LIBRARY FURNITURE IN PHYSICAL PLANNING OF LIBRARY IN LIBRARY MANAGEMENT

Just as a library  building is a specialised structure with specific functions, the furniture for  a library has  to be custom designed for each function. The needs of furniture and equipment  of individual departments and sections should be  given careful  consideration so that the users and the staff experience ease,  comfort, convenience and efficiency in their work. Generally library furniture is of two types-wooden and metal.  Now-a-days plastic furniture is also increasingly in evidence. Then again furniture could either  be (a) stock-standard (steel) furniture and equipment made by several manufacturers (see list below); or (b) custom-built or made to order in accordance with the specifications provided by  the library. It is advisable to  visit some libraries equipped with standard and elegant furniture and fittings before taking a decision.  

List of suppliers of stock-standard library furniture:  

Some important steps in furnishing library are:

1. Determine what the furnishing should  accomplish for the particular library involved 
2. Consider what is available in the market or what can be obtained to fulfill the requirements determined 
3. Make the selections and purchases based on

              a) Requirements

                      the primary building use
                      the age of the users 
                      the amount of use expected 
                      the kinds of material to be stored, organised and displayed
                      the number of staff members 
                      future changes anticipated, etc. 

              b)Function considerations like

                        what use will be made of the item 
                        who want to use it how it will be used i.e.,
                        how long the item will be used at any one time

                                    i)  how often it will be 'used
                                   ii)  whether user may change in the future 
                                   iii)  Maintenance required
                                   iv)  Appearance, etc.

         4.  Seek input from staff  
         5.  Visit recently constructed facilities
         6.  Conveying the requirement  
         7.  Vendor evaluation, price comparison & visit to factory 
         8.  Providing specifications and drawings
         9.  Comparison of offers Checking of sample

Some specifications for furniture items like table, chair and rack are given below:

 Table: Seating economy v/s privacy 

           Size,  2" X 3" v/s 4" X 6" 

           Height: 29"

            Bullnose edge or wood/ vinyl round edge

 Chair: Overall height:  26" 

            Knee height: 17"

              Purpose:  

                    •  reading hall 
                    •  lounge
                    •  meeting hall
                    •  office (staff)