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Home > For Libraries > Statewide Library Construction > Tips - Layout

Maine Library Construction Tips: Layout

Architects | Electric, Plumbing, HVAC | Display, Furniture, Shelving | Layout | Misc | Project Management | Technology (computers, AV, etc )

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  1. New! Make sure there is enough storage space! Think about where you will be storing extra tables and chairs for your meeting room. Consider where you will be putting the used books for your next book sale or the extra bags and totes for ILL. Learn to read those plans and make sure the area you thought would be for storage won't actually have a large HVAC unit in it.
  2. New! Think about providing space to store cleaning supplies, cases of toilet paper, paper towels, possibly a space for a big cart, trash cans, recycling bins, light bulbs and a floor sink for swabbing the decks. Think about where you will store gardening tools, wheelbarrow, snow shovels, ice chippers, snow blower, etc. if you need them.
  3. Computer lab arrangement --military style here was created due to an  installation miscommunication.  It is NOT optimal.
  4. Make sure line of vision is preserved to all corners.
  5. Study rooms with glass walls would be wonderful for group study situations where discussion is essential.  These can also double as small group AV viewing rooms, especially necessary in the differentiated classroom approach.
  6. AV Production space for posters, printing copies, color prints, etc. (technology)
  7. Many new book display areas! We must create eye catching p.r. in every way possible. 
  8. Flexibility in furniture arrangements, so that if the space will be used for a big group presentation, rearrangement needed is possible.
  9. A high ceiling gives a wonderful feel to the space, but consider sound baffles!
  10. In general, plan for any way you can to create an environment that fosters small, quiet work areas.