Historic Buildings and Modern Technology: The California State Library Remodels for Automation—A Case Study
| Date | 01 April 1987 |
| Published date | 01 April 1987 |
| Pages | 49-58 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb047707 |
| Author | Kathy Hudson |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Historic Buildings and Modern Technology:
The California State Library Remodels for
Automation--A Case Study
Kathy Hudson
Challenges in modifying an older building
to accommodate a contemporary library
include many of those inherent in planning
for any new building: defining future needs,
anticipating growth, projecting how new
technology will affect functions and staffing
patterns. An older building presents
additional challenges because electrical,
plumbing, and other systems often must be
retrofitted to accommodate higher demands.
The introduction of new technologies also
imposes requirements for ventilation,
noise suppression, and temperature regulation
that are much more complex than old designs
anticipated. Sophisticated, contemporary
electronic linkages for voice and data
communications make demands that were
unknown when the building was designed.
These challenges are related to the
remodeling of the California State Library.
INTRODUCTION
The California State Library began planning
in early 1986, in advance of the installation of
an online catalog system, for renovation of its
Library and Courts Building. The renovation project
is expected to be completed in December of 1987.
This article presents the California State Library's
experience in planning for the project, and emphasizes
areas where other libraries considering similar
modifications (particularly those planning for altera-
tions to older or historic buildings) may want
to focus attention in the early stages of the project
design.
Challenges in modifying an older building to
accommodate a contemporary library include many
of those inherent in planning for any new building:
defining future needs, anticipating growth, projecting
how new technology will affect functions and staffing
patterns. An older building presents additional
challenges because electrical, plumbing, and other
systems often must be retrofitted to accommodate
higher demands. The introduction of new technologies
also imposes requirements for ventilation, noise
suppression, and temperature regulation that are
much more complex than old designs anticipated.
Sophisticated, contemporary electronic linkages
for voice and data communications make demands
that were unknown when the building was designed.
Remodeling a building of recognized historical
significance adds further elements of challenge
to the planning process, as any modification to
the building is subject to review and oversight
by federal or local historical commissions.1 The
Library and Courts Building is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places, and its renovation is
a study in all of these challenges.
Hudson is Information Technology Coordinator
(Head of the Automation Office), California State
Library, Sacramento, CA.
ISSUE 20 49
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