Library
|
| British Library. |
Libraries provide accommodation for organised collections of knowledge that can be accessed for reference, or to borrow. They can be private (accessible only by authorised people, such as employees or members), personal, or public. The earliest collections of writings (or archives) are thought to date back as far as 2,600 BC.
Libraries may also contain administrative accommodation, experienced librarians, study areas, and so on.
The character of libraries has changed significantly with the emergence of the internet. Libraries increasingly provide access to large numbers of regularly used documents (such as current journals, course books and so on), whilst less-regularly used documents (such as historic texts or research) are archived and can be retrieved on request.
Libraries are also increasingly seen as places to meet, work, access digital knowledge sources, drink coffee and so on, rather than simply accessing physical documents.
Many large construction industry organisations will have their own technical libraries where employees can access journals, product information and key reference books. They may also have digital knowledge management systems.
Articles on Designing Buildings Wiki about libraries include:
- Birmingham Central Library demolition.
- British Library extension.
- Library of Celsus.
- National Library of Latvia.
- Seeley Library.
- Tianjin Binhai Library.
- Trinity College Library.
- University of East London’s new library in Stratford.
- University Town Library, Shenzhen University Town.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Construction industry knowledge standard.
- Construction industry publishing.
- Construction knowledge sources.
- Construction Knowledge Task Group.
- Construction knowledge.
- Document control.
- Knowledge management.
- Knowledge pyramid.
- PD 7503:2003 Introduction to knowledge management in construction.
- Types of building.
Featured articles and news
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.