Where can I find a consultant?

Many state library associations and/or state library agencies maintain a list of library consultants.  Another source is an online directory, Library Consultants Directory Online.  Look at our Links and you will find the website.  Godfrey’s Associates, Inc. is a library consulting firm.

How should we go about hiring a consultant?

If your library is funded by public dollars it will probably mean that you have to use the RFP (Request for Proposals) or RFQ (Request for Qualifications) process.  You may first want to place an ad in a library publication such as Library Hotline or American Libraries.  You can also list your need in the Library Consultants Directory Online described above.

Do consultants charge by the hour, the day, the week, etc.?

There is no standard way that consultants charge for their services.  Here at Godfrey’s Associates our preferred method is to provide our client with a total cost for all of the services that we will provide.  Once that amount has been agreed upon – and there is often a negotiating process that goes on – then we will never charge more than what we have signed a contract for unless the client changes the services we are to provide, often referred to as the “scope of work.”

We are thinking about a new building?  How much will it cost?

There are many factors to consider, of course.  The size will have the greatest impact on the cost.  A 20,000 square foot building will cost more than one half that size.  The quality of the construction can have an impact on the cost, as can the site.  For instance, a flat site is usually less costly to build upon than one that has lots of uneven space that may require a lot of moving of dirt to prepare the site for construction.  One thing we can say without 95% certainty is that the costs will not decrease if you wait.

We need an architect.  Where can I get a list of architects?

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a nifty website, http://architectfinder.aia.org/  All you have to do is enter your Zip Code and a list will pop up (of course, the firms have to be members of the AIA).  Your local telephone directory will have a listing for architects.  If you wish to cast a wider net then another good source is the December issue of Library Journal, its “Architectural Issue.”  There is a list in that, plus lots of advertisements.  We at Godfrey’s maintain contact with architects and we can help you also – no charge.

How much do architects cost?  How are they paid?

Architectural services are almost always paid on the basis of a percentage of the cost of the building (construction plus moveable furniture and equipment).  The larger the cost, the smaller the percentage.  For instance, a cost of $5 million might warrant a fee of 10% whereas a cost of $8 million might have a fee of 9% or 9.5%.  The fees are fully negotiable.  Reimbursable expenses will be in addition to the fees.  As to how they are paid, as a general rule they are paid according to a pre-determined (meaning it is in the contract) schedule – usually after certain phases of the design have been completed.  We can give you more details if you wish.

We have a really old building that needs to be renovated.  Does it have to meet ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) standards?

It all depends upon how much renovation you are doing.  The “standard” is that if the cost of the renovation equals or exceeds the original cost of the building then the entire building needs to come into compliance with the ADA guidelines.  However, variances can be made.  Your architect can – or should – be of great assistance on these matters.

I have heard the term LEED used a lot lately.  What is LEED?  What kind of impact will it have on our project?

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  It is a program designed to produce buildings that are energy efficient and good for the environments.  The US Green Building Council spearheads the program.  See our Links section for more information.