LIBER Architecture Group: Hungary 2008

Sally Earney

4 days24 presentations6 Hungarian libraries visitedBudapest and Debrecen

Ireland

Scotland

England

France

Spain

GermanyPoland

HungaryAustria

Denmark

Finland

Library visits

National Széchenyi Library, Budapest

Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library

Nyíregyháza College Library

Debrecen Town Square

Debrecen County Library

Learning Points

Debrecen University Library

France survey – (Brisbouck)

150 building projects in France 1992 - 2007

Out of hours access non-existent0/22 had a café 9/22 self-service10/22 exhibition spaceTeachers don’t use tailor made reading

rooms

France survey – (Brisbouck)

1 week course on Library refurbishmentConsiderable rise loans / visits post refurbAverage 7 group study roomsProblems remain – ventilation, accoustics,

weather-proofing

German survey (Mittler) 80 libraries surveyed McDonald’s 10 (11) Commandments Climate Noise control Energy consumption More group study needed Security E-learning and ICT New builds and extensions far more successful

than refurbishments

Interesting facts Underground parking (Warsaw) Increased open access by approx 300%

(Warsaw) Decreased open access by from 300k to 75k

books and increased user spaces (Copenhagen) Architectural competition (Warsaw / Helsinki) 7 thematic areas (colours) – book labels (Reims) Users want non-traditional furniture

(Copenhagen)

Interesting facts…

Users want to leave books – 1 day to next – 300 lockers (Copenhagen)

1% of budget to decorate – Danish artist – Arts Foundation funded – inspiration Danish carpet 1500s – replica combined with neon! (Copenhagen)

Almost all shelving compact shelving (Cork)

Interesting facts…

Used materials in the new build that were used in older buildings in Cork – to blend in

Library appears on ALL University publications (Bournemouth)

60% self-service – 1st year (Bournemouth) Staff use walkie talkies to communicate

(Bournemouth) Alumni fund purchase of comfy tub chairs

(Bournemouth)

Interesting facts…

Staff consulted to design their own areas (Cork) Regular presentations to staff by Architect (Cork) Private offices for subject librarians (Cork) Reduction from 160 library units (1993) to 4 units

(2010) (Helsinki) By 2015 50-60% of library tasks done at degree

level. Further staff reduction from 250 to 220 due to automation (Helsinki)

Interesting facts… Used Bonnard paintings as inspiration for

colours (Paris Dauphine) Events auditoria (Llobregat) Same card for copying and coffee machine!

(Szeged) RFID card can be used to gain access and to

pay fees – payment station (Karlsruhe) Removed lending desks (Karlsruhe) Visitor behaviour (peak 12-4pm and 7pm –

midnight. Few between 1.30-4.30am (10-15). Overcrowding. Sitting on stairs! (Karlsruhe)

Issues Use of glass in building – too much

daylight (Warsaw)Often delays – political decision-making

(Bournemouth – 10 years discussion before funding agreed)

Open v closed access

(Copenhagen v Warsaw)Physical environment – noise, temperature

Key Learning Points

Same issues as UK – e.g. need for group study facilities, social areas

Planning now based on learning spaces rather than collection focus

Customer not collection focus! Don’t use glass – libraries need little but good

quality light Architect needs to make many visits to find out

the real job of the library

Key Learning Points

Building can become an icon – an urban meeting point - but should not only be about aesthetics

Libraries as 3rd places – community e.g. “Nike City” “Mercedes World” (Watson)

Imagination must be top of list when designing libraries (Watson)

Spaces can develop people’s happiness (Watson)

All learning starts with Conversation (Watson)

Those involved in library new-builds or refurbishments cite it as highlights of their careers (Brisbouck)

Presentations available at:

http://www.zhbluzern.ch/liber-lag/lageps.htm#budapest