Collaborative, Flexible, Library Design

Collaborative and flexible – new roles for today’s libraries!

Over the last decade I have seen a dramatic shift in the perception of Libraries as they evolved from quiet and serious book and information sources into active and relevant, multi-purpose, community spaces. 

School and City / Town libraries have led this trend as new stakeholders see the value adding benefits of using the library space and resources to promote their particular areas of interest. 

SCHOOL LIBRARIES

The trend within schools has been to use the school library as a break-out resource classroom and particularly useful for small student project groups. The added benefit is the proximity to research information in the library itself. In this situation librarians and class / subject teachers collaborate through the allocation of breakout spaces and practical research assistance. 

Conventional library furniture, with individual study layouts does not suite the project group style of teaching, so new libraries being built and older ones being refurbished have focussed on adaptable furnishing to achieve collaborative outcomes.

At the same time there has also been a trend towards other school library uses including smaller events, displays and exhibitions, not suited to larger spaces like assembly halls. This has introduced a need for flexibility and the mobility of library shelving seating and furniture, to make-space when required.

QLS has been at the forefront of the collaborative and flexibility trends in school libraries with furniture and shelving designed for mobility and easy adaptability to different layouts. The same furniture can be used within the library space for single study, break-out groups projects and moved aside for displays or events.

Maximising the value of the school library as an asset!

Design Layouts for Schools Catalogue

Our Design Layouts for Schools Catalogue features some of these adaptable options. 

Click Here to view the catalogue online & / or download

CITY/TOWN LIBRARIES

Over the last decade town and city councils have recognised that the libraries under their management are a significant resource and contributors to the overall community image and lifestyle value. 

Designing today’s municipal libraries introduces the need for collaboration with the other city / town departmental stakeholders to maximise the value of location and facilities with multi-purpose flexible spaces with mobile and adaptable furniture.

The municipal library’s role has now expanded beyond the book lending information source, to a multi-use conference and display area, a communication media for new developments and town planning, art gallery and potentially an alternative work site for people no longer commuting to city offices.

QLS has been at the forefront of these trends working with councils and architects to combine original design with customised furniture and efficient book handling technology, while providing the mobility and flexibility for a wide range of activities.

Design Layouts for City Libraries Catalogue​

Our Design Layouts for City Libraries. Catalogue features some of these adaptable options. 

Click Here to view the catalogue online & / or download

LIB-Cabinet...EXPANDING THE LIBRARY REACH

The user catchment area for a municipal library is limited with many residents, entitled to use it, unable to. QLS have developed an effective way of delivering the book lending service remotely, using the Lib Cabinet system. 

The concept is simple and effective! A cabinet with around 200 popular books, accessible with the patron’s library card, situated in a convenient location with a good number of prospective borrowers. Once stocked with the right books, updated regularly, the Lib Cabinet virtually runs itself. Books are both borrowed from and returned to the cabinet with details recorded against the library card. Staff at the municipal library are able to monitor the lending volumes and update the range in line with results.

Remote Library LIB-Cabinet System

Browse Details and images of the latest customer LIB Cabinets 

View or download details of the Lib-Cabinet remote library system.

Specification and More Detailed information... Click here

SCHOOL CLASSROOMS

Designed by teachers for teachers, QLS has developed a range of classroom furniture that aids the teaching process.

The Senate Classroom Seating System has proved both popular and effective, by giving teachers a clear “eyeball to eyeball” view of all students in a typical 28 plus class. This view is maintained from the classic screen / rostrum position through the centre of the class and to one-on-one interaction and coaching. For breakout project work the Senate seating / desk components can be re-arranged as workstations.

Teachers using the Senate system have reported a significantly better level of student attention and interaction, particularly with previously difficult classes and disruptive students.

Separate into smaller sections and roll back into combination Senate Style format as dictated by your workflow requirements

Senate Seating System

The Senate Seating system is the innovative result of collaboration with teachers and QLS to create better teaching results and flexible options, rather than the conventional classroom desk and chair layout.

View or download details of the Lib-Cabinet remote library system. Click here

THE WOODRIDGE CURVE SEATING SYSTEM

The Woodridge Curve Seating System was originally developed in collaboration with teaching staff at Woodridge Senior School to meet the objective of comfortable but adaptable group seating.

The Woodridge Curve is a fusion of a custom made modular joinery seat system and custom padded seat. Generally ordered in curved sections though it is also possible to incorporate straight sections – you can configure to suit your room – add and remove as required. For large spaces, the Woodridge Curved seating is the perfect option for seating solutions. Choose from a huge range of joinery, fabrics, shelving components and colours. Make the Woodridge ‘roll away’ by adding castors or position as a fixture / display in your space. 

Woodridge Seating System

Browse more Detailed information online View or download details of the Woodridge Seating System.