As the library director I was mainly responsible for organizing a great team of foundation directors.  Each director pitched in and took responsibility during the building process.  I was also responsible for much of the background work which included setting up meetings, collecting funds, sending out pledge statements, etc.

The mayor appointed a building committee, which included members of the city government, foundation board, library board, and fundraising committee.  The building committee was responsible for selecting an architect for the project.  The selection was based on proposals presented by area architect firms who were interested in the project.

Select an architect that is willing to work with your goals. Laying the groundwork early in the process allows the client-architect relationship to start off solid.  Voice your opinions on items that your design committee feels are important.  Remember the architects are hired to design a building to fit your needs.       

The architects sought guidance from the staff regarding the inside of the building.  Our staff met with the architect several times to discuss utilization of space within the library.  For example, the architects placed our technology room at the far end of the library.  From previous experience the staff found that patrons require help using computers. The architects moved the technology room by the circulation desk where staff could be readily accessible for patrons needing help.  The architects were also responsible for designing for the future high-tech needs of the library.  

Our unpredictable set back came in dealings between the Gothenburg Library Foundation and the city government.  The Foundation ended up hiring an attorney to protect their interest in the project.  The Foundation received a large donation, which had some stipulations to be met by the city.  The attorney negotiated the Foundation’s part in funding the construction of the Library, which is owned and maintained by the city of Gothenburg. 

The main con with a renovation project is living in and around the mess.  Our building involved renovation of a Carnegie Library with a new 6,000 square foot addition.  We ended up moving several things more than once, but the end product was worth the hassle.

You definitely can not plan for everything, especially some of the smaller items.  The time leading up to construction seems to focus around the library building.  My advice is to check out what other buildings in your area have for furnishings.  For example, the architect furnished our community room with tables and chairs that are very sturdy but hard to move because they are heavy.  Order your shelving way in advance. See if you can get a representative from the shelving distributor to come to the building sight and assess the amount of shelving needed before ordering.  

Support from the beginning will insure that your library will be the center of your community for years to come.