Information needs of architectural practices

Abstract

Libraria is a small business which provides a visiting library service to architectural practices. Although practices vary, their information needs are similar, and are met from the several categories employed by Libraria to organise information materials: technical literature, trade literature, samples, consultants and contractors, company information, fine art and reference, maps, journals, and in-house material. Information from these categories must be available as required to support successive stages in the building design process from inception to completion. Library services in the construction industry have to provide the right information at the right time, without being a drain on the resources of practices which can only survive as profitable businesses; the librarian must be seen to be an ever-helpful source of practical information.