Practical questions about library design

[Alan Jacques]

I'm trying to get an idea of design standards for libraries.
I have a lot to say about library design and pedagogy but know next to nothing about more practical areas of library start up, such as: how much square footage per student? How many books per student? Start up budgets? Staffing numbers?

Any notes on these or any good start up advice would be great.

Cheers - Alan

[Cheryl Whitmore Stevens]

Alan,

This will all depend on what your state requires (or doesn't.) Many states have suggested or mandated square footage per student, books per student or price of book per student and may have suggested or mandated numbers of staff per size of school. If I were you, I would try to contact either my state school librarian association or the state department of education. Good luck!

[Alan Jacques]

Hi Cheryl
Thanks for pitching in but I'm actually looking for advice on what standards people have in the state/countries/schools they are working in.
What are the guide lines or standards set by the government or governing body where you are?