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
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.



















