The Effects of Developing Information Technologies on 21st Century Library Architecture

Abstract

Changes began taking place in information storage, transmission and production as Information and Communications Technology started to develop from the mid-20th century onwards. changes in the field of information have affected the sources of information, and they have presented a new vision with new roles for libraries. This situation required libraries to be reinterpreted with design criteria that affect the function and architectural formation in order to adapt to the new roles. This study aimed to examine the new design criteria on how developments in Information and Communication Technologies affect the function and architectural formation of 21st century libraries and how they differentiate them from traditional libraries. Within the scope of the study, the functional and architectural design features of three next-generation library buildings selected from different countries were analysed within the scope of a set of new design criteria. As a result, it has been seen that the 21st century libraries present a new vision with integrated information technologies and architectures as per new design criteria. It has been determined this vision reflects a user-oriented design product that supports social, educational learning and teaching models and makes positive contributions to urban life with its new iconic architectures.