Web 2.0 Applications for Library Website

As part of the 23 Things exercise, a Web 2.0 application that might be useful is a future Google Map application that shows all of the recently constructed public library buildings in California. The map could show a photo of each library and be linked to other photos as well as basic information about the recently constructed building. It would also be useful to provide RSS feeds from the website so that any time additions or changes were made to the map or website material, interested users could be notified of those changes.

Pictures of California Public Library Buildings

It would be interesting to set up a Flickr group about the subject of California Public Library Buildings (and/or about public library buildings on a national or international basis). There are plenty of pictures of libraries in Flickr already and some groups at the state level like New Jersey Libraries, but so far I haven't identified a group that is just for California Public Library Buildings only. If Flickr would allow, the State Library could invite public library staff, users, consultants, architects and interior designers to post the pictures that they have taken or own the copyright on and post them to Flickr. Specific tags could be suggested so that users could sort the photo database on specific terms like, "Children's Room," "Teen Center," "Lighting," "Technology Infrastructure," "Sustainable Design," etc. Over time, this could become a wonderful resource for library staff, boards and Friends groups working to plan new and improved public libraries in the state. If this was done on a national or international basis, additional state and country tags could be used as well. I suppose a similiar kind of thing could be done on U-Tube or a similar site for videos of public library buildings. Hmmm . . . any interest?

Recent Library Construction Costs in California

A survey of recently completed public libraries in California showed the average total project cost to be approximately $495 per square foot.

The average cost of construction was $344/SF.

The average cost of furniture and equipment was $32/SF.

The average site cost was $30/SF.

The average "other" costs were $89/SF.