Editorial

Abstract

Reviews the technical failures, inefficiency, ineptitude and mismanagement involved in the planning and completion of the new British Library, St Pancras, London, as reported in three reports of the Committee of Public Accounts (1991), and the National Audit Office (1991 and 1996). Outlines the history of the British Library in the context of the 50 years that have elapsed from the inception of the new building to its final opening. Among the 230, 000 defects identified in the 1996 report are: poor quality and reliability of the movable book shelving, damage to electrical cabling, poorly designed ducting and the need for better emergency lighting. Concludes that these were caused by a lack of foresight and commitment to the ideals of the project by gov ernment, rather than by any incompetence on the part of individuals. Comments on unfair criticism of the outward appearance of the library building and the contrast between the stark appearance of the latter with the Victorian exuber ance of the neighbouring St Pancras railway station, blaming it upon the gen eral inability of British society to appreciate contemporary architecture.