Team roles

Many people are likely to be involved in a new library project and they must all have the right skills and ability to work in a team. Crucial to the project's success is the selection of the people and organizations, the definition of what is expected of each and the management of relationships between them so that they work effectively. As much work needs to be put into this as into discovering inspirational projects and best practice benchmarks.

The in-house team needs to involve people who understand the library manager's needs. Librarians who are new to the world of construction may also want to include within the in-house team an external person as a ‘client adviser’, whose experience will be helpful if they have worked in the past on a range of projects, not just libraries. This will give the library manager broad experience to draw on in helping set the project up, choosing design and construction professionals and assessing how far design proposals really meet project needs.

The wider project team needs to include a range of professionals, all of whom may be more or less involved at different stages. Success of the project and design quality depends on expertise found within various professions, including architects, surveyors, cost consultants, structural engineers, civil engineers, landscapers and construction teams. The skills of these professionals are interdependent and valuable for the members of a well managed team. Projects can be procured in a number of different ways and, although these may affect the team selection approach, fair, thorough, clear and transparent procedures are essential for any competitive selection. A carefully selected architect and/or client adviser should be well placed to support selection of other professionals. However, in all circumstances it is important to research the capabilities and past performance of potential consultants and contractors.

Teams may fluctuate in size and composition over time to meet the evolving needs of the project. It is important that all team members are clear about their roles and responsibilities; and lines of communication and rules governing team relationships must also be clear.