NEW BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE POLICY 1003 Page 1 of 20

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1 POLICY 1003 Page 1 of 20 Subject: Public and Public-School Library Facility Standards Effective: August 2015 Revised: January PURPOSE This policy is used to support the establishment of new libraries or existing libraries that require renovations or expansions to meet community demands and needs. 2.0 APPLICATION This policy applies to all public and public-school libraries whether they are stand-alone facilities or in multi-purpose buildings or whether the building is owned or leased by the municipality (or an association of persons acting as a municipality) or a school district. This policy does not explain library funding responsibilities of the provincial government, municipalities (or association of persons acting as a municipality) and school districts (in the case of public-school libraries). For this information, see NBPLS Policy 1005 Establishment of Public and Public-School Libraries. 3.0 DEFINITIONS Population served refers to the number of people living in a community where a public or public-school library is located based on census data. The population served may include more than one community if a group of municipalities have a joint agreement to act together as a municipal partner under the New Brunswick Public Libraries Act. The use of population served data does not affect the provincial and municipal government partnership that all libraries are accessible to all New Brunswickers regardless of where they live. Small sized library refers to a library that serves a population of 3,999 or less. Medium sized library refers to a library that serves a population of between 4,000 and 9,999. Large sized library refers to a library that serves a population over 10,000. ORIGINAL SIGNED BY PROVINCIAL LIBRARIAN

2 POLICY 1003 Page 2 of 20 Library resource centres refers to one library designated in each library region that is ideally located near the regional office to facilitate strategic and operational planning in the provision of regional and provincial library services and programs. The library resource centre has a dual role: to serve as a public library within a large urban centre (i.e. Edmundston, Campbellton, Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton) and to serve as a resource library that offers support services and specialized expertise to public libraries throughout the public library system in the delivery of circulation services, reference services, children s services and young adult and adult services. 4.0 LEGAL AUTHORITY New Brunswick Public Libraries Act. Government of New Brunswick. 5.0 GOALS / PRINCIPLES 5.1 The mandate of the public and public-school library is to facilitate life-long learning for the public and the school population (in the case of public-school libraries). Public and public-school libraries provide services and resources to help meet the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of its clientele. 5.2 Library buildings are well-planned and efficiently organized for use by patrons and staff, offering a welcoming atmosphere that will encourage use by a wide segment of the population. 6.0 REQUIREMENTS / STANDARDS 6.1 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Respecting the New Brunswick Public Libraries Act: NBPLS (via the Regional Director) is responsible for preparing library feasibility studies or needs analyses that include (but are not limited to): the vision for the library in the community; community needs analysis / use projections (library activities and population growth); site analysis / locale in the community; library space requirements and service areas (collections, programming, public seating / meeting spaces);

3 POLICY 1003 Page 3 of 20 staffing levels and workspace; evolving technology and electrical requirements; public and staff computing; furniture and equipment Municipalities and School Districts (in the case of public-school libraries) are required to work directly with NBPLS staff to ensure that library construction, expansion and renovation projects result in a facility that is functional from a service and operational/human resource point of view. As a result: The library construction/renovation/expansion team must include the Regional Director; The Municipality, School District (in the case of public-school libraries) and the Regional Director must agree with the library facility plan (after consultation with the Executive Director of NBPLS) prior to any renovation or construction project begins; The Regional Director must review all tenders. This includes shelving and furniture tenders; For all computer or technical equipment and electrical and cabling plans, the Municipality, School District (in the case of public-school libraries) and Regional Director must consult with the NBPLS Systems and IT Unit for approval prior to any tendering or purchasing commitment. For information on standards relating to computer and technical equipment, refer to NBPLS Policy 1093 Computers and Technical Equipment in Libraries; At the discretion of the municipality, representative(s) from the local library board may be asked to participate on the library construction/renovation/expansion team as community advisors; As a jointly funded public service, responsibility for library construction/renovation/expansion projects rests with the municipality (or association of persons acting as a municipality), school district (in the case of public-school libraries) with the approval of the Regional Director (after consultation with the Executive Director of NBPLS).

4 POLICY 1003 Page 4 of FACILITY PLANNING Library construction/expansion or renovation projects must include building structure and floor plans All library building plans must be in compliance with the latest edition of the National Building Code of Canada Plans for new library construction or additions to existing buildings are designed by an Architect that holds a certificate of practice as issued by the Architects Association of New Brunswick Engineers involved in construction projects are certified to practice in New Brunswick In the case of public-school libraries: There must be one public entrance that is well-marked and welcoming that does not require entering the school. This ensures the public has direct access to the library. It also encourages public usage during school hours and reduces distractions for students during school instruction; There must be an internal door from the school to the library that can be locked by library staff for security purposes; There must be adequate space, furniture and equipment necessary for its efficient operation and implementation of its services and programs for both the school and the community; All construction and renovations to the facility, regardless of funding source, must be planned and undertaken in consultation with the Educational Facilities & Pupil Transportation Branch, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and with the authorization of the Minister through that Branch; Where a library already exists, the additional area required to bring the library size up to standard for the new partner is calculated by adding on the requirements of the new partner, less the areas for any of the possible duplicated facilities; The layout of the library should maximize the capability of carrying out class instructional activities (e.g. reading, research, viewing and instruction) without disturbing the activities of other users.

5 POLICY 1003 Page 5 of FACILITY LOCATION To facilitate community usage, safety and efficiency: The library must be close to other community facilities where it will be most visible and accessible to all members of the community; The library must be close to public transportation, where applicable; When located in a multi-purpose facility, main access to the library must be independent from any other buildings, institutions or organizations. This is to ensure that the library can set its own open hour schedule; The library must be located on the ground floor for optimal access by the public; The library (with the exception of library resource centres) must be located on one floor for optimal accessibility, service efficiency and security; Library staff must have a view of the library s overall space; The library building lot must have room for building expansion and the addition of parking space; There must be sufficient lighting in the parking lot and pathway(s) to the library entrance; There must be convenient and safe parking available at all times for library users and staff; The library is located where people can easily access it from a parking lot; The library has a minimum of 10 parking spaces for the public and a minimum of three parking spaces for staff. Whenever possible, more parking spaces are provided in larger communities. 6.4 FACILITY ENVIRONMENT Barrier-free design must be followed in the construction and renovation of library facilities. Refer to the latest edition of the National Building Code of Canada and the Canadian Standards Association Accessible Design

6 POLICY 1003 Page 6 of 20 for the Built Environment for minimum standards. At a minimum, the library provides: Wheelchair/scooter accessible entrance (ideally located at the main entrance of the library) with an automatic door; Doors with lever handles or push plate/door pull handles; Gender neutral wheelchair/scooter accessible single-user washroom with adult change table that is also suitable for children, equipped with a biohazard disposal container; Wheelchair/scooter accessible walkways, ramps and drop-off zones that are clear and unobstructed inside and outside the library; Aisles between shelves are a minimum of 42 inches ( mm) wide to allow for wheelchair/scooter passage; Where the public area of the service outlet occupies more than one level, an elevator is provided between levels; Adaptive computer workstation(s) placed alongside other public access workstations to promote inclusivity; Wheelchair/scooter accessible service desks; Seating next to areas where queues may form; Non-slip flooring; Large print, glare-free, tactile, colour-contrasted signage; Contrasting tones on walls, floors and doorways; Exterior lighting in parking, walkways, ramps, and drop-off zones to illuminate the ground surface; Interior lighting at entrances, service counters, work surfaces, office spaces, shelving areas, and washrooms that offers even distribution of light; Sound absorbent walls and floors;

7 POLICY 1003 Page 7 of 20 Audible and visual emergency alarm systems; Designated wheelchair accessible parking lot space(s.) The library s interior plan must: Allow for flexible use; Accommodate technology; Provide an inviting interior; In order to better plan the layout of the library, the color schemes, and the selection of furniture, an interior designer should be consulted The height of the ceiling must be a minimum of 9 feet (2.7 metres) in most areas The structural floor loading for public areas, areas with shelving, and areas with compact shelving must meet the appropriate standard and will be determined by the structural engineer Interior windows will be installed in offices and other areas to ensure that staff have a good view of the library at all times Light switches for the main areas of the library are located close to the circulation desk, except for those located in activity rooms, multi-purpose rooms, study rooms, staff kitchen, storage rooms, etc The latest edition of the Illuminating Engineering Society s Lighting Handbook (English only) will be used to determine lighting standards in libraries Exterior and interior signs are highly visible and direct people to library services in both official languages (see Policy 1062 Language of Service for more information) The library will provide a telecommunications infrastructure for the public and library staff that includes: Wired and wireless Internet access; Fixed and mobile computing;

8 POLICY 1003 Page 8 of 20 Telephone/fax access (minimum 3 lines): one telephone line for administration; one telephone line for the public to call; and one line for fax service; The minimum number and location of outlets will be defined at the time of the feasibility study / needs assessment For the comfort of public and staff, and protection of the collection, proper temperature and humidity control is maintained throughout the year: degrees C; per cent humidity recommended Heating, air conditioning and lighting design are specifically designed to conserve energy Surveillance systems (cameras or mirrors) must be installed in any areas not visible from the circulation desk Anti-theft detection systems must be installed in large libraries and resource centres Patron counters must be installed to ensure automated statistical reporting Library furniture will be appropriate for the target users (e.g. child-sized tables and chairs are provided in the children s area) A secure, fire-proof, after-hours book return chute must be provided. 6.5 BUILDING MAINTENANCE The parking lot, walkway, ramp and stairs must be well maintained and quickly cleared of snow and ice Janitorial services must be provided to ensure a clean and healthy public building The library has practical and suitable landscaping.

9 POLICY 1003 Page 9 of SPACE REQUIREMENTS Each library will have: designated service areas for circulation, reference, children, young adult and adult services as well as open spaces; designated lobby / arrival space upon entering the library; indoor seating; outdoor seating; attractive exterior and interior architectural detail, with consideration for the display of art; for public service and security purposes, rooms such as offices, staff workrooms, and meeting/study rooms will have a window looking into the library. 6.7 SHELVING The layout and height of shelving in the library will be determined by the Regional Director with the Architect Adjustable shelving will be appropriate to the types of materials in the collection, and to the needs of the clientele Shelving will be sufficient to house the current collection, allow for expansion, and meet the collection standards for the size of the community Approximate shelving requirements will be calculated as follows: "150 volumes per 3-foot single faced section, seven shelves high" Gauges of steel for library shelving must be in compliance with current Canadian library shelving vendor specifications Shelving units must include the slat walls, kick panels, dust covers (counter tops) and end panels Shelving must be braced. 1 Sannwald, W. W. (2016). Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations (6th ed.), p. 193.

10 POLICY 1003 Page 10 of Height of shelving should allow sufficient clearance from sprinklers Height of shelving may vary according to library section (40, 52, 64, 76 inches; or 1016, , , mm) Maximum height of shelving is 76 inches ( mm) Depth of shelves should be inches ( mm) Aisles between shelves are a minimum of 42 inches ( mm) wide to allow for wheelchair/scooter passage. 6.8 CIRCULATION AREA The functional layout of the circulation desk will be determined by the Regional Director with the Architect The circulation desk must accommodate in a functional way the cabling and wiring for information technology and telecommunications The circulation desk must be located near the main public entrance The circulation desk must meet ergonomic standards and provide enough space behind the desk to allow staff to work comfortably, circulate books and book carts To ensure accessibility and functionality: the minimum size is 250 square feet (23 square metres); the counter height is 36 inches (914.4 mm); the lower section is recessed to 30 inches (762 mm) for wheelchair use, child use and sit down service; the counter depth/surface area is inches (609.6 to 762 mm). 6.9 PUBLIC SEATING Seating is distributed through different areas of the library that accommodates electrical and data connections; additional seating space to be provided at computer workstations, study rooms, activity and multipurpose rooms Seating for a classroom visit in the case of public-school libraries.

11 POLICY 1003 Page 11 of Each seat will allow 30 square feet per person (2.8 square metres) All libraries will provide a minimum of 5 spaces (15 square feet per person, 1.4 square metres) with electrical outlets to permit the use of devices brought by patrons to the library Minimum of 25 seating spaces for populations up to 1,999 (750 square feet, 70 square metres) Five spaces per 1,000 to be added in addition to above for populations over 2, STAFF OFFICE SPACE Every library provides office space for the Library Manager/Director office that is a minimum of 200 square feet (19 square metres) and located close to the circulation desk with windows looking into the library Every library resource centre provides office space for each Head of Unit (four offices). Each office is a minimum of 150 square feet (14 square metres) and located close to respective service areas with windows looking into the library STAFF WORKROOM Every library provides a staff workroom that is equipped with at least one computer work area, a sink, closet, counter or table, shelving, cabinets, equipment, bulletin board and storage area and windows looking into the library. The size of the workroom will be as follows: Small sized libraries: minimum of 300 square feet (28 square metres) Medium sized libraries: minimum of 400 square feet (37 square metres) Large sized libraries: minimum of 500 square feet (46 square metres) Library resource centres: minimum of 500 square feet (46 square metres) for the circulation workroom; minimum of 300 square feet (28 square metres) for workrooms in reference services, children s services and young adult/adult services.

12 POLICY 1003 Page 12 of PUBLIC COMPUTING Majority of public seating will have electrical and data connections nearby for computing devices Libraries will have sufficient electrical outlets to accommodate various computing devices Libraries will have sufficient high-speed internet connections to meet public computing needs Minimum of 15 square feet (1.4 square meters) to accommodate each computing device (e.g. desktop, laptop, tablets) provided by the municipality or the school for the library (in the case of public-school libraries): Small sized libraries: minimum of 4 computing devices (minimum of one provided by the school in the case of public-school libraries as per NBPLS Policy 1073 Internet Access); Medium sized libraries: minimum of 10 computing devices (minimum of one provided by the school in the case of publicschool libraries as per NBPLS Policy 1073 Internet Access); Large sized libraries: minimum of 20 computing devices (minimum of one provided by the school in the case of public-school libraries as per NBPLS Policy 1073 Internet Access); Library resource centres: minimum of 20 computing devices Minimum of 24 square feet (2.2 square metres) is required for an adaptive computer workstation and a small table for the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Minimum of 500 square feet (46 square metres) is required for a computer training lab in the library resource centres, preferably in a closed room PUBLIC USE EQUIPMENT Minimum of 15 square feet (1.4 square metres is required for multifunction printer/photocopier/fax machine located near the circulation desk (or the reference desk in the case of the library resource centre).

13 POLICY 1003 Page 13 of Minimum of 25 square feet (2.3 square metres) is required for a microfilm reader Minimum of 15 square feet (1.4 square metres is required for Closed Circuit Television Unit (CCTV) ACTIVITY ROOM (PROGRAMMING, EXHIBITS, MEETINGS) Minimum of 600 square feet (56 square metres) is required Large libraries and library resource centres may require more than one activity room to meet community needs The room must be near the children s area and be equipped with the following: Storage space Closet (large enough to store folding tables and stackable chairs) Kitchen area with cabinets, sink, fridge, microwave, stove Telephone Audio-visual and information technology equipment Gender neutral wheelchair/scooter accessible single-user washroom with adult change table that is also suitable for children, equipped with a biohazard disposal container, that is available outside library open hours Folding tables and stackable chairs Secure access to the room that does not require entry into the library after hours ADULT SERVICES AREA Each library will have an adult services area equipped with: Shelving Public seating that offers a combination of soft and hard seating, stand alone as well as tables with chairs

14 POLICY 1003 Page 14 of 20 Display cases Computer workstations / patron space for using mobile devices STUDY ROOM(S) Each library will have at least one study room that is a minimum of 100 square feet (9 square metres) and can be located in any area of the library REFERENCE SERVICES AREA Each library will have a reference services area equipped with the following: Shelving space Public seating Lower shelving and counters Located near public access computers Patron space for using mobile devices Multi-functional printer Magazine/newspaper racks near public seating Genealogical research/local history area with microfilm reader 6.18 CHILDREN S SERVICE AREA Each library will have a juvenile service area equipped with the following: Display cases Lower shelving and counters Public seating that offers a combination of soft and hard seating, stand alone or grouped, as well as tables with chairs that are easily moved/adapted for programming space Open floor space for programs

15 POLICY 1003 Page 15 of 20 Public access computer(s) / patron space for using mobile devices Magazine/newspaper racks and public seating Coat hooks Breastfeeding friendly space 6.19 TEEN SERVICE AREA Each library will have a teen service area equipped with the following: Display cases Shelving Public seating that offers a combination of soft and hard seating, stand alone or grouped, as well as tables with chairs that are easily moved/adapted for programming space Open floor space for programs Public access computer(s) / patron space for using mobile devices 6.20 KITCHEN Each library will have a staff kitchen equipped with the following: cabinets counter sink fridge stove microwave table(s), chairs

16 POLICY 1003 Page 16 of STORAGE ROOM Each library will have a storage room located inside the library that is a minimum of 300 square feet (28 square metres) 6.22 LOBBY AREA Each library will have a lobby area equipped with the following Double automatic doors Coat rack or hooks / closet for public use Display area Bulletin board Book drop 6.23 UNASSIGNED SPACE Each library will have minimum of 30% of total space allotted for the following: Public and staff washroom(s). A minimum of one gender neutral wheelchair/scooter accessible single-user washroom with adult change table that is also suitable for children, equipped with a biohazard disposal container. Additional washrooms based on building codes. Accessible washrooms shall have signage indicating that they are open to persons of any gender identity or expression as well as to persons with disabilities and families. Please see Appendix A Universal Washroom Sign for a sample. Custodian storage room Mechanical, plumbing and electrical rooms (size determined by building specifications) Drinking fountain close to the activity room

17 POLICY 1003 Page 17 of GUIDELINES / RECOMMENDATIONS 7.1 FACILITY SIZE The minimum recommended size of a library with a population served under 4,000 is 5,500 square feet (511 square metres) For libraries with a population served over 4,000, the minimum recommended size is based on the total calculated space requirements determined through the feasibility study / needs analysis. 7.2 UNIVERSAL WASHROOMS Calculations based on Brock University's Facility Accessibility Design Standards 2, 2 nd edition, 2014, indicate that a wheelchair/scooter accessible washroom with adult change table would require approximately 72 square feet 3 or approximately 6.5 square metres COLLECTION SPACE The total square footage of the collection should be based on the total number of items divided by Small sized libraries (population less than 4,000) should have a collection of 5 to 7 items per capita Medium sized libraries (population 4,000 9,999) should have a collection of 4 to 6 items per capita Large sized libraries (population 10,000 or more) should have a collection of 3 to 5 items per capita Library resource centres should have a collection of.5 to.75 items per capita based on regional population 7.4 SHELF HEIGHT While our current maximum height for shelving is 76 inches or mm, as set out in Section of this policy, William W. Sannwald's Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations 5, recommends an uppermost shelf height of 54 inches, where there is no assistance available to retrieve books from shelves. Whenever possible, libraries 2 Brock University. Facility Accessibility Design Standards. 2nd edition, 2014, p The imperial calculation was rounded up to 8 feet by 9 feet for ease of visualization. 4 Based on the dimensions supplied in the drawing, the actual calculation (using the greater dimension wherever a range was provided) was square metres.

18 POLICY 1003 Page 18 of 20 should consider limiting shelf height to ensure that libraries are accessible to all. 7.5 OTHER SPACES BASED ON COMMUNITY NEEDS Libraries may have a multi-purpose room, as determined by community needs analysis with the following amenities: Minimum of 600 square feet (56 square metres) Large libraries and library resource centres may require more than one multi-purpose room to meet community needs Located near the children s area Storage space Closet (large enough to store folding tables and stackable chairs) Kitchen area with cabinets, sink, fridge, microwave, stove Telephone Audio-visual and information technology equipment Gender neutral wheelchair/scooter accessible single-user washroom with adult change table that is also suitable for children, equipped with a biohazard disposal container that is available outside library open hours Separate entrance to be accessible to the public outside library open hours Folding tables and stackable chairs Libraries may have a local genealogy room, as determined by community needs analysis. 5 Sannwald, William W. (2016). Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations (6th ed.). Chicago: ALA Editions, p. 134.

19 POLICY 1003 Page 19 of CHECKLIST To support the implementation of this Policy, the library construction/renovation/expansion project team should refer to the latest edition of Sannwald's Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations (English only). 8.0 REGIONAL GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES None. 9.0 REFERENCES New Brunswick Public Libraries Act. Government of New Brunswick. Sources / Recommended Reading Brock University. (2014). Facility Accessibility Design Standards. 2nd edition. Retrieved Dec 11, 2017, from Accessibility-Design-Standards.pdf. Canadian Library Association (CLA), Accessible Collections and Services Network. (2016, Jan). Guidelines on Library and Information Services for People with Disabilities. Retrieved Dec 11, 2017, from Canadian Federation of Library Associations: Canadian Standards Association. (2012 Reaffirmed 2017). B (R2017) - Accessible design for the built environment. [Toronto]: CSA Group. Government of Manitoba. (2012). Municipal and Regional Public Library Standards and Guidelines. Retrieved Dec 11, 2017, from Government of Manitoba: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. (2011). The Lighting Handbook : Reference & Application (10th ed.). New York, NY: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. National Research Council Canada. (2015). National Building Code of Canada. Sannwald, W. W. (2016). Checklist of Library Building Design Considerations (6th ed.). Chicago: ALA Editions.

20 POLICY 1003 Page 20 of CONTACTS FOR MORE INFORMATION NBPLS Provincial Office, (506) ORIGINAL SIGNED BY PROVINCIAL LIBRARIAN