In the past decade, the increasing requirements of the multimedia world have substantially increased the demands placed on libraries. They went through a transformation from introverted hoards of knowledge to globally networked information administrators and communication brokers. Today, libraries have to offer their users constantly advancing digital search pos - sibilities coupled with enough spaces for concentrated reading. Whether new buildings, conversions or extensions, this title shows the diversity of this building task to complying with the latest technology requirements and cultural demands at the same time. For the new edition, many new projects have been selected. This ensures that apart from the masterpieces of the first decade of the 21st century, the best new libraries are presented.