In the 21st century, librarians must play a more proactive role in the planning of library buildings.This paper argues that librarians must be knowledgeable about current and future space requirements to accommodate a wide range of activities and functions including information and communications technologies.In view of financial constraints, librarians must also be knowledgeable about available options on how to create space in order to ensure provision of effective library services to users.Advancements in new information technology and communication technologies must also be bornne in mind when planning functional and intelligent library buildings of the 21st centrury