UFC 4-740-20
1 May 2006
3-3
BUILDING DESIGN
The main focus for most libraries should be the computer areas, reading spaces, and
the accommodation of the general collection materials maintained by each facility.
These areas should be located in the center of the public services functional areas and
emphasized through building massing and roof forms. Other spaces, such as teen
areas, reference areas, group study rooms or carrels, and administration should
surround the main reading and computer areas to define their boundaries. Where the
climate permits, an outdoor reading terrace can be an enriching addition to a library,
however these optional areas are not practical for many Air Force facilities. If utilized,
outdoor reading areas may be shaded or exposed to the sun, or variable with the time
of day, depending on the climate. Terraces should be entered from spaces visible from
the circulation desk and should have no entrances or exits to the outside except for
emergency egress. Enclosure or screening of outdoor areas is required to prevent
unauthorized entry or pilferage of library resources. Provide durable outdoor furnishings
like table, chairs, and umbrellas.
3-3.1
Building Organization
The center of the building and its major architectural volumes should always be spaces
occupied by the users. Stacks and support areas should be peripheral and subordinate
to the primary use spaces. Create an overall organizing layout design concept. For
example, the design might focus on a central reading space or computer stations,
emphasize a nave-like axis of reading spaces, or surround a court or series of outdoor
reading spaces. Spaces should be placed with sound and acoustics in mind.
Building space organization should take advantage of local climate conditions. For
example, closed areas could be clustered on the north side of the facility in cold
climates, and reading spaces could open onto south-facing reading terraces. Computer
areas and labs are primary use areas that should be centrally located and in direct view
of the circulation desk, if possible. Consider the potential need for access to the
computer lab or conference room facilities after library hours that would allow the
remaining library facilities to remain locked and secure during after-hours use of shared
facilities. If consolidated with the Base Education Center (BEC) in a single structure,
the space organization must allow the library to function separately when the BEC is
closed. The library should be easily distinguished from other areas of such facilities. If
collocated facilities share a server room, the server room must be accessible to the
library's information technology administrator after hours.
3-3.2
Building Circulation
Circulation within functional areas must not disrupt the activities. It should occur at the
edges of the spaces. For example, circulation to stacks to remote reading areas should
pass by the side of the main reading space for adults, not through the middle. The
circulation system should provide easy access, orientation, and visibility of the various
parts of the facility from the main entrance. Customers entering the library should pass
the circulation desk and have a primary view of the main reading space.
3-3.3
Supervision and Security
Provide only one public entrance/exit that is a prominent architectural component to
facilitate customer wayfinding. A separate staff only entrance may also be provided that
3-4
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