Building on experience learning from the past to plan for the future: documentation of new library buildings in Europe

Abstract

We have been able to publish this new documentation of recent library buildings just in time for the 14th Seminar of the LIBER Architecture Group. It takes place in Budapest and Debrecen (Hungary) from the 8th to the 12th of April 2008. I am glad to continue the tradition of publishing these volumes which was started by Professor Elmar Mittler (State and University Library Göttingen). As the European community is developing a stronger sense of identity, more and more international libraries want to be included in our publication. Most projects are concerned with scientific university libraries, but the readers will also find an archive as well as examples of public libraries in Amsterdam and Antwerp. Libraries today are not just a place to house information resources (and multimedia) but are also places for learning and communication. These functions also affect the design of the space. Therefore you will also find examples of “Learning Resource Centers” which support students in their learning.