Pustaka Sibu Design Brief

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND

A new era in libraries and information services in Sarawak began with the opening of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak at midnight on December 31 1999. This state of the art facility rapidly implemented direct services to the public, with lending services to members, reference services, extensive online resources and public programmes including exhibitions, displays and cultural events.

With the acquisition of a major formed collection of Sarawakiana and the transfer of a large collection of library resources from the Sarawak Museum, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak also assumed the role as the major repository of library materials relating to Sarawak. Pustaka Negeri Sarawak is also the depository library for materials first published in Sarawak.

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak coordinates and cooperates in many local resource-sharing and information technology programmes, in association with higher educational and other institutions. Most recently it has been preparing to assume responsibility for Sarawak archival resources.

The Sarawak & Federal Government has recognised the importance of improving access to information resources and information technology across the State in the interests of the State’s development and the education of its people.

The village libraries are further steps in the ambitious implementation programme. The overall plan is encapsulated in the following statements:

The Philosophy

‘A knowledge and information-based society needs a forum for intellectual exchange among its people, a centre of enlightenment where minds can meet and ideas interact, and access to information, knowledge, technologies and cultures available beyond the superficial boundaries imposed by geography.’

Vision

To be the reservoir and fountain of information and knowledge to the State.

Mission

To provide state of the art facilities for easy and real time access to information and knowledge.

Objective

To create an excellent resource centre and information hub for the region.

Target

To ensure all individuals in the State have ready and easy access to information and knowledge through Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Pustaka Miri and Pustaka Sibu.

THE CONCEPT

The village library is conceived as a major information resource centre for the remote areas, linking, via Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, with libraries, archives and information centres elsewhere in Sarawak and throughout Malaysia.

Its building will serve as a community centre of knowledge, life long learning and cultural enlightenment, where the community can not only access a vast store of information, in the form of printed and electronic media, but also gather for educational and cultural exchanges, programmes and to participate in many other regularly conducted activities.

VILLAGE LIBRARY

Village Library will cater for the information and research needs of the rural people of Sarawak. It will help achieve Pustaka Negeri Sarawak’s goal of ensuring that all individuals in the State have an equal opportunity to access information and acquire knowledge.

Linked to Pustaka Negeri Sarawak via Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, Pustaka Sibu will be the epitome of a digital library providing a combination of print as well as electronic and digital information resources.

THE SITE

For the purpose of this brief, there are no actual sites will be mentioned. The site will be determined based on the approval from the other authorities involved and the information needs of the areas.

DESIGN BRIEF

This Design Brief is a detailed statement of the physical requirements for Village Library. This document was prepared by the Research & Development Division, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak in close consultation and discussions with a range of local stakeholders.

It also draws upon recent operational experience at village libraries in Sarawak

CONSULTATION

In order to ensure that the information needs of people in the rural region of Sarawak will be met the views of a number of stakeholders and resource people in Sarawak, have been sought. Their input is gratefully acknowledged. Those consulted included:

1. Tan Sri Datuk Amar (Dr) Haji Hamid Bugo, Chairman, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (PNS) Board
2. Puan Rashidah Hj Bolhassan, Acting CEO, Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, and staff of PNS and Pustaka Miri
3. Staff of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak

This draft brief was prepared by

1. Pn. Nesly Rebid or
2. En. Ramdzan Haji Saman

FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES

FUNCTIONS

Timely, accurate, relevant and accessible information in different formats is essential for the healthy economic and social development of a State and its citizens. Village library will play a crucial role as part of the network of libraries and information Services in Sarawak. Village library will be:

1. a research and reference centre, with collections at a level to assist researchers and other knowledge and information seekers
2. a centre for special collections relating to the rural region of Sarawak, including local history.
3. a contributor to databases on and about Sarawak
4. a place which hosts activities to raise information awareness and literacy

ACTIVTIES

Village Library will:

1. organise and make available resources in all formats relevant to the economic, social and cultural well-being of the village community.
2. provide a showcase of Information Technology resources and services.
3. be the first port of call for anyone with serious research and information needs on any subject.
4. develop special collections dealing with village of Sarawak
5. contribute to databases of State-wide library resources, and contribute to national bibliographic databases, with particular reference to materials dealing with the village and sorrounding areas.
6. participate in the network of libraries and information services.
7. provide access to the digitisation initiatives of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, which include research works on Sarawak.
8. provide access to ESTHER, a collection of online databases to which Pustaka Negeri Sarawak subscribes.
9. be part of a computer network linking libraries and other information agencies around the State, and interfacing with national library and information networks.
10. provide an educational environment, through programmes and exhibitions, to raise awareness of the importance of reading, the potential of information services, and to teach information and research skills.
11. refer appropriate information and document delivery requests to other libraries in the network.
12. promote the use of information and know-how flowing from industries and products in which the people of the village and its sorrounding have specialist knowledge or expertise.

Village Library will complement the other existing Local Authorities Libraries, which is also serve as a public library. Initially Village Library will lend its resources direct to the public, with minimal concentration on electronic resources, reference resources and substantial works of non-fiction and literature, as well as on educational and promotional programmes.

It is expected, however, that, as has been the case with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, a lending service will be initiated within the early life of the building, and relevant areas, such as the Service Desk, will be designed with that in mind.

SERVICES

The range of services provided is based on the perceived needs of the locality, statewide objectives for libraries and information services and experience with the earlier projects at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak and Pustaka Miri. Services available will include:

• Reference and information service for the general public who are on-site, or who contact the facility by telephone, mail, fax or electronic mail.
• Exhibitions and displays
• Multimedia Gallery
• Children’s Infotheque
• Youth Area, with programmes for young people to impart information skills and to stimulate reading and appropriate use of information technology by young people.
• Story Room for parents and children
• Programmes for the retired and semi-retired, including opportunities for people to update their information or IT skills, learn new skills or crafts or to engage in lifelong learning through individual study or courses held by distance education institutions
• Electronic reference, via CD-ROM, in-house and external databases
• Study space, with a variety of seating configurations
• Special Needs Centre containing equipment to facilitate use of resources by people with a disability. This will also include information for carers of people with a disability
• Document Delivery Service (Inter-Library Loans)
• Educational services for the general public and special audiences
• Multipurpose space for exhibitions, performances, lectures, small trade presentations and other functions
• Seminar, multifunction and group study rooms
• Cafeteria
• Surau
• Shop
• Copying facilities
• Lending services for members (to be developed in due course).

COLLECTIONS

There will be an extensive collection, including:

1. a general reference collection of non-fiction and selected works of literature
2. electronic resources
3. selected journals
4. newspapers, including current State, selected national and international newspapers, plus archival files of local newspapers
5. Government publications.

Special collections will focus upon Sibu and the central region of Sarawak. Special attention will be given to:

1. a Sibu and central region collection, with original items of documentary value, as well as published works, but not including artefacts
2. the shipbuilding industry, with special reference to vessels of the size which local firms construct and repair
3. the timber industry, in particular downstream manufacturing, plantation timbers and reafforestation
4. small to medium industry (SMI) including business management, entrepreneurial activities and cottage industries
5. fisheries, including deep-sea and riverine fisheries, fish-farming and processing

There will be opportunities for oral history programmes to record and make available local knowledge and historical information which is unlikely otherwise to be recorded in print. This is particularly relevant to some of the indigenous groups with an oral, rather than a written tradition.

There will also be efforts to engage with local associations of ethnic groups to acquire or copy documentary records relating to the history of such groups.

FLOOR AREA AND CAPACITY

Pustaka Sibu will have a gross floor area of approximately 6,250 sq m. It is designed to allow for future expansion with a minimum of disruption to existing service points and building structure at that time.

The capacity for library materials is approximately 200,000 items, made up of general collections, children’s collections, a reference collection and special collections relating to Sibu and the Central Region of Sarawak.

Total seating capacity in reading rooms and study rooms is in excess of 400. There are also more than 460 seats elsewhere, including the Multipurpose Room, Seminar Room and Cafeteria.

There is initial capacity for up 148 personal computers accessible to the public. In addition data points and power are to be provided to all parts of the building so that computers can be installed virtually anywhere in the building.

The Brief provides office accommodation and individual workspace for at least 25 staff. There would be in addition a number of roving staff, such as security staff, messengers and drivers. These are only tentative estimates.

Staffing may vary considerably due to shift work, for example, if the Pustaka Sibu is open for a long span of hours. A more accurate staffing estimate will be possible when operational details for the new facility are more fully worked out.

TRENDS AND DESIGN CHALLENGES

GROWTH IN DEMAND

A high level of demand for Pustaka Sibu resources and services is to be expected. This demand will be stimulated by the newness of the facility and the high profile which it will have, because of its services, its siting, design, and the professionalism of its staff.

A high level of demand will be an immediate effect of targeting key potential user groups, by providing programmes and services to school groups, young people generally, the retired and semi-retired, and other community groups.

The availability of meeting spaces associated with Pustaka Sibu will draw people to the premises who may not be traditional library users.

A varied programme of exhibitions and displays, including travelling exhibitions from other institutions, will also draw a new clientele.

High demand will be sustained as people become more and more aware of Pustaka Sibu's existence.

ACADEMIC PURSUITS

A characteristic of the population of Sibu itself is the high participation rate in tertiary education. Pustaka Sibu will inevitably become a major resource for people who are pursuing tertiary studies, including students of local colleges and those engaged in distance education.

Teachers who are seeking to upgrade their qualifications are among this group of users, which has high expectations of library services and resources, and will carry these expectations into their future lives.

It is important the Pustaka Sibu demonstrate its relevance to these highly-educated individuals not only by assisting during their tertiary years (but not of course as a substitute for adequate library resources in their own institutions) but throughout their careers, in whatever business or vocation they may be engaged.

There is already a growing awareness of the value of information resources. In future there will be even greater expectations from a population which is increasingly information-literate.

This will be because of the impact of the growth in the tertiary education sector, the expansion of the manufacturing sector, and the introduction of information technology into the school curriculum.

Coping with sustained increases in use will require public areas which are easy to use, efficient work areas and labour-saving techniques to bring enquirers and the information they seek together as efficiently as possible.

A DIVERSE COMMUNITY

There will be challenges in demonstrating the usefulness of Pustaka Sibu to a diverse community, with varying levels of literacy. Programmes will develop which target particular groups who can be regarded as ‘information-poor’. Advantage may be taken of ‘train the trainer’-type programmes, identifying ‘gatekeepers’ in particular communities or occupational groups. Programmes such as this will take place in some of the meeting, group study and training rooms within Pustaka Sibu, as well as via the Website.

PHASED LENDING SERVICES

As noted earlier, Pustaka Sibu will not initially offer lending services to the public, but this will occur once other information services and programmes have become established.

For the designers this means that layouts and furniture design must allow for future lending activities, so that activation of lending does not entail any building work or adaptation of the initial fitout.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

There will be a high degree of reliance upon information technology, through networks of CD-ROM products, access to Pustaka Negeri Sarawak databases and catalogues and use of the databases of other organisations.

This will increase access to and therefore use of resources and services, and those of organisations which become affiliated to or linked with the facility.

The continuing growth in the use of information technology to access resources is not likely to lessen the demand for space to any appreciable extent. A wide range of educational and research materials will remain in traditional print format, as well as in electronic format.

The need for study space in which to use materials which are not available for loan will remain, and will grow in a society where literacy and technological awareness will continue to be important factors.

There will be high demand for access to computers, either to access networks through Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, or to use in a stand-alone manner for the purposes of research or private study.

Pustaka Sibu will need to be an intelligent building to cope with the initial demand and with the growth and changes in demand during the life of the building.

COLLECTION GROWTH

Although the general collections will be regularly ‘weeded’ once they reach optimum size and as items wear out or become obsolete, there is some overall growth expected in local historical materials. This is allowed for in the closed stack.

CHARACTER OF THE BUILDING

Pustaka Sibu will be an innovative, thriving, dynamic and forward-looking organisation, and the building which houses it must reflect these characteristics. Although its overall form will be dictated by the practical requirements of its functions, the building must be distinctive, easily identifiable and welcoming.

The building will be a landmark because of its siting, and it is important that it looks attractive to the passer-by. It must also be attractive to a wide range of users. It must not be intimidating to first-time visitors.

The siting of the facility, away from the central business district, creates a challenge both for the designers and for library management. The building itself must reward those who visit it as a memorable place which they will be attracted to return to. The programmes, resources and services arranged by the management must also make the journey out of town worthwhile.

In design and decoration, Pustaka Sibu must reflect the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak and in particular of Sibu and the entire central region of Sarawak, and the diversity of cultures of its population. In its construction, the building will showcase products of Sarawak, and the skills of its people. In design and decoration, it will reflect

Use is to be made of local materials and craftsmanship whenever practicable. Special note should be made, for example, of the variety and qualities of timbers of Sarawak when furniture and finishes are being considered, as well as the diversity of traditional fabrics and patterns.

The interiors are to be an architectural and information technology marvel, a perfect marriage of the two. It is to provide a mentally stimulating ambience for seekers of information and knowledge.

The building should have an open, airy feel about it, and seem spacious and uncluttered, although very efficient use must be made of the space available.

WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT

Above all else, user-friendliness is the keyword for the entire building and its surrounding landscaping.

It must present an image and a reality of accessibility to all members of the community, young and old, experienced library users and first time users.

It must stimulate a sense of belonging in all the people who visit it, not just a privileged few.

It must provide a welcoming environment to all its users, offering a range of seating and study opportunities from quiet individual study carrels to group study spaces, and informal seating.

It is to be an agreeable environment for its users, a place to be treated with respect and consideration: the quality of finishes used is important in cultivating these feelings.

CONTEXTUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The site provides the opportunity to carry the concept of knowledge into the surrounding landscape.

An image of an IT Library in a ‘garden of knowledge’ is an appropriate one to explore in the future landscaping of the site. In contrast to the active recreation spaces adjacent - indoor and outdoor stadiums, go-kart track, hockey field, traffic garden - Pustaka Sibu’s curtilage could include:

• a fragrance garden with a sensory trail, attractive to all, but particularly to those with a visual disability/li>
• a colour and texture garden, attractive to those with limited visual acuity/li>
• a sculpture garden/li>
• a pool of reflection/li>
• a gentle walking track/li>
• an outdoor giant chess board and similar facilities

VISUAL CONTACT

Users and staff must be able to maintain some visual contact with the outside. Similarly, from the outside it must be possible to see into parts of the building. This will give the passer-by some idea of the services and materials available within.

Advantage should be taken of controlled natural light, both for aesthetic and energy conservation reasons.

EFFICIENT AND LOGICAL LAYOUT

The building must be laid out in a logical and easily comprehensible way. All areas must be easy to supervise, and also easy for people to find their way around without frequent directions from staff.

OUT OF HOURS ACTIVITIES

Some areas of the building may need to be accessible to the public out of normal opening hours, for community meetings, lectures and similar purposes. These include the Multifunction Room, Seminar Room, Cafeteria, Shop, Foyer and public amenities.

ECONOMY OF OPERATION

Later sections of this brief deal with issues of controlled daylighting, ecologically sustainable development and energy efficiency. In the design of the facility consideration must be given to the life-cycle costs of the facility.

Issues involved include selection of energy-efficient equipment, long-life consumables, low-maintenance finishes, careful placement of windows and shading designed to minimise solar gain, appropriate use of energy-saving techniques and devices, and careful planning of maintenance programmes.

FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY

A high level of initial demand for the services and facilities offered is assured, judging by discussions with potential client groups. The dimensions and the nature of future growth, however, are hard to predict.

What is certain is that during the life of the building there will be many changes in the nature of users' needs and in the ways in which services will be provided, as well as the extent and type of information resources used.

Medium-term flexibility and adaptability should be kept very much in mind during the design stage. The interior should therefore be designed so as to be as hospitable as possible to change, as demand and services provided change in the future.

There must be a high degree of flexibility and adaptability, with a minimum of load-bearing walls, a regular module, and a uniform floor loading suitable for library shelving in staff and user areas.

Stairways, lifts, plumbing, electrical and air-conditioning ducts should all be located so as not to interfere unduly with flexibility.

Just as Pustaka Sibu will offer a multiplicity of services and house a wide range of materials, so some of the spaces created will, for reasons of economy, need to be multi-purpose ones. Some spaces will need to serve a variety of purposes, which might include lectures, workshops, story-telling or films, group discussion, or quiet study.

POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION

The design of the building must allow for future expansion of the facility with a minimum of disruption to services and with a minimum of rearrangement of internal areas required.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SERVICES REQUIREMENTS

ACCESS AND ADDRESS

The building entrance must be highly visible from the street with a path of travel which is unencumbered and very clear to pedestrians approaching along roadways and from car parking.

There is to be only one public entrance and exit to the building, in a clearly visible and logical location. Care must be taken to ensure safe and convenient access for pedestrians to the facility and around the site. Pedestrian/vehicle conflict must be avoided.

Lockable bollards are required to prevent access by vehicles to any ‘VIP’ set down point used on ceremonial occasions.

A covered walkway is required from the car park to the public entrance. Advantage may be taken of a colonnade to provide protection during inclement weather for part of the journey from the car park.

ACCESSIBILITY

In line with Government policy, the design team must ensure that Pustaka Sibu is safe and accessible to all potential users, regardless of any physical disability.

This is a requirement which will influence the design of every part of the building, from the provision of convenient parking spaces for people with disabilities, barrier-free access to the entrance, right down to the appropriate height and stability of furniture and equipment. Some of the issues involved are:

1. clear external and internal signage including tactile signage where appropriate
2. handrail design
3. convenient access from designated parking bays. These parking bays should be located as close to the public entrance as is safe and practicable.
4. entries and doorways - automatic doors are essential for the main entrance. Elsewhere care should be taken with the springing of swing doors (in cases where self-closers are necessary) to ensure that such doors are
5. convenient for people with disabilities.
6. lift and stair design
7. door furniture
8. floor surfaces and coverings: changes in level or function should be signalled by an appropriate change of surface texture, such as tactile ground surface indicators
9. access routes to the public entrance, through the Foyer and to the first staffed service point are to be indicated with tactile signage attached to or incorporated in the floor covering
10. guide maps and directories of services
11. width of doorways, aisles, corridors and passageways: adequate space must be provided to accommodate double strollers, and to allow for generous turning space for prams and wheelchairs.
12. furniture and equipment selection
13. shelving setout and design
14. light levels
15. technical aids and provision of special equipment
16. emergency evacuation
17. fire precautions

The needs of staff with a disability must also be taken into account in the design process.

ACOUSTICS

Appropriate measures will be required to insulate the building from external noise.

Care must also be taken to ensure that air handling plant noise is within acceptable limits.

The designer will need to be aware of the variety of tasks which take place in the building, ranging from quiet study to group discussion or the use of multimedia PCs, which may be noisy. Careful placement of functions will assist in reducing potential conflict, but special acoustic treatment may be needed in some areas.

The recommended design sound levels which are appropriate for this building are:

1.	Offices (would apply to all individual offices)	35 dB(A)
2.	Staff Work Area (would apply to open plan office areas)	40 dB(A)
3.	Reading and Study Areas, Open Stack	40 dB(A)
4.	Multipurpose Room, Seminar Room, Group Study Rooms, Meeting Rooms	30 dB(A)
5.	Reception/Secretarial	40 dB(A)
6.	Staff Common Room	50 dB(A)
7.	Toilets	50 dB(A)
8.	Multimedia Gallery, Children’s Infotheque	40 dB(A)

AIR-CONDITIONING

Most areas will be fully air-conditioned to standard office conditions. Exhaust ventilation will be required from photocopying rooms, kitchenettes, toilets and the like.

Air-conditioning plant must be energy-efficient. It is envisaged that package air-conditioning units will be provided as these allow for ease of maintenance, more effective zoning to meet different requirements at different times and minimise runs of ducts. The zoned system will allow for full operation in general public areas during opening hours, operation during office hours only in staff areas and variable operation in seminar and meeting spaces which may be in use outside normal hours.

It must be noted that that library materials are prone to mould when subjected to high levels of relative humidity (RH). Although there is no universal standard for RH, it is generally accepted that a reasonable range for storage of paper-based materials is 40-60% RH. It is recognised that lending collections may be out of the Library and subjected to all kinds of conditions, and critical tolerances are not suggested for the Library as a whole, provided that the RH range indicated is not exceeded and that the temperature meets normal office comfort conditions.

There are special environmental requirements required for the Stack and Systems Room, because of the archival nature of the collections housed and the sensitivity of the equipment. 24-hour operation will be required in such areas. Temperatures should be maintained in the range 18°·C ± 2°·C. Relative humidity should be maintained at 50% ± 5%. It is essential that these areas and adjacent spaces are designed to avoid condensation because of the different conditions prevailing in adjoining spaces. Vapour barriers, double glazing and selection of appropriate materials at the interface may be some of the solutions to this problem, and are to be carefully considered by the consultants.

The design team will develop performance criteria for the air-conditioning plant, and these should be discussed fully with the Client.

Externally-housed mechanical plant must not be visible from ground level.

BANNERS

Fixing points for banners are required at strategic locations around the building. Some banners may be against blank walls, and others may be along colonnades and above the public entrance to the facility. Fixing points must be easily reached with a compact scissor lift, which will also be used around the building for general maintenance purposes.

BIRD NUISANCE

The building is to be designed so as to discourage birds from perching or nesting anywhere on the building.

BUILDING MONITORING SYSTEM

A building monitoring system (BMS) is to be provided.

CEILING HEIGHT

At the entrance to the building and in the Multifunction Room a high ceiling will be required to create the right ambience and also to permit a variety of exhibits to be accommodated from time to time. Elsewhere ceilings are generally to be no less than 3300 mm above finished floor level.

CIRCULATION AND VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

Careful study must be made of pedestrian traffic and material flows through the building in order to determine the optimum locations of service points and the location of stairs and lifts.

COMMUNICATIONS AND DATA CABLING

A multi-technology backbone system is required capable of reticulating communications signals from latest technologies to all areas of the building. This is likely to be based on Category 5E/6 cabling for voice and data. Adequate space must be allowed for secure housing of patch panels, hubs and cable risers.

The design which emerges must allow for a high initial capacity and for considerable future expansion. Great flexibility is also required, through the use of perimeter ducting, columns and an appropriate grid system in the floor. Power and data may be required virtually anywhere during the life of the building. The reticulation systems used must also be easy to locate, install and maintain.

The building requires a flexible telephone control system. Public telephones will be provided in the Foyer.

Close coordination with information technology personnel engaged by the Client is required when designing communications and data cabling provision.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Shut-off points for power and water must be located in areas which are known and accessible to staff and other authorised personnel.

A comprehensive disaster plan for the building will be developed by staff prior to occupation of the building. Suitable locations will be required for "disaster bins", mobile plastic bins containing salvage equipment such as sheet plastic, clean newsprint and paper towels.

DOORS

All timber or timber-framed doors require kickplates on both sides. All timber or timber-framed double doors and their frames leading into and out of staff areas require protection from trolley impact, generally up to a height of 1000 mm above finished floor level.

Most doors leading into group study rooms, discussion rooms and the like require observation panels. Doors between public and staff areas which are subjected to high traffic levels require observation panels also.

Minimum door clearances are 850 mm, but note that wider doors are required at public entrances, for store rooms and Stack, into the Special Needs Centre, between the Delivery Area and adjacent areas and between the staff and public areas.

DRAWINGS AND MANUALS

A series of as-built drawings and/or CAD disks in a format approved by the Government is required at the end of the construction project, showing architectural, electrical, mechanical, fire services, security, hydraulics, structural, data, communications and lift construction and fitout.

Instruction manuals are also required for any built-it equipment items, such as public address systems and audio loops for the hearing impaired.

ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The building is to be designed to include a number of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and energy efficient measures. The ESD goals will seek to provide a better quality of environment by using passive systems such as low energy mechanical air conditioning, daylighting and attention to the thermal performance of the building structure.

Appropriate external solar shading will be required for windows to control solar gains and reduce radiant temperatures which affect occupant comfort. There may be wide eaves or colonnades to protect windows and these would also enable sheltered access to the building from car parks and other access points.

Controlled natural light will be required, although this must be achieved in a way which avoids excessive heat gain, glare, unwanted effects of direct sunlight and opportunities for stormwater penetration.

There must be full insulation to walls and the roof, using materials of the correct type and thermal performance.

The glazing selected must have efficient thermal performance.

ELECTRICAL

Minimum requirements for power points in specific areas are shown in the data sheets. A modular ducting system, incorporated in a floor or ceiling grid, and around the perimeter of areas, will greatly facilitate minor relocations of furniture and equipment. Such ducting, and other conduits, ducts and cable trays, must allow for considerable expansion during the life of this facility. A minimum of 50% spare capacity is to be allowed at the distribution boards and in conduits and cable trays for future use.

Electrically "noisy" equipment should not be on the same circuits as computer equipment.

Switchboards should be located so that electromagnetic interference does not affect sensitive equipment or occupational health and safety concerns

Surge protection will be required on the main switchboard.

Uninterruptible power supplies are required for all servers.

Child-resistant safety plugs are required for floor-level power points in public areas.

Centralisation of power switching is required, so that it will not be necessary to turn off all individual switches, for example for public access computers, when the facility is closing. Main switches should be located at the staff entrance and must be secure.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION

The running costs of the building can be considerably reduced by the use of energy-efficient design. This can influence the choice of construction materials, the orientation of the building and the use of spaces within the building, the selection of equipment, the type of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system used, the placement, type and switching of light fittings and a host of other design factors.

The Client wishes to ensure that energy- and resources-efficient equipment and materials are used, subject to the constraints of a finite budget.

FINISHES

Durable, high quality and low maintenance finishes are required throughout the facility. The finishes selected should where appropriate be of a colour and a texture to discourage graffiti. Paint finishes should be scrubbable.

Preferred floor coverings are specified in the data sheets. Where carpet is used it will be subjected to very hard wear at entrances, around counters and in most staff areas. An ACCS ‘contract extra heavy duty’ (48 oz) carpet is required. The carpet will require a low pile, to facilitate trolley movement. Selection of the colour of the carpet and its pattern, if any, will require close consultation with the Client’s representative.

Alternatively high quality carpet tiles (‘modular carpet’) may be considered. When laid on concrete, carpet tiles will require an underlay. A quantity of spare carpet (to be discussed with and approved by the Client’s representative) from the same batch of carpet used for the fitout is to be handed over for placement in the Client’s store at the conclusion of the fitout of the premises.

At specific points such as the service desks, anti-fatigue matting may be required if the general carpet and underlay used is insufficiently soft underfoot.

Because of the normal changes during the life of a building, it is important that finishes, furniture and fittings are selected which are likely to be available, and not at a premium price, if required during the early life of the building.

Paint finishes should be in standard or easily matched colours, so as to facilitate future touching up and repairs.

Full use is to be made of Sarawak materials and craftsmanship whenever practicable in the construction and fitting-out of the facility. Special note should be made, for example, of the variety and qualities of timbers of Sarawak when furniture and finishes are being considered, as well as the diversity of traditional fabrics and patterns.

Any custom-built items must be modular, to facilitate reconfiguration.

A schedule of finishes, including samples and suggested colour schemes will be prepared by the architect for approval by the Client.

FIRE SERVICES

The building will comply with the relevant local codes for fire protection and egress in every respect.

Fire extinguishers and hose reels will be installed as required by relevant legislation, and good practice will dictate the extent and type of fire detection systems installed. Any system of thermal and/or smoke detectors will be linked to the security room and Bomba base as appropriate. There is no objection to the use of sprinklers in the building if these are required.

Portable fire extinguishers will also be located in the main electrical switch room, kitchen, staff common room, security room, stack and adjacent to photocopiers.

A gas-based fire suppression system is required for the Systems Room.

It is assumed that a public address system will be installed to facilitate evacuation.

FLEXIBILITY

The interior of the building must be able to adapt easily to suit future changes in service provision. There should be a minimum of built-in items. Modular loose furniture should be used extensively. Permanent partitions should be minimised. Lighting, power and air conditioning should be able to cope with changes in layout without major service reconfiguration. The column module must be regular and generous. Inflexible elements, such as lift cores, stairs, services ducts and toilet blocks must not be located where they will have a major impact on future adaptability or flexibility of layouts.

FLOOR COVERINGS

External paving is to have good non-slip properties, especially when it is wet.

Internal hard floor surfaces are to have good non-slip properties. It is not intended that wet weather mats will be used in the Foyer, although there will be a recessed doormat at the entrance doors.

Notes on carpet are given under ‘Finishes”.

FLOOR LOADING

The entire mew structure must be designed for flexible use, allowing for the installation of fixed book stacks at virtually any point. This will mean a floor loading in the vicinity of 6.4 kPa, subject to the relevant standards and structural engineer's advice during the design stage.

Compact shelving is specified for the Closed Stack, but may also be required at certain points in staff areas in the future. Depending on the height of the units which will be accommodated, a floor loading in excess of 10 kPa is likely to be necessary in such locations. This is to be confirmed by the structural engineer and compact shelving suppliers early in the design stage.

FLOORS

The building must be on as few floors as practicable and economically achievable, in order to ensure that the number of staffed service points required for supervision is kept to the minimum, and to enable the most efficient and convenient layouts to be devised.

FUNCTIONALITY

It is essential that the facility is easy to find one’s way around with a minimum of direction, efficient for people to use, easy to supervise and to staff. Every component must be designed and located with convenience and efficiency in mind.

Layouts should be simple to follow, with clear routes of travel, unobstructed sightlines where required, visual markers and a clear and logical set out of shelving to facilitate self-orientation.

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS

Furniture selection and design must take account of the wide range of users of the facility, including people with a physical disability. Care must be taken to ensure that designs are safe and ergonomically sound.

Furniture must be robust, yet attractive, and must be easy to maintain. Wherever possible furniture should be modular so as to facilitate reconfiguration as use and demand change.

Provided that they are entirely suitable functionally, readily-available standard items of furniture are preferred to custom-built items, both on the grounds of likely lower initial cost and lower replacement cost.

It is a requirement that extensive use is to be made of Sarawak materials and craftsmanship whenever practicable in the construction and fitting-out of the facility, and this is highly relevant to built-in and loose furniture. Special note should be made, for example, of the variety and qualities of timbers of Sarawak when furniture and finishes are being considered, as well as the diversity of traditional fabrics and patterns. Prototypes of loose furniture items and of sections of custom-built items will be required.

Furniture which will accommodate personal computers and associated equipment should incorporate suitable wire management facilities, and must address occupational health and safety issues.

GOVERNING REGULATIONS

Pustaka Sibu will comply absolutely with all relevant Government or local authority rules, regulations, ordinances, statutes and statements of standards as they may affect a building of this nature.

HYDRAULICS

Sufficient isolations are to be provided as to enable simple maintenance to be carried out without large scale disruption of services.

Domestic water supply design is to ensure that potable water is available from all taps.

All fixtures and fittings used are to have the highest possible energy efficiency rating and controls to minimise water use.

LANDSCAPING

Living plants outside and inside the building are very important in creating a pleasant ambience. Species selected should be suitably hardy. There must be consultation with the relevant staff, who will be responsible for maintaining the landscaping.

LIGHTING

Note that where possible, advantage should be taken of controlled daylighting, whilst avoiding excessive heat loss or gain, glare and the unwanted effects of direct sunlight on library materials and people.

Low-maintenance lighting is required, with preference given to long-life consumables and easily maintained fittings. Maintenance staff are to be consulted in the selection of light fittings. There must be a limited range of different globes and tubes used around the building.

Recommended light levels are shown for each functional area. These are requirements for ‘maintenance illuminance’ within the meaning of Australian Standard 1680 Interior Lighting, and are expressed in lux, measured at normal desk height (700 mm from the floor), unless otherwise stated.

The need for light fittings which minimise glare, particularly in areas where computer terminals are used, is emphasised. A sound choice of light source and luminaire throughout the building is essential to avoid costly replacement or modification later. There are few if any areas where computer terminals will never be used during the life of the building.

Light switches are required in individual rooms, and for zones of larger areas, as well as a master switch to turn out all lights when the building is closed. This master switch should be accessible only to staff or other authorised persons.

Automatic light switching using photo-electric cells is required in individual staff offices, group study rooms, meeting rooms, stack and storage areas.

A system of emergency lights which are activated during a power failure is required.

Illuminated emergency exit signs are to be provided as required by the relevant codes.

After hours security lighting of the premises is to be provided. External lighting must use long-life components and be vandal-resistant.

Colour quality of lamp globes and tubes is to be taken into account during the recommendation and selection of finishes.

MAINTENANCE

The building must be a low maintenance one, and this will have an impact on all aspects of the design:

all surfaces must be easy to clean, and simple to rectify if they wear or become damaged furniture and fittings must be robust, yet attractive light fittings must be easy to reach with normal maintenance equipment windows and glazed screens must be easily accessible for cleaning all components must be durable: poor quality items, like cheap finishes, are a false economy

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) issues are to be addressed throughout the planning and design process to ensure that the public areas and staff workplaces meet the highest standards. Opportunities to streamline some library routines in order to reduce Occupational Health and Safety risks and to improve efficiency, such as checking in, sorting and moving library materials, are to be explored during the planning stage of relevant areas.

PARKING

Users will require convenient access from parking areas, with designated parking for people with disabilities as close as possible to a covered walkway to the public entrance.

A number of spaces in a secure zone will be required for Pustaka Sibu vehicles, visiting technicians and suppliers, and for staff working on evening shifts. Bicycle parking must also be provided.

PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM

A public address system, interfacing perhaps with an emergency evacuation system, is required. Control consoles for this will be at the main service desk and in the Security Room.

PUBLIC ART

Opportunities exist for public and community art and crafts to be incorporated in the design and decoration of the facility, and this should be discussed with the Client representative at an early stage to identify the kinds of contributions which local artists, craft workers or members of the community might be able to make to the project.

The design consultants are to identify suitable locations or components which might incorporate public or community art. By way of example, such elements might include:

• external and internal banners
• hangings, murals, text or other decorative elements in children’s and young adult areas
• artwork on partition walls
• decorative elements on operable walls
• balustrade glazing
• floor coverings or artwork incorporated into a floor surface
• decorative elements for the Special Collections Reading Room
• designs on glass screens
• signage elements

SAFETY AND SECURITY

The entire facility must be designed to be safe and secure, in such a way as to deter vandalism and inappropriate behaviour, and to minimise security problems. Externally the building should have no quiet concealed corners with handy windows which can be broken or forced.

Security precautions will include a comprehensive electronic access control system covering all non-public areas, a system of intruder alarms, plus perimeter security and closed-circuit television cameras in sensitive areas. Alarms will be required on emergency exit doors. An alarm panel will be required at the main service desk.

There will be a theft detection system installed to protect the collections. Special care must be taken in deciding the location of the Library’s book theft detection system and the furniture and fittings in the surrounding area. Usually the “gates” of electromagnetic theft detection systems must not be located close to computer-based equipment. Further information on the site requirements for the system should be obtained from the manufacturer, in conjunction with the client’s representative.

A robust and reliable locking system is required for the premises. The number of locks which are keyed to differ should be minimised.

Card key access control will be required at the staff entrance and for entry to staff areas from public areas and other selected locations.

Security cameras will be required at strategic points inside and outside the facility, monitored at the main service desk and in the Security Room. Cameras will be linked to a videorecorder.

Security is to be discreet and unobtrusive, and must not compromise the general feeling of user-friendliness which the building will inspire.

SATELLITE DISH AND TELEVISION ANTENNA

A mounting point is to be provided for a satellite dish with a convenient point for wiring to run into the building.

A master television antenna is to be provided, with cable points as indicated in the data sheets in this brief.

SHELVING

In general there are four categories of shelving to be considered in fitting out this library:

• “Standard library shelving”: this refers to static, cantilever-type shelving. This shelving is appropriate for all public areas and in staff offices where there are considerable amounts of shelving. Standard shelving must exceed the minimum requirements of Australian Standard 2273-1973 Steel library shelving or its local equivalent.
• “Office shelving”: various lengths of shelving will be required in the staff work areas. Some of this shelving would be selected to match the office furnishings.
• “Compact shelving”: this refers to rolling shelving on tracks, which may be surface-mounted or flush with the floor, with one or more access aisles per unit of compact shelving, permitting greater use of floor space for low-use materials.
• “Special shelving”: this is required for items such as compact discs and picture books, and will include displays similar to those used by retailers. In many cases there may be special components enabling standard shelving, or the uprights of standards shelving, to be used for a variety of non-book formats.

All shelving must be stable, even when subjected to uneven loading: bracing across rows of shelves, and where appropriate to walls and columns, will also be necessary.

A number of spare new shelves, brackets and safe and easily-installed and adjusted bookends are to be supplied as part of the fitout contract. The quantity required is to be discussed with the Client’s representative.

SIGNS

Signage requirements for specific areas are referred to in the data sheets, and include:

• external signposting from nearby crossroads, parking areas and walkways
• tactile signage
• prominent building identification, with large illuminated lettering on the exterior near the entrance
• major directory display signs on each floor
• emergency exit and other statutory signs
• door signs for the entry, exit and various internal doors
• easily changed signs, showing opening hours, layout, and, where appropriate, current and forthcoming activities
• area guides, which are large, highly visible signs for areas such as “Copying” and “Information”
• desk and counter-top signs
• shelf-signs, including signs to show the contents of bays and in some cases of individual shelves.

The design and placement of all signs must be considered carefully by the architect and the client. Prototype signs should be tried out on site during the building process.

Pictograms may be useful instead of words in some instances.

Signs are to be in Bahasa Malaysia, English and other community languages as appropriate.

The typeface, colour of lettering and background should be selected with high visibility and legibility in mind.

Signs should be vandal-resistant.

The sign system adopted should be documented in such a way that replacement or additional signs can be easily specified. It is most satisfactory if a system for temporary or frequently changing signs is also devised, with a style which is compatible with the "permanent" sign system.

STORMWATER AND ROOFWATER

The roofing system must exceed appropriate design guidelines, with rainfall events greater than this frequency being safely discharged away from roofs and gutter collection systems. The roof designs must avoid box gutters and parapets, with eaves gutters being the predominant rainwater disposal/collection system.

TELEPHONES

Telephone requirements of specific areas are noted in the data sheets.

Data lines, security, lift, fire service, and facsimile lines will by-pass the PABX.

Closer to the time of installation the client will be able to provide a schedule of telephone extensions and classes of service for each line.

VALUE MANAGEMENT

The client will require a thorough value management programme to be conducted for this project. This will examine inter alia the structure, the design and layout, furniture, furnishings, fittings, finishes, and equipment, including lighting, air-conditioning, hydraulics, fire services, lift services and landscaping, with regard to general long-term efficiency and economy.

VISUAL CONTACT

Users and staff in the main areas of the facility should be able to maintain some visual contact with the outside. Similarly, from the outside it must be possible, where appropriate, to see into some public areas of the facility, in order to give the passer-by some idea of the services and materials available within.

WALLS

Wherever possible wall space will be required for display purposes. A suitable hanging system is required.

In corridors, at doorways, and elsewhere walls will require protection from trolley impact and damage. Walls in the delivery area will need appropriate protection also.

Chair rails will be required in meeting rooms.

Skirtings are required in all rooms and corridors.

WINDOWS

Staff and public areas must have access to natural light. Direct sunlight should not fall on collections or reader places. Opening windows should be lockable and keyed alike, and should be readily opened by staff in the event of mechanical breakdown.

There must be no reliance on manually-adjusted blinds to screen out unwanted sunlight.

External windows must not use reflective glass. In some cases body-tinted glass may be acceptable, but must be discussed with the client’s representatives before external finishes of the building are finalised. There is a desire where feasible for some activities within the building to be visible from the outside, and dark tinting will impede this as well as appearing uninviting.