Over the years unpleasant events have taken place in library to library, some with frightening regularity. The library must understand the gravity of the situation and not dismiss out of hand the disquiet of the people who must work in these environments. The staff are in the library day in and day out. They are there to provide service to the patrons and to work at other tasks. Their primary function does not encompass protecting themselves or others.
Simplify the Library Plan
For the public libraries, the best strategy is to simplify the architectural plan and its space layout as much as possible so as to eliminate unseen areas. But still, it is impossible to eradicate all problem spaces around a library. What if the librarian sees an incident what is he or she to do? Even the alarms of the theft detection gates depend upon the good will of the people with the unchecked books to turn around and go back to check out. Except at libraries which pay for security guards to sit near the front door, no one expects the staff at the circulation desk to run after someone who has left the library to make a citizen’s arrest. Pushing a panic button at the desk to summon help is a good tactic, but it is not a solution.
The problem of antisocial incidents in libraries is of national concern. The library must understand that patrons do not use areas they think are unsafe unless they absolutely must. Here are some design trends from DEMCO INTERIORS that illustrate the need to create open spaces, flexible and adaptable.
Design for Collaboration
At one commuter college library, for example, users didn’t have group study rooms or spaces for collaboration. They used the seats in the large airy reading room, which worked well enough. They told us the tables near the service desk and walkways were nearly full, while those farther away were tended to be empty, even during exams. Although no one had ever been accosted in the students, on the avenue across from the campus, issues were common. The street-smart students preferred to sit together or meet in group study rooms because they knew the strategy afforded them some protection. As a precaution, they needed other people to be within close reach to create a collaborative environment.
The development of a self-monitoring environment or a learning commons is a strategy we have used successfully in the past. This means the interior designs offer a visual connection to other people and the space provides flex areas for people to work together or on their own.
Library Facilities Plan
A library facilities plan enables the organization to analyze its strengths and weaknesses. It allows the stakeholders to identify the issues with the library. We provide insights through programming, delivering solutions to improve the library facility plan. Often, policies are created to deter the unwanted behavior. These policies may not be an issue if the library faclities plan matches the activities going on at a given time. Our library consultant can develop a library program and facilities plan for the community that will enable the library and organization to thrive. Results include strategies to mitigate antisocial issues and increase the use of the library.
We will analyze the library facility and improve the space plan. Contact Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD / library consultant / library facilities planners.
