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Redesigning the College Library Building, 2014 Edition This 220+ page report looks closely at the capital spending plans and building renovation/construction policies of academic libraries, predominantly in the USA and Canada. The study covers capital spending and space allocation plans with highly detailed data on recent library spending and future plans for the construction or renovation of library cafes, seating space, lighting, atriums, classroom space, information commons and other technology-oriented spaces, group study space, storage space, collection space, rooftop space, offices, meeting spaces and auditoriums, entrances and exits, restrooms, gardens and other outdoor spaces, artwork, windows, space and facilities for special collections, performance space, space intended for library applications for specific academic departments and other forms of library space and special features. In addition, the report looks at other forms of capital spending such as plans for library furniture, workstations,information technology and more. The study also presents extensive data on sources of funding for renovations and new construction as well as data on how renovations have been received by the target audience. Redesigning the College Library Building, 2014 Edition also examines special purpose investments in energy saving technology, enhancements to natural light and soundproofing, among others. Data is broken out for public and private colleges, by size and type of college, and by college tuition level.

"In an increasingly digital world, libraries are surplus to requirements, right? According to the Voices for the Library campaign, more than 10 per cent of the UK's public libraries are currently at risk of closure by their local authority, and hundreds have been shut down in the past two years alone. For universities, however, both modern and historic libraries are at the heart of campus life. A new book, Reflections: Libraries (published this month by ROADS Publishing), has collected 44 images of the most iconic library buildings, and it includes some inspiring photographs from some of the world's best known higher education institutions."

One of the most interesting innovations is the introduction of a 'Fab Lab', as well as a new Business and Information Hub to support local businesses. The 'Fab Lab' is believed to be the first of its kind in a UK public library, though a growing feature of libraries in the US and other countries. The Fab Lab, or fabrication laboratory, is a digital workshop equipped with laser-cutters, 3D printers and scanners, 3D milling machines, electronics bench and programming and design tools, where users can "make almost anything".