The adjoining buildings must support the work of the staff as they provide service to the users of the library. Since we do not know the interior layout of the library in the future, lighting patterns should not be tied to the original layout of furniture and shelves. Based on information collected by the design team, the details of the expected interior design of a new library are outlined in the building program.
Small group or quiet study areas are placed within sight of the reference area. A book theft detection system will be installed at the entrance and exit of the main part of the library. The self-check station must be located close to the circulation desk and visible from there, but must not be part of the counter.
The desk section closest to the library entrance will include a place to return books. The location and placement of the book return room (the room into which items from the car book return are dropped) should be discussed with staff. Once a draft construction program is prepared, the document will be reviewed by the local planning team and the architect.
With the building program complete, the architect begins the process of schematic design of the building.
Basic Interior Design Issues
The public entrance to the library leads into an area that can be used when the main part of the library is closed. The youth section of the library is close to the children's area, but in the adult area. The adult reference desk is located in the center of the adult area and overlooks the main entrance to the library.
The children's reference desk is located within easy sight of the entrance area. The adult area of the library includes five study rooms that can be used for quiet or group study. Most tables in the reading area are equipped with power and data connections.
There are two electronic classrooms and a production/presentation room on the ground floor of the library. Some of the issues to be addressed in the construction program will be based on library policies and procedures. The design of the table can be determined by library patrons and the types of questions that will be asked.
Usually, the design of a custom desk has an impact on the depth of the desk. When the top is opened, all wires can be easily placed in the flexible bag. The details on the front of the desk described here match the details on the library circulation desk.
Most furniture in a library is purchased as individual items that are not attached to the building. The types of furniture selected for library workspaces are related to the management philosophy of the library administration. The colors in the carpet can form the basis for the selection of other colors used in the interior design of the library.
If possible, swatches should be commensurate with the size of the surfaces to be colored in the library. Computer models of the library rooms can also be used to show the color relationships in a library. Children's furniture must be suitable for the age and size of the young people who use it.
In some libraries, the adult tables are located near the parenting section of the collection.
APPENDIX A
What small paper items will be stored at the desk next to each check-out or return station. What equipment will be used at each workstation—monitor and keyboard, CPU, printer, speakers, scanners. Integrated electrical system in the furniture, or individual plugs in the floor for each computer.
How many children should be accommodated at tables for craft activities in the story time room or in a separate activity room. How much space will be required to park book trucks at check-in stations and sort through shelves. What is the relationship between the circulation workroom and the delivery area where books and audiovisual material will return from branches.
How many shelves will be needed for upcoming reference books, special collections, and collection development tools. How much and what configuration of LAN management equipment will be required in the computer classroom. Will large workbenches and individual desks be required for software uploads and hardware repairs.
Will there be a need for storage of boxes or bags with programming material to be taken to outreach locations. Also talk about the details of built-in millwork: heights, sizes, how spaces will be used, etc.
APPENDIX B
Library chairs: An overview of the library technology report test method with test reports on 30 chairs. Teen Central, The Latest Art Planning.” Presentation at the Phoenix Public Library, February 20, 2001.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lighten Up: How to Write a Program to Light Up a Library.” Paper presented at the American Library Association Annual Conference, 1995.
INDEX
