Team roles

Many people are likely to be involved in a new library project and they mustall have the right skills and ability to work in a team. Crucial to theproject's success is the selection of the people and organisations,the definition of what is expected of each and the management ofrelationships between them so that they work effectively. As much work needsto be put into this as into discovering inspirational projects andbest-practice benchmarks.

In most cases these days a large building project will be initiated by seniormanagers in the parent institution – a university, or local ornational government organisation or a corporate company, perhaps.

There needs to be clear understanding of the range of both skills andinterests to be represented on the team. While the library manager orbuilding's lead from the library side must be part of the team,equally there must be client advisers in place with experience of otherbuilding projects that might have a bearing on the new library plan. Again,while the library manager needs a hand in choosing design and constructionprofessionals, there must also be a broad base of team members who help toselect these.

Members of the project team may be more or less involved at different stagesaccording to their role and expertise. Success of the project and designquality depends on the following professional roles: architects, surveyors,cost consultants, structural engineers, civil engineers, landscapers andconstruction teams.