This book discusses the selection, evaluation, and purchase of furniture and equipment for libraries. It examines the arrangement of the interior to update and illuminate earlier writings, and helps those spending even small amounts for library furniture and equipment to do so more wisely.
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Planning the Interior
Why Library Buildings Fail-The Planning Team-Library Visits-Library Consultants-Consultant Selection-Purpose of this Chapter-Flexibility-Aesthetics Versus Flexibility-The Importance of Flexibility-Essentials of a Flexible, Effective Library
2 Housing the User
Introduction-Evolution of Reader Areas-Planning Seating Capacity-Seating at Tables-Seating Economics-Table Sizes and Shapes-Wood Table Construction- Tables of Other Materials-Space Allocations for table Seating-Special tables-Individual Seating-Carrels-Library Chairs-Chair Design and Construction-Lounge Seating-Group Study Facilities
3 Housing Services and Staff The "Keys" Areas
Introduction-Reference Area-Card Catalog-Future of the Card Catalog-Remote Catalog Access Stations-Catalog Production Staff-Locating the Technical Processing Staff-Organizing Technical Processing Areas Furnishing the Area-The Lending Function-Periodicals-Microforms-The Interlibrary Loan Function-Reserve Collections and Service- Undergraduate Collections and Service
4 Housing Services and Staff in Other Areas
"Keys" and "Non-Keys" Areas-Lobbies: The Library’s Introduction-Document Collections and Service-Maps Collections and Service-Subject or Divisional Libraries-Other Special Collections and Service Areas-Rare Books Libraries-Children’s Libraries-Meeting Facilities-Nonpublic Areas
5 Housing the Collection
Introduction-Organization of the Collection-Types of Library Shelving-Floor Loading-Variant Designs and Features-Special Purpose Shelving-Evaluation of Shelves-Compact Shelving
6 Housing NonPrint Media
Introduction- Instructional Materials Centers and Learning Resources Centers-Libraries and Nonprint Media-The Growth of Higher Education and the Nonprint Revolution- The Incompletely Realized Revolution-Libraries and Media-The Environment for Nonprint Systems-Wired Distribution Systems Versus Individual Viewers/Players-The Spectrum of Nonprint Hardware-Evaluation of Media
7 Selection, Evaluation, and Purchase of Library Furniture and Equipment
Introduction-Creating the Selection Team-Importance of the Librarian-Role of the Consultant-Role of the Designer-The Purchasing Agent-Other Sources of Information-The Sales Representative-Visits to Other Libraries-Descriptive Literature-Evaluation-Samples-Purchasing-Specifications-The Purchasing Agency-Potential Vendors-Timing of Furniture Orders and Delivery-Documenting the Order-Receipt and Installation
8 The Manufacture and Marketing of Library Furniture and Equipment
The Industry-The Manufacture of Wood Library Furniture-The Manufacture of Steel Library Shelving-Marketing Furniture and Equipment to Libraries
9 Interior Appointments and Systems
Introduction-Environment- Interior Materials-Aids to Using the Library-Transportation-Communication Devices-Library Security
Bibliography
Bibliographic Note-Selected Bibliography
Appendix A-Sample Specifications
Appendix B- Library Buildings Visited (1960-1976)
Index
Biography
William S. Pierce (Author)
