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
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
AI and automation in 3D modelling and spatial design
Can almost half of design development tasks be automated?
Minister quizzed, as responsibility transfers to MHCLG and BSR publishes new building control guidance.
UK environmental regulations reform 2025
Amid wider new approaches to ensure regulators and regulation support growth.
The maintenance challenge of tenements.
BSRIA Statutory Compliance Inspection Checklist
BG80/2025 now significantly updated to include requirements related to important changes in legislation.
Shortlist for the 2025 Roofscape Design Awards
Talent and innovation showcase announcement from the trussed rafter industry.
OpenUSD possibilities: Look before you leap
Being ready for the OpenUSD solutions set to transform architecture and design.
Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
Highlighting the continuing threat to trades persons.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Now available in Arabic and Chinese as well as English.