. (2015), referencing Gehl (2009),
factors such as distance, road quality, and transportation conditions significantly impact people's
presence in public spaces. Gehl's research also indicates that individuals living closer to a library tend to
borrow more books than those residing farther away.
Signage
Signage is a crucial element of library interior design, with psychological and behavioral impacts on
users. The Cohens note that signs can be mounted on walls, hung from ceilings, or placed as
freestanding units. However, an overabundance of signs can lead to visual clutter and overwhelm
visitors. Therefore, the design of signage should be integrated with the overall building design, space
planning, and furniture selection. Additionally, ADA guidelines must be followed, particularly for signs
that identify permanent rooms, provide directions, or offer information to users (Barton & Jones, 1997).
Mechanical Systems
Designing mechanical systems also known as HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) for
libraries involves maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels throughout the building.
These systems must balance environmental control to protect the library’s materials from extreme
conditions while ensuring comfort for users and staff. Ideally, human comfort is achieved at a
temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit (plus or minus 2 degrees) and a humidity level of 50% (plus or
minus 10%). These same conditions are also suitable for preserving books, paper materials, films, and
other media, although rare papers and special collections may require more careful regulation (Barton &
Jones, 1997).
Lighting
When planning the building's lighting, architects or lighting engineers should aim to achieve a balanced
mix of natural and artificial light that ensures even distribution, eliminates shadows, and minimizes
glare. Energy efficiency and ease of maintenance are also key factors to consider when designing a
lighting system. In areas where specific tasks are performed, lighting should be directed at the task
surface with the appropriate intensity. Task lighting can often be integrated into the furniture itself.
Additionally, care must be taken to avoid light reflecting off equipment screens, such as computer
monitors (Barton & Jones, 1997).
Acoustical Treatment
Noises should be minimized for the benefits of both casual visitors that are merely browsing through the
collection, and those who stay longer for reading and studying. This can be achieved by applying sound
control materials on the walls, ceilings, floors, and windows. Additionally, the spatial layout, traffic flow,
and furniture arrangement significantly influence noise management. Noise-sensitive areas such as
restrooms, photocopying stations, conference rooms, and mechanical equipment rooms should be
strategically placed away from reading areas, meeting spaces, and library offices (Barton & Jones, 1997).
Relevant Codes/Laws
Presidential Decree No. 1096 - National Building Code of the Philippines
Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 - Accessibility Law
Republic Act No. 9514 - Fire Code of the Philippines
Entrance and Lobby Area:
Reception/Information Desk: A primary point of contact for greeting guests, providing assistance, and
information.
Lobby/Seating Area: A welcoming area for people to congregate and wait, which establishes the mood
for using the library.
Display Areas: To engage guests as they enter, place showcases for recent arrivals, announcements, and
forthcoming events.
Lobby/Seating Area: Comfortable waiting and gathering space that sets the tone for the library
experience.
Display Areas: Showcases for new arrivals, announcements, and upcoming events to engage visitors as
they enter.
Reading and Study Areas:
General Reading Room: A spacious area for casual reading with access to the library's collection.
Quiet Study Rooms: Dedicated rooms for focused, individual study with minimal distractions.
Collaborative/Co-working Spaces: Flexible areas designed for group work, collaboration, and shared
projects.
Technology and Digital Media Spaces:
Computer Lab: Equipped with computers for digital research, study, and projects.
Maker Spaces/Fab Labs: Creative workshops with tools and technology for hands-on learning and
innovation.
Audio Visual or Media Rooms: Specialized spaces for multimedia content creation and viewing.
Meeting and Event Spaces:
Meeting Rooms: Flexible spaces for small group meetings, workshops, or study sessions.
Community Rooms: Larger rooms designed for community gatherings, events, and activities.
Conference Rooms: Formal meeting spaces with AV equipment for presentations and discussions.
Auditorium/Theater: A large space for performances, lectures, and community events.
Collection Spaces:
Acquisition/Technical Processing Section: Behind-the-scenes area where new materials are processed
and prepared for circulation.
Circulation Section: The main hub for checking out and returning library materials.
Periodical Section: Designated area for newspapers, magazines, and journals.
Filipiniana Section: A specialized collection of materials related to Filipino culture, history, and literature.
Reference Section: A resource center for research and informational needs with reference books and
materials.
Stack Section: Organized shelving for the general collection, allowing easy access to materials.
Back Volume Sections: Storage for older volumes of periodicals and books.
Special Collection Section: Reserved for rare, valuable, or unique materials.
Recreation Section: A designated area for leisure reading and recreational materials.
Braille Sections: Resources and materials for visually impaired users.
Local History/Archives Section: Archival storage for local history documents and records.
Rare Books Room: Secure, climate-controlled space for valuable and rare books.
Administrative and Staff Areas:
Staff Offices: Workspaces for library staff and management.
Office of the Director: The office for the library’s chief administrator.
Security Offices: A base for security personnel to ensure safety and monitoring.
Technical Services Area: A workspace for cataloging, acquisitions, and other technical operations.
Break Rooms and Lounges: Comfortable areas for staff to relax and recharge.
Pantry or Cafeteria: A space for meals and refreshments for staff and visitors.
Specialized Areas:
Exhibit Area: Display space for art, cultural exhibitions, and special showcases.
Student Hub: A dedicated space for students to study, collaborate, and access resources.
Cafeteria or Snack Area: An area for light dining and refreshments.
Outdoor Reading/Activity Area: A peaceful outdoor space for reading, events, or leisure activities.
Rentable Spaces: Optional spaces for businesses like coffee shops, bookstores, or souvenir shops.
Support Spaces:
Restrooms: Essential facilities for public and staff use.
Storage Areas: Spaces for storing supplies, materials, and equipment.
Utility and Maintenance Rooms: Operational areas for building maintenance and utilities.
Parking: Sufficient parking spaces for visitors and staff.
Accessibility Features:
Elevators and Ramps: Accessible pathways for individuals with mobility challenges.
PWD Parking: Designated parking for persons with disabilities.
Accessible Seating and Tables: Ergonomic seating options that accommodate diverse needs.
Assistive Technology Stations: Special workstations equipped with technology to support users with
disabilities.
Afukidang, M. A., & Ungwugwaye, J. I. (2024, August). EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND PUBLIC
LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT: AN OVERVIEW. ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383414713
Chidozie, O. (2022, November 18). The roles of Public Library in community development in the 21 st
Century. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365489157
Jones, P. A., & Barton, P. K., Jr. (1997). Creating library Interiors: planning and design considerations.
North Carolina Libraries, 55(2), 65–71.
https://thescholarship.ecu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/6e749092-f70a-4738-b393-
948b325e1bfb/content
Javdani, S., Karami, P., & Mehrpouyan, A. (2015). ARCHITECTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF PUBLIC
LIBRARY DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT FOR USERS’ MENTAL HEALTH. International
Journal of Technical Research and Applications, 27, 63–69.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347949373
Mawardah, S., Nurdiani, N., & Katarina, W. (2021). A study of the application of behavioral
architecture in public libraries in Jakarta, Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and
Environmental Science, 794(1), 012161. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/794/1/012161
