The evolution of research library buildings

The principles of research library building planning established in the late 1940s emphasized flexibility of design; interspersal of books and readers; collaboration between librarians and architects; and an increased role for the library in education. Planning a medical research library in today's electronic environment requires attention to these principles as well as dealing with new and emerging technologies; economic constrains; new modes of scholarly research and communication; and the convergence of library science and information services on the campus. The social role of the library and the celebration of the book are factors common to both generations.