UFC 4-740-20
1 May 2006
searches more difficult than do groupings of parallel shelves. Use full-height shelving in
lieu of partitions to distinguish between primary and secondary reading areas.
Most of the public services and children's spaces should be visible from the circulation
desk. This can be done by using low-profile furnishings. For instance, OPAC computer
stations and shelving for special or reference collections and book stacks in other
critical areas should be limited to a height of 1000 mm (3 feet, 6 inches), however this
does not apply to most general collection stack areas. Accommodate the needs and
preferences of customers by providing reading areas that vary in size, degree of
privacy, orientation to the outside, furnishing types, and arrangement. Provide at least
one small area with residential qualities, like soft furniture, for a casual, relaxing
atmosphere. The outdoors should be visible from the main reading areas and access
from the public services area to an outdoor reading terrace (if utilized) should be
provided. Coordinate the location of convenience outlets with the locations of office and
check-out equipment. Small group study areas may be placed near conference/
meeting rooms and/or located around the public services areas. Provide
accommodations for wireless Internet connectivity throughout the facility.
4-3.2
Figure: Public Services Functional Relationships
4-3
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