Library interior design, costs, and implications for the future

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the impact that library interior design can have on patron satisfaction with library service offering, in light of cost concerns from both patrons and library managers alike. Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides insight from library design researchers and the authors’ experiences with how to simultaneously design effective spaces and advocate for funding for construction and remodeling. Findings – There are at least three major categories for the fiscal impact of design projects: large, medium and small scale. Research on design projects, however, ranges from the low 6 figures to over $50 million. This situation creates a case-by-case environment for library administrators looking for best practices. Originality/value – No library is exactly like another, and no library’s patrons have similar fiscal tolerance for interior design proposals and build-out projects. This paper provides guidance for library administrator searching for more information on how to advocate for and begin the process of library interior design with an aim of increasing utility and functionality of spaces.