UFC 4-740-20
1 May 2006
4-3.3
Circulation Desk
The main point of customer service interaction occurs at the circulation desk. Locate
the circulation desk near the front entrance to facilitate surveillance of the entry lobby,
computer area, children's areas, and the main reading areas. The circulation desk must
be visible from the entry lobby and should have overviews of the public services and
children's areas. Circulation desks should also have a view of restroom and
conference/meeting room entrances. Locate circulation desks in close proximity to
reference, microform (if provided), and A/V spaces. Design for the maximum amount of
people at peak hours utilizing a modular style for flexibility and re-configuration. Primary
services include check-out/return functions, registering borrowers, processing overdue
materials, reserving materials, and generally assisting customers. Locate self check-out
Integrated Library System (ILS) equipment across from or nearby the circulation desk
for supervision and assistance.
Aesthetically pleasing circulation desks should be provided to create favorable customer
first impressions. Provide raised counter edges to hide computer equipment and
connections, avoid clutter, and enclose storage shelves or cabinets behind circulation
desk. Provide ample counter transaction space and workspace behind the desk for
staff operations. A minimum of 1800 mm (6'-0") clearance should be provided behind
the circulation desk for staff activities. Include a lower transaction counter according to
Provide separate book and audio/visual (A/V) drop slots on the customer side of the
desk for returns. Locate drop slots away from queuing lines to facilitate quick returns
and avoid bottlenecks. Provide padding, as required, for A/V drop slots to prevent
damage to media. Provide shelving and space for parking carts behind the desk to
accommodate returned materials. Provide anti-fatigue mats behind the service counter
areas where staff may stand for extended periods.
Provide space, electrical, and data connections for personal computers and monitors
with high-speed Internet connections to enable library staff to access the ILS database
information to search for available items. Provide fiber-optic connections so these
computers may be linked to outside computer networks without occupying the phone
lines. Conceal wires and connections, where possible. Provide a minimum of two
telephone lines and a paging system with a microphone located at the front desk, or
integrate the paging system with the phone system. Requirements for drawers,
cabinets, browser boxes, and storage are site specific, so consult the end users during
the design process. Provide security camera monitors at the circulation desk that are
located out of the view of customers. Provide a locking cash drawer and storage
cabinets, as required. Include space for lost and found items to be stored and provide
lockable storage for staff personal items, like purses.
4-3.4
Circulation Spaces
Circulation spaces should be free-flowing and integrated into the functional areas to
prevent the perception that they are corridors. Provide durable, easily cleanable floor
materials that do not make noise when book carts are utilized.
4-4
Previous Page
