A librarian and a civil engineer team up to provide library managers with background on construction, building maintenance, and energy use in existing library buildings. The book is written to be accessible to those with little science background and no formal education in building maintenance or facilities management. It explains names and functions of various building components, explains major systems such as heating and cooling. Foundations, roofs, windows, and interior finishes are covered, along with advice on dealing with planning and construction professionals, contracts and legal obligations, and green buildings and new technology. The audience for the book includes library directors and board members. A few b&w illustrations and photos are included. Piotrowicz is a librarian. Osgood is director of facilities for the Community College System of New Hampshire. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)