Libraries as community spaces
Modern libraries include quiet reading areas, children's rooms, meeting rooms, makerspaces, computer areas and cafes. Noise control, flexible furniture and lots of power and data outlets are priorities.
Our interior systems crew builds the walls and ceilings, including acoustic assemblies. Our carpenters and millwork team make circulation desks, shelving, display units and built-ins, and our painters finish them.
Archives and climate control
Archives and special collections need steady temperature and humidity, clean air, fire protection that will not harm records, and tight control of light and access. Poor climate control damages paper, film and photographs.
Our mechanical crew installs HVAC and plumbing, and our in-house engineers coordinate design with specialists in archive storage. Plumbing is kept away from records wherever possible.
Light, power and technology
Reading rooms need good light without glare. Our electrical crew, led by a Master Electrician, installs lighting, controls and power. Our low voltage team installs security, RFID gates, cameras, audio-visual and network systems. We can also supply digital signage and furniture as part of a turn-key package.
Library users need access during renovation. We phase the work so one area stays open, temporarily relocate collections where required and control dust around books and records. Moving collections is a project in itself, so we plan with staff well ahead.
Alberta winters affect deliveries and entrances, and we protect floors and lobbies from salt and slush.
Plan for these items
Owners should think about:
- Collection growth and shelving loads
- Quiet and active zones
- Self-service and security systems
- Accessible entries and washrooms
- Environmental conditions for special collections
Getting started
Start with how your collections, staff and visitors use the building today. We can then propose layouts, climate control approaches and phasing that protect your materials and keep service going.
Questions we hear
Do archives need special mechanical systems?
Often. Steady temperature and humidity are important, and our mechanical team and engineers work with archive specialists to design them.