The planning of a new library can take as long as five years – so on the day it opens, a library already represents yesterday's thinking to some extent. Therefore, consideration of future needs – ‘future thinking’ – is very important. In the last 20 years, the library as a building type has seen many changes as it has adapted to accommodate digital information systems. This chapter notes some of the current features of different types of library.

Libraries today are facing the dual challenge of accommodating rapidly changing populations, and keeping pace with information and communication technology (ICT). ICT is altering notions of library space as well as communication links. Chapter 2 explores some of the recent trends in library development and the factors that have an impact on them.

Success is ultimately measured against a project's objectives, so these must be understood and shared by all the senior people in the organization. It is best to set down the vision for the project at the start and to refer back to it throughout the project. Chapter 3 looks at the development of a business case for a library project and suggests some strategies for ensuring success.

The creation of a new library requires the co-operation of a whole team, each member with his or her individual contribution to make. The constituents of the team, their relationships with each other and the way the project could be managed are discussed in Chapters 4 and 5.

Chapter 6 looks at the appointment of an architect. Both the librarian and architect will need to contribute unique skills to ensure that a project is successful, so a positive relationship between the two is vital.

Increasingly, library services are offered in dual or multi-purpose settings, for example within a school or other community building. At the same time, new funding streams are opening up to libraries, especially in the public sector and particularly where there is evidence of partnership work or community engagement. Chapter 7 explores these issues and their impact on library design and building.