In my Rate Your Library post, I suggested taking time out to observe customer behavior and take note of how the space is used around you. If you haven't done this already, please do. It will make a huge impact on how you view the library's space. Once you've completed those steps, take it a step further and consider the furniture, shelves, signs, fliers, and anything else that the customer comes in contact with. Take note of their use and functionality. Here are few items on my list that should be given thought before arranging.
Study area with a dab of comfy chairs for good measure |
2. Study Tables and Chairs - If customers have come to the library to study, it makes sense that they would like a little peace and quiet. Before rearranging tables, think of the flow of traffic and place these tables in areas that receive little interference. Your customer will be delighted to find a great study area away from all the activity.
Makeshift WiFi tables certainly do the trick |
4. Displays, Signs, etc. - My previous post about library signage pretty much sums everything up regarding placement and wording of signs. Displays, like signs, should be used as needed. Always choose quality over quantity and, if you've rated your library appropriately, then you should know the key areas where displays will be met with interest. Keeping the balance between aesthetically pleasing and easy to restock displays will delight library customers while taking weight off of staff. If it's difficult to keep displays well stocked then it means you have too many. Also, take note of the small things around the library that people normally pay no attention to. Shopping baskets, I have discovered, are used more frequently when placed at the point of need (i.e. by the books) rather than the front door.
5. Shelving - The most important furniture in the building are the shelves. Lots of thought goes into what to put on the shelves but little thought is usually put into arranging the shelves themselves. Public libraries cater to the browsing customer - someone who comes in with only a general idea of what they are looking for. Shelves should be arranged in a logical browsing order. If a customer wants to browse titles by a particular author, the more times this author is broken up (whether it be by paperback, hardback, or genre) it makes it more difficult for the customer to find.
What other things can you add to this list which matter to your customers?
To be continued with Principle #3: Surprise and Delight . . .
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