UFC 4-740-20
1 May 2006
is not in a prominent location, but near dedicated staff parking areas. Staff entrances
are usually near the service delivery door or at the side of the building to provide
convenient access to remote drop boxes. All other exits should be for emergency use
only and alarmed. Staff at the circulation desk should have visual control over most of
the reading areas for adults and children, the entry lobby, and entries to the activity
areas, restrooms, and outdoor reading terrace. The circulation desk should not
dominate the feeling of the library. Staff at the circulation desk or in the work room
should be able to monitor equipment and activities in the computer, A/V, and microform
areas. If utilized, outdoor reading terraces shall be accessible only from inside. Provide
a magnetic theft protection system in the entry lobby. Level changes may be used to
improve the view of reading areas from the circulation desk. Provide curved face
"surveillance" mirrors or closed circuit television (CCTV) for all hidden areas (like behind
stacks and around corners) for customer safety and theft prevention.
3-3.4
Flexibility and Expansion
The quantity of shelving provided should accommodate 20 years of anticipated growth
of all collections and new technologies, if the square footage allowance permits.
Projected individual growth rates should be determined for each facility. Design the
structural system for easy expansion and additions, without over-designing the initial
construction. Utilize shelving and other movable furnishings instead of permanent walls
to define smaller sub-spaces and quiet areas. Movable furnishings provide flexibility to
rearrange remote reading areas. Information Services is the most likely area to
increase in activity and need expansion that may require an addition to the library
building. Consider the need to locate the information services areas on an outside edge
of the building to facilitate easier expansion.
3-3.5
Architectural Character
The architectural and interior design of the library must be integral and related. They
both involve functional analysis and consideration of the appropriate environmental
character, building organization, circulation, supervision, and flexibility requirements, as
well as finishes and furnishings. Present an open, inviting image, while providing
visibility of attractive activities from the approach and entrance. The library should have
spaces which vary in character and scale to support different activities. Spaces should
emulate the environments found at upscale commercial book stores with a range of
lounge-like areas.
The main activity areas should be grouped in a continuously visible sequence with easy
access between spaces. Single level facilities are preferred. Minor level changes may
be accommodated with ramps. Level changes are recommended if they assist
definition of different areas, while retaining visual access between spaces. Controlled,
indirect daylight should be admitted into reading areas through clerestories, skylights, or
windows. Use of daylight will reduce the load on electric lights, reduce reader eye strain
(eye strain is greatest with fluorescents), and permit visual connection to the outside.
Care must be taken not to expose books to direct sunlight to avoid damage from
ultraviolet rays. Consider sunlight filtering devices applied to windows and solar shade
screens to reduce ultraviolet exposure and reduce thermal heat gain.
3-5
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