You don’t have to be an avid reader to appreciate the calm, quiet, and studious nature of a well-designed library. Due to how they are used, furnishings in academic libraries must meet particular requirements. Consider these important factors when purchasing furniture items for an academic library.
Durability and Reusability
A library in an academic setting is bound to be open and in use more often than your average library. Search for options that promise long-lasting use and impressive durability. Look for items that are solidly built. Another option is to find a retailer like NBF that offers a lifetime guarantee on most of their products.
Flexibility, Adaptability, and Portability
Today, it’s important for any setting to contemplate patron characteristics. Students and other academics will have vastly different preferences for how they like to work or how they can best study and learn. Furniture that supports different body types and preferred postures can change to suit the user’s preference is always the best option in academic libraries. This way, your library supports and caters to many different work and learning styles. An example would be not only including standing tables and workstations but also lounge-style seating.
Design Balance
As with most environments, balance in design is vital for an academic library. This is especially true when it comes to natural and artificial lighting. Natural light is the most preferable, as it can boost productivity, but artificial light will be needed to ensure that the area is properly lit, thereby avoiding eye strain during evening hours and on rainy days.
Technology Support
One of the most frequent complaints in an academic library, especially one that accommodates college students with laptops, is the shortage of power outlets. Today, many desks come with wire management systems and grommet holes to make charging a laptop a much simpler process. Another concern with technology is simply ensuring that you have the proper desks and equipment to support and store various technology available in your academic library. Some lounge seating options also feature built-in power outlets to help address this problem.
Check out the Academic Library Building Design Resource to learn more about designing the ideal academic library.
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