ARCHITECTS LIBRARY DESIGN – For Optimal Collection Flow and Circulation!

In every library, ten’s if not hundreds of thousands of individual items (books), are displayed in a logical manner that allows customers to locate them by subject, title, author / description. Then a management system has to be in place, that allows thousands of customers/ patrons to borrow the books / items they want and keep a record of who has it. Then, when the book / item is returned, the librarian has to be able to log it back in and replace it in its correct position so it can be found again by the next borrower.

In a big library thousands of books, videos, CDs are either going out or returning every day and being handled and re-shelved by staff.

That’s a vast amount of work, if you think about it and RSI and similar injuries are unfortunately common. Books are pretty heavy when they are in a stack! A trolly full of books to be re-shelved has to get to shelves and displays without bumping into anything or injuring patrons!

This means that automated book handling systems are an important part of library design and management. At Quantum Library Supplies we work with Architects, builders and Library Managers to combine architectural design elements with the practicality of book handling and administration.

Starting with RFID systems. That’s the library’s Radio Frequency Identification system which is an electronic tag on every item lent out from the library. Each tag has a unique signal which identifies it within the library’s computer system. When the item is borrowed and scanned it is linked to the patron’s library card and identified as lent to that person. When it is returned it is scanned again, logged back into stock and removed from the patron’s card on the library database. Just passing the item through the scanner picks up the signal and records the return. These systems are automated in most libraries, delivering returned and scanned books etc to library trolleys ready for re-shelving by the Librarians.

Traffic flow….If you think about it, a library has three different but inter-related traffic flows.

1. Customer Patrons Flow

Customer / patrons arriving at the library, with some returning their books etc and others looking for items to borrow, which they have to find. Then they scan them against their Library Cards and leave. Other patrons may be looking for information about a subject of interest they want to study and need library staff to help them to find what they want and then they need a location to sit / work at and possibly access to laptop computer terminals, photocopiers etc. They then leave with the information they need but without using the library lending services.

2. Returned Book / Item Flow

Books and other lent items are either brought back to the library by patrons or deposited by them in the after hours deposit chutes. After they are passed through a scanner they then go on to library trollies to be returned to their position on the library shelves. 

3. Borrowed Items Flow

The start of the borrowed items traffic flow is for a library patron to locate the books / items they want to borrow. Customer service pods, clear signage and tidy shelf layouts help this process! The second stage is confirmation that they have what they want and they will need to sit somewhere to look at the items they have picked up. Assuming they are happy with their choice they proceed to a manned or automatic check out station and scan the borrowed items against their library cards. Finally they exit the library via electronic security gates, which identify any items which have not been scanned against a member library card.

Designing a Library to meet Traffic Flows

It is obvious that there is more to designing a library than collection flows and movement of books, patrons and staff. Like a swan gliding along the water there’s a lot more going on below the surface that you don’t see. My team at QLS work collaboratively with architects and builders as well as Library Managers to develop integrated Library designs which combine the latest book and borrowed item technology with user friendly layouts. The type of library being designed, Junior School, Senior School, TAFE, University, City Library, Regional Library, Town Library etc., determines the additional requirements for space allocation and usage.  

• Computer / Laptop / Smart Phone zones
• Quiet / Study spaces / Collaborative Meeting spaces / Conference rooms
• Breakout zones and Flexible furniture options “Maker Spaces” (STEM/STEAM)
• Sit / Stand options for patrons and staff
• Special collection spaces and displays

Standard Measurements

When designing a library, an architect, interior designer or Library manager is limited by a range of standard measurements that may seem trivial, but which are important for efficient functioning of any library. Firstly, library shelves are a pretty much standard size in depth and individual shelf height can be adjusted to suit different sizes of books / items. Height is important so that patrons can reach the books etc..In a junior school library this is essential. Shelves have to be stable to avoid the risk of them toppling over onto a patron.

Spaces between rows of shelves should provide enough space for two library trollies to pass each other, when re-shelving books. Otherwise, they will have to back-up when they meet in the same aisle. That means that aisles need to be at least 900mm, while most libraries opt for 1200-1300mm wide or bigger. Quantum Library Supplies work with a large variety of architects, planners, library managers and schools to design and install library furniture, shelving and automated book handling systems and to create layout designs that are both functional and innovative. We ensure the library meets Australian Standards and complies with disabled and workplace requirements as well as State Guidelines for Libraries.

No two libraries are identical in their size, building shape, patron numbers, collection mix and design requirements. This means that the various elements of shelving, book / item handling and reading / research relaxation areas have to be considered as part of the design. Housing the collection is the priority and the design challenge is to fit in patron needs. This often involves the use of small footprint reception Pods instead of large circulation desks and flexible seating/ study options.

Examples of 3D Designs

We have recently launched two catalogues showing examples of a wide variety of 3D library layouts prepared to meet different design and operational briefs. For ease of use, one catalogue focusses on the requirements of larger Public Libraries and those at Universities and TAFES, while the second one provides design concepts suitable for junior and senior school libraries.

These real-life samples can be used to assist Architects, Builders and library planners in forming ideas for their library’s unique design, based on a mix of the different layouts shown here. The examples shown, in the catalogues, focus on the usual requirements of school and Public libraries of all sizes as well as those in university and TAFE environments with their own unique objectives

This catalogue shows examples of 3D library layouts which were prepared to meet different design and operational briefs for Public and University libraries. Please use this catalogue for initial design ideas and discussions. Then please contact our Team for a unique and functional design and proposal.

Browse Catalogue Online >>

This catalogue shows examples of 3D library layouts which were prepared to meet different design & operational briefs for Junior Schools, Senior Schools and Colleges. Use this catalogue for initial design ideas and discussions. Then please contact our Team for a unique and functional design and proposal.

Browse Catalogue Online >>

For more information please contact our Team on 1800 773 374 or email me direct at

d.stewart@quantumlibraries.com.au

Please call us any time and we will do our best to help.