HD5 - Space Needs Study of Public Libraries in Virginia

  • Published: 1992
  • Author: Library Board and Virginia State Library and Archives
  • Enabling Authority: House Joint Resolution 128 (Regular Session, 1990)

Executive Summary:
The Library Board concurs with the observation of House Joint Resolution No. 128 regarding "a severe discrepancy between the needs of citizens throughout the Commonwealth for access to library materials and services and existing library facilities."

Although the educational, informational, and recreational needs of Virginians are served by the public libraries that total nearly 2.5 million square feet of service and support facilities, the Library Board has identified an immediate need for over one million additional square feet of public library space to meet the current needs of the citizens of Virginia's cities, suburbs, and rural communities. Based on a survey of public library administrators, 914,507 square feet of new library space is needed to meet current public demands and an additional 922,969 square feet is needed to meet public library services over the next ten years.

Status of Virginia Public Library Facilities

In 1989, the Public Library Development Division of the Virginia State Library and Archives conducted a statewide survey of public libraries to gather information on the need for new or additional facilities. Seventy-seven of 96 libraries reported 0.37 square feet of space per capita. This is less than the standard of 0.6 square feet per capita established by the Library Board and the Virginia Library Association. Sixty-nine of the 77 libraries also reported the need for expansion or replacement of existing facilities. Fifty-nine projects were identified as required by the year 2000 and are estimated to cost $101,149,000 in 1989 dollars. (Refer to Table I, page 5.)

In 1991, the Library Board requested the libraries to update the 1989 data and furnish additional information on branch and main library facilities. Eighty-five libraries responded in greater detail on the age, condition, and accessibility of 247 of an estimated 311 public library buildings in the Commonwealth.

• 112 of 227 of the library facilities were constructed before 1970.

• 78 of 247 of the public libraries are "recycled" facilities.

• 35 of 247 facilities are not accessible to handicapped library users.

• 108 of 245 facilities require moderate to extensive electrical/mechanical upgrades for the use of modern information-processing technologies.

Planning for Library Excellence

The survey of Virginia's existing public library facilities indicated that the total square footage devoted to delivering library service is 2,418,029 square feet. Based on the 1990 census and the state standard of 0.6 square feet per capita, the libraries serving the communities of Virginia should provide 3,767,608 square feet. The current situation is a deficit of 1,056,772 square feet.

• 75% of the public libraries do not meet the state standard of 0.6 square feet per capita.

• 80% of the libraries require additional space in 1991.

• 71% of the public libraries require additional electrical or mechanical upgrades in order to use new or emerging information-processing technologies.

An examination of the methods Virginia communities have used to fund the limited number of projects over the past ten years revealed that Virginia libraries follow national trends. Between 1981 and 1990 in the United States, 73.5% of the funds used to construct new libraries, build additions, remodel, or renovate existing facilities have come from local dollars.

However, more than half of the states provide funds for public library construction. Several state governments have decided that it is prudent public policy to invest in the future of public information services by aggressively engaging in programs to build public libraries. The state of Georgia spent $9.7 million in fiscal year 1991 on its public library construction program. During the past six years, 143 new libraries have been built in 100 of 159 counties in Georgia, as a result of state funding for public library construction.

Virginia's Opportunities for Public Library Excellence

In the current economic climate in which revenues for state government have declined, it is difficult for any board or commission of citizens to advise the Governor and General Assembly to plan to engage in a capital development program. However, the Library Board also recognizes the importance of public library services to the communities of the Commonwealth and the lifelong economic and educational roles public libraries perform as the "people's university." The Library Board recommends the establishment of a long-range program to assist Virginia's libraries in local public library construction and that the Virginia State Library and Archives initiate plans for expanding technical assistance and consulting to public libraries in securing private funding for public library construction.