The drive to raise the profile, and modernise the image of libraries has begun, but much still remains to be done. The case-studies in this book, drawn from the UK, Europe and the USA, explore the policies, processes, design issues and problems faced by librarians, architects and others seeking to refurbish and improve the buildings successfully, and to raise their standing and meaning in their communities.

Introduction; 1: Renewing our Libraries - Forces for Change; 1: Heritage Library Buildings - Enhancing the Past for the Present; 2: Leek Library, Staffordshire: Listed, Linked and Limited - Opening up Service and Perception in a Victorian Building; 3: Long Eaton Library, Derbyshire: An Art Nouveau Gem Reborn; 4: Torquay Library, Torbay: Refurbishing an Art Deco Style Building; 2: New Styles of Provision - Widening the Library Role; 5: Winchester Discovery Centre, Hampshire: Discovery Centre and More; 6: National Library of Wales: The Visitor Experience Project; 3: Remaking University Libraries - Creating Modern Learning and Research Environments; 7: Kenrick Library, Birmingham City University: From Dismal to a Dynamic Refurbishment; 8: Glasgow University Library: From Book Warehouse to Lighthouse for Study; 9: Hartley Library, University of Southampton: From Accretion to Integration, 2002-2007; 4: Extending the Library - Modernizing and Adding Space; 10: Dublin City Library and Archive: From Concept to Reality; 11: The London Library: Changing to Stay the Same but Expansion and Renewal; 12: Malmö City Library, Sweden: Beauty vs. Efficiency - Planning for User and Staff Needs; 13: Waterford Central Library: A Space For All; 5: Library Refurbishment Programmes - Forging Templates for Building Renewal; 14: Barnsley Central Library: There and Back - Remaking Libraries; 15: Coalville, Birstall and Enderby Libraries, Leicestershire: Case Studies in Renewal; 16: North Yorkshire Libraries: Creating a New Library Brand; 17: Lowestoft, Stowmarket, Lakenheath and Felixstowe Libraries, Suffolk: Refurbishments that are Prize-winners; 6: (1) Snapshots: Some Refurbishment Case Studies in Brief; 18: Snapshots: Some Refurbishment Case Studies in Brief 1; 19: Case Studies Reviewed