[Publib] Carpet

[James Casey]

The carpet tiles we have installed in our Library have not "moved around" when book trucks run over them, but the cushioned, rolled carpeting sometimes tears when the book truck wheels dig into the cushioning.  In those areas where staff have to stand for long periods of time, rugs or cushioned runners could be obtained.  We have done that behind our Circulation Desk and it seems to work fairly well.  Installing carpet tile in our Library (1997 and 2004) has proved to be a good investment.  Replacing various carpet tile pieces in worn areas is a lot easier for Maintenance staff than having to replace an entire rolled carpet due to tears or wear in a few areas.   Rolled carpeting, when torn, also poses a tripping danger to patrons until it can be rectified.

 

James B. Casey - My own views.

Director of Oak Lawn Public Library 

ALA Council Member

 

 

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Christine Hage
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 12:21 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Carpet

 

I used to be a big fan of carpet squares, but prefer broadloom carpet now.  The carpet square manufacturers would have you swapping out the tiles on a regular schedule.  We simply did not have the staff or time to do that.  When some squares were uncleanable, or worn we would replace them, but found that the used carpet had faded so much over time that the new tiles stuck out more than the old damaged tiles.

 

Carpet tiles can move when book trucks roll over them.  Our tiles are not glued down so sometimes we can see the concrete floor between tiles.  This is easy enough to correct and doesn't happen that often but is noticeable when we move book sale books from storage to the book sale room.  After that move we have to go back over the path that the carts used to make sure tiles are scooted back into the proper space.  The gap is only ¼ " or so, but I can see it.

 

With broadloom you have to be careful with the pattern you select.  Stripes and sometimes plaids are difficult to lay if not done properly you can see they wave down the floor.

 

I'd also strongly recommend that you get cushioned back carpeting behind service desks where staff commonly stands to work.  Get the best cushion you can.  We've even added the spongy surgical mats.  People get tired when standing for very long on carpeted concrete.

 

 

Christine Lind Hage, Director

Rochester Hills Public Library

500 Olde Towne Road

Rochester, MI 48307-2043

 

Voice: 248/650-7122

Fax: 248/650-7121

 

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