Oxford Library Long Range Plan 34
Chapter Five — Browsing and Magazines
This chapter discusses general design considerations for the high use new materials browsing area and the library living room and magazine area.
Browsing area
People entering the library will normally turn to the right, therefore, the browsing area should be to the right of the entrance. A person entering this part of the Oxford library should feel as if he or she is in a fine bookstore with a variety of materials. Colorful Front covers are designed to merchandise books and will greatly encourage users to browse so the covers need to be visible and high lighted in this display area.
The browsing area is the busiest part of the library. Much of the borrowing is done in this area with patrons eagerly seeking the latest book, video or CD/DVD. It should contain a library of ever-changing paperbacks, a selection of art and large format picture books, recently returned materials, and a new book, video, CD/DVD and audio book browsing section. Materials should be displayed on shelving no lower than 10" and no higher than 54" to give an open, uncluttered appearance.
Research based on video analysis of how people behave in stores explains the necessity of having wide, 48" aisles in the browsing area. In this busy part of the library, the wider aisle width prevents people from bumping into one another or feeling uncomfortably crowded. A density of 5 books per square foot in the browsing area rather than the 10 books per square foot for spine out shelving in the larger book stack will make browsing easier in this busy part of the library.
Customer service for users. The library staff is the heart and soul of quality service so a library staff member should be located near the entrance. This staff member can check materials out and can also give advice on finding the right book. Identify reader's advisors by a sign at a service counter. There should be a shelf here for advisory books.
Display Devices
The most sought after materials in libraries are the newer materials so this area should have wider aisles and easy to reach shelves because of the large numbers of patrons who seek them out. Library equipment includes a useful array of book displayers, many interchangeable on the same systems:
· Tilted bottom shelves so titles can be seen without bending down
· Zigzag displayers that show front cover as well as spine titles
· Tilt-and-store displayers with older magazines stored under slanted display shelves.
· Book stop displayers that combine book support and displayer for front cover
· Bins CD or DVD displayers on conventional uprights
· Stepped back shelves that allow browsing in two display layers
· Pyramids of smaller boxes on top of larger ones
· Dumps that are movable slanted boxes placed near the checkout counter
· Built-in lighting attached underneath shelves so as to light the shelf below
· Acrylic see-through displayers that are floor or wall mounted
· Popular thin format media with colorful front covers such as DVDs, audio books and CDs require display type shelving such as bins and zigzag units.
Librarian selected displays. Librarians encourage patrons to pick books that will be useful in their lives. They may be selections particularly relevant to cultural segments of the community or to topical issues of importance to the community. Or they may be opportunities for entertainment or pleasure, but they are selected because staff read the books or read reviews.
Sequencing for ease of finding is more important in a library than in
a bookstore Spinners accommodate a large number of materials in a small space but users often find it difficult to find a particular book in these circular towers.
Line of Sight Graphics
These signs hang in the stack aisles showing patrons where to find particular subjects with their unique subject numbers. They are far more effective than end panel signs since they locate subjects right where they are in the stack ranges rather than at the end of each range. Labels attached to the shelves require patrons to turn their heads to see the labels.
Wide aisles and low shelves
Book stacks spaced 6' rather than the conventional 5' on centers make it more comfortable for patrons to browse in the stacks without bumping into one another.
The elderly and people with disabilities seldom use very low shelves.
Lighting
Cool white deluxe fluorescent lamps have better color rendition than other lamp colors. Use directional louvers that direct light on the books not on the aisles. Lighting and graphics not only display materials dramatically, but also create a clear understanding of subjects and sequencing.
Displays in the stacks.
Display shelving for the front cover display of materials can be interspersed throughout the collection as well as in the browsing area. Shelf inserts, or acrylic book displayers placed in every other 3 ft. section of stacks at browsing eye height, are attractive and inform patrons about subjects. End panel display units throughout the book stack area have the twin virtues of displaying attractive front covers, while graphically signaling the subjects in each range.
E Panels. Electronic end panels incorporate flat screen computers and keyboards into the design of book stack. End panels are useful to lookup other books in the stack or obtain other book information such as reviews to help decide between two similar titles.
Plan ahead and anticipate new media collection growth so that shelving/display units purchased to accommodate the first years worth of CDs can be modularly sequenced as the collection expands.
Browsing Design Considerations
· A sequential arrangement of materials will be helpful to patrons and staff trying to find a particular book.
· These materials should be arranged alphabetically by author for fiction and numerically by classification number for nonfiction so that patrons and staff can easily find a book.
· Circular spinners and towers are difficult to sequence and should be avoided.
· Sloping display shelves will impart an inviting atmosphere.
· Lighting should emphasize these colorful materials.
· Colors should be elegant, comfortable and relaxing.
· Material displays should permit views of both front covers and spines.
· Genre shelving for special interest materials may be placed here.
· A choice of comfortable seating near browsing offers patrons an opportunity to sit and read comfortably.
· Open standup height shelves close to the browsing area give patrons an opportunity to enjoy reading a few paragraphs to decide whether or not they really want to take a book home with them.
The Library Living Room
Llibrary patrons should find comfortable reading spaces with the feel of a living room. Comfortable chairs, with low side tables and large tables to read newspapers may help to impart this feeling. Lighted with floor and table lamps, this area may include magazines.
Magazine and Newspaper Area
Magazines are used in two different ways:
· Many library patrons come into the library to browse in recent issues.
· Other patrons wish to consult magazine indexes to look for articles on a particular subject.
Locating the magazine collection presents a special problem. Magazines can be located with other recent browsing materials or they may be located near the indexes in the reference section. Non-print electronic access to periodicals presents an option of providing access through electronic workstations and printers.
Newspapers also create a special problem because of their flimsy large format and the tendency of patrons to tear out employment ads. Locating previous days' papers can also be a problem. Keeping papers isolated at a service desk limits use and availability but secures the papers. The library may keep three weeks of several papers in this newspaper area. Electronic display of papers with printout capability may be a solution where electronic format is available. Print indexes may be used for older less frequently used periodicals but newer magazines will be indexed electronically. Displaying and accessing magazines and newspapers should include these considerations:
· Sloping displays for current magazines with storage underneath for one year's back issues
· Daily and weekly newspapers with one month's back issues stored using the Oblique filing system
· Photocopy center-with sorting counter
· Older magazines placed in a nearby storage area (High-density storage may be useful here but increasingly these are accessed electronically.)
Seating choices should include comfortable lounge chairs with support for back and shoulders and convenient side tables to accommodate books and bags as well as oversize 4”x6’ tables with comfortable ergonomic side chairs on casters.
Chapter Six —Reference Services
This chapter discusses general design considerations for the Reference area.
Reading, study, computer and local history and genealogy areas are discussed.
Reference Services
The Oxford Public Library is a center for information. A public library is devoted to satisfying the individual information needs of citizens at every level of their life. Reference library patrons include students from elementary grades through graduate school and independent learners using the library for research. Patrons of all ages seek information on a wide variety of subjects relating to their personal, business and family needs. They may select materials on topics such as career changes, job-related information, home repair skills, financial investment planning, gardening, arts and literature, health problems, crafts and hobbies.
Reader's Advisory
In addition to using the Internet or a database to answer a patron's question, good reference librarians are always alert to the possibility that patrons will require more extensive help to select one or more books that they will spend several hours reading. Some of the most important books in changing people's lives are stories or novels which capture their imagination and suggest role models which affect how people behave.
At this location staff will assist patrons with selecting interesting books to read so seating for staff and patrons will be needed. They should both be able to look at the same computer screen to select together. This area should be close to the large book stack which contains most of the fiction and nonfiction books. Joan Durrance, a professor at the University of Michigan Library School, has devised what she calls a "willingness to return" survey which her students have administered to analyze several hundred reference transactions. The survey shows that library patrons are willing to return to a reference librarian when the reference transaction has lasted for several minutes rather then just a few seconds. It often takes time to really understand what the patron wants. A setting that encourages staff and patrons to share information will improve reference service and is even more important when discussing a book reading or video viewing recommendation.
On the other hand at busy libraries, where there are lines of patrons waiting to be served, efficient reference service requires that staff have computers handy so they can quickly respond to questions.
In most libraries these contradictory requirements will depend on the particular time of day. Libraries can be both very busy and relatively quiet. For these reasons the reference service desk should be designed with chairs for both staff and patrons. It may also be adjustable in height so that it can be used as a standup desk during busy times
The Reference /Information Center
This is an area where technology is changing. The multiple functions that take place in Reference and Information Services call for careful consideration at the schematic phase of design. The likelihood of change in this area means that flexibility and ease of alterations are also major design considerations. The reference interview requires staff to spend some time defining patron's questions and discussing solutions. Patron accommodations that include comfortable chairs are essential. The following considerations should govern decisions about the location and design of this area:
Easy Access
· The reference center should be visible to people entering the library.
· Library staff should have immediate access to a computer.
· Library staff must have easy access to reference materials.
· Locating the nonfiction collection close to reference staff enhances the opportunity for staff to help patrons select a book.
Lighting and Climate Control
· This area must have glare free lighting for minimal eye fatigue.
· This heavily used area needs accurate comfort controls.
Flexibility
· The reference area service desk design should be flexible.
· Staff will help patrons with a wide variety of resources.
· Computers should be easily reconfigured for public and staff convenience.
· Staff should be able to move easily from desk to bookshelves.
· Portable telephones will facilitate answering questions in the book stack.
· Mobile seating will be helpful in moving around this large area.
· At slow times staff and patrons may sit together for a conversation.
· At busy times staff and patrons will benefit from a stand up counter..
Desk Area
· Use a 29" high desk with seating for staff and public (kneeholes).
· Select seating for staff and library patrons that is ADA compliant and ergonomically comfortable.
· Include shelving for ready reference books, such as directories, and handbooks with nearby resting places to open books in a variety of sizes.
· Place computers and printer/copier in ergonomically designed electronic workstations for staff.
· Use mobile staff seating on comfortable ergonomic chairs
· Include wireless telephones for answering questions.
· Install mobile workstation units with file drawers, and shelves.
· Use small book truck for interlibrary loan service or "hot topics"
· Staff should be able to see down the stack aisles from this location.
· Place a Fax and copier nearby.
· Install glass topped slots to display brochures and handouts for patrons.
· Install glass desk insert for schedules and other daily information.
Computer Area
Visible from the reference desk will be an area containing several computers that may be used for a variety of purposes. Some should be large enough to accommodate two chairs so that staff can assist users.
Reference Staff Work Area
Staff in this area will be involved in, Internet searching, materials selection, program preparation and staff research. Staff will be communicating with one another, sharing ideas and information about web sites, reference materials, and brain storming to answer difficult questions.
The area should have controlled access to the information desk with operable window and curtains providing the opportunity to be visually and sound isolated or available to the public.