Background and Objectives: In order to achieve a proper understanding of the status of public library buildings, the present study examine the architecture of public libraries from the perspective of public library librarians as the people who have the most interaction and relationship with the library building. A review of existing research showed that architecture has the ability to identify and create identity, and what distinguishes the back of a building from other structures is architecture. In connection with the construction of libraries, researchers have presented several categories, including libraries of palaces and temples, monasteries, churches and universities, Glasshouses, Office bloks, round buildings, Atrium buildings, Tower buildings, Glass box buildings, Modular buildings. Previous research shows that the construction of libraries in each period reflects the cultural structure and type of view of the library. These studies also showed that the provision of services such as microfilm, interlibrary loan, and joint collection had a profound effect on library building, especially after World War II.
Methodology: The present study is qualitative research. The method of the present study was Grounded theory and interviews were used to collect data. Sampling in this study was Targeted Sampling and included librarians of public libraries in Rafsanjan and unstructured interviews were used to collect data. The interviews began with a request for the participant to comment in detail on the architecture of the public libraries, and according to the answers, an attempt was made to clarify the details of the issue with other questions. In qualitative research, if theoretical saturation has reached, data collection can be omitted. In this study, after interviewing 10 librarians, we reached theoretical saturation. The interviews were conducted in a completely intimate and informal environment and at the workplace of each person, which on average each interview lasted between 30 to 40 minutes. Strauss and Corbin method was used to analyze the data obtained from the interview. To validate the research, the interviews after implementation, were approved by the interviewees and the codes and interviews by a librarian who was familiar with qualitative research were reviewed and approved.
Findings: After analyzing the data from interviews, a selected code named the architectural principles of public libraries, the two axes factors of standardization, environmental signage and symbolization and 15 other factors Such as adapting before allocating existing buildings to the library, consulting librarians to build a new library, separating the lounge and reading room, lagging behind standards in newly established libraries, allocating space for children, not being suitable for the disabled, located Being in a remote environment in the dimension of standardization and coordination with the environment, the importance of aesthetics in attracting the audience, symbolizing, marking, refreshing, ordinary and simple view, building new libraries with unique architecture and putting a box back The book was at the entrance of the library was identified.
Discussion: Library buildings should have identity and civilization features and the emergence of cultural components and elements in library buildings should be evident, because libraries from ancient times to the present day have always been centers for preserving the written heritage of nations and therefore library buildings should have cultural components and Office or ordinary buildings of the city are distinct. The results of the present study in this section showed that the architecture of public libraries lacks the identity and personality of the public library and does not show its cultural nature in any way. he second point about the importance of building libraries, especially public libraries, is to pay attention to the visual appeal of the exterior as well as the pleasant interior design; And the results of the research also showed architecture can be effective in attracting the audience, and the feeling of relaxation from being in the library space and spending more time to stop and attend the library. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between paying attention to exterior and interior architecture and the degree to which people are lucky enough to visit and spend useful time in the library. The importance of architecture is in considering the needs of users. The library building, in addition to having easier access to different parts of the library, and items such as creating a quiet environment free of noise pollution in the design of study halls, attention to light, interior layout, color, and painting walls and ceilings, use of appropriate equipment It should be considered with architecture and in addition to these issues, attention should be paid to the welfare and accommodation facilities of the clients.