Attached
Space planning in academic libraries is important as much as its development of
collection and staff. Exponential growth of information, increase of student number, learning and
teaching innovations, technology and other changes have made academic librarians to think more on
space planning in libraries. The objective of this paper is to propose a framework on library space
planning based on the experience gathered at the University of Sri ]ayewardenepura (US]P) library.
The US]P, being the largest university in Sri Lanka in terms of student number, always give
priority to student needs. Therefore, space planning of the library was accomplished in accordance
with goals and activities in the strategic plan of the university. The US]P framework on library
space planning consisted of four main aspects; Knowledge Reservoirs, Learning Zones, Interactive
Spots and Service Areas. US]P library highly values the concept of 'library as place', providing
opportunities for our customers to learn, socialize and relax. The need of making the library a place
that encourages students and academics to have exciting and rewarding experiences is of prime
importance to the university authorities. Space planning in libraries may differ from library to
library due to the size of the building, available funding, number of users and varied needs of users.
Under the modernization project of US]P library which started in 2014, the existing area was
transformed to make the library an effective platform to support curriculum. The modernized library
has all four aspects in different proportions; 38 % for Knowledge Reservoirs, 32 % for Learning
Zones, 18 % for Interactive Spots and 12 % for Service Areas of the whole floor area. The
components in each aspect and the rationale for varied proportions are discussed in detail with the
view of assisting other librarians who plan for new buildings or re-designing their libraries.
