I. Importance of the space
A. generally prominent location; creates first impression
B. careful design needed for professional, uncluttered appearance
II. Circulation/Reserve Area
A. consider all functions or services provided
1. loans and returns of library materials
2. monitoring of entrance and exit
3. paging materials from reserve collection
4. study room reservations
5. telephone information and renewal services
6. distribution of handouts and other materials
7. sorting/distribution of printouts
8. lost and found
9. refunds, fine or fee collection
10. servicing of copiers
B. consider staff needs
1. number of staff
2. anticipated growth in staff size
3. accommodations for part-time staff or student workers
4. workstations for staff responsibilities other than patron service
a) interlibrary loan
b) looseleaf filing
c) stack maintenance/book repair
d) reserve material processing
C. consider library materials housed in the area
1. course reserves
2. high-theft risk materials
3. current periodicals
4. audio/video/CDs
D. consider equipment needed
1. computers (number of service points)
2. check-out receipt printers
3. book desensitizer
4. theft system VCR
5. telephones
6. book return bin
7. book trucks
8. stand-alone printers
9. public address system
10. cash register
11. secure key cabinet
12. lockers
13. storage for supplies
14. coat rack
E. design considerations
1. location
a) adjacency to exit/entrance
b) proximity to reference desk
c) proximity to photocopiers or other equipment requiring service
d) acoustic isolation
2. service counter
a) millwork contract or furniture contract?
b) height
(1) 39-42 inches per Leighton & Weber
(2) desk height station for wheelchair users; 36@ max. for side approach, 28-34@ for front approach
c) width
(1) 24-30 inches per Leighton & Weber; may need to be wider to accommodate computers
(2) 19@ knee space if front approach by wheelchair is desired
d) length
(1) number of checkout stations desired
(2) space for passing and opening books
(3) space for patrons to set belongings
e) design
(1) durable finishes
(2) hiding backs of computers
(3) flexibility
(4) storage on staff side
III. Reference
A. Location
1. high visibility
2. proximity to circulation desk
3. proximity to reference collection
4. proximity to collections or services requiring user assistance
5. proximity to OPAC terminals
6. need for acoustic isolation
7. proximity to reference offices
B. Desk or Counter?
1. desk
a) conducive to longer consultations
b) no side barrier, easy to move to materials with patrons
c) may inhibit some users from asking questions
2. counter
a) suited to higher volume
b) librarian at eye level with patron
C. Equipment needed
1. computer
2. telephone
3. file space for handouts
4. ready reference shelving
D. Reference offices
1. remote or adjacent?
2. equipment needed
a) desk/computer workstation
b) telephone
c) guest chairs
d) shelving
e) files
f) welcoming atmosphere
References:
Philip D. Leighton & David C. Weber, Planning Academic and Research Libraries (3d ed. 1999)
Carol R. Brown, Planning Library Interiors: The Selection of Furnishings for the 21st Century (1995)