[Publib] advice for an architecture student

Tue Apr 22 14:31:24 EDT 2008

Some thoughts, in no particular order. The previous library where I
worked had two stories (plus a third for admin). We had a circulation
desk on each floor, so I guess we were able to "see all the users at
once" (not that there wasn't the occasional security issue!). The
upstairs desk was pretty standard, right by the exit. 

The downstairs one was near the atrium and across from the auditorium.
Boy, did it get LOUD. 

My other issue with the downstairs circ desk is that it sort of stuck
out in the middle of the floor, so small children  (and some adults)
liked to run behind the desk instead of going around. 

Laura Hayden, BA, MLS, Reference Librarian 
Beaufort County Library, Beaufort Branch 
311 Scott Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 
843.470.6522   lhayden at bcgov.net 
www.beaufortcountylibrary.org 
For Learning ~ For Leisure ~ For Life

-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Kevin Okelly
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 1:15 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] advice for an architecture student

Publibbers:

I am advising an architecture student who is designing a library for her

senior project. I thought I would solicit any thoughts provoked by this 
query of hers:

"One issue I am dealing with is the circulation desk. I know that it is 
important for the circulation desk to be central and have sightlines to 
as many areas of the library as possible. I understand that there are 
generally very few librarians and staff working at any one time and 
therefore a central desk is crucial. My question is, how does a multi 
story library work? My assumption is that  a multi-story library 
requires security and more staffing, but I guess I would like to know 
your thoughts on what the benefits and obstacles are when the library 
staff cannot see all the users at once."

Frankly, I don't know of any library that operates on the panopticon 
principle. I've only worked in multi-story libraries and the circulation

desk is generally right by the exit and it is the reference desk that is

central. All I can think to tell her just seems really obvious. Do those

of you have worked in a variety of buildings have any unusual insights 
to share?

Thansk,

Kevin

Kevin O'Kelly
Reference and Cataloging Librarian
Somerville Public Library
79 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
(617)-623-5000

-----Original Message-----
From: "Hopkins County - Madisonville Public Library" <library at vci.net>
To: <publib at webjunction.org>
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:48:04 -0500
Subject: RE: [Publib] Roving computer classes with laptops

> We have been doing this for nearly 18 months. We also take our lab out
> to
> the local senior center to do classes. We tend to just run all of our
> laptops off of electrical outlets as there is no space where the
> systems are
> kept to keep them on charge, and so far no problems with doing that. I
> have
> been able to take the lab up to our own meeting area to teach so that
> the
> main lab isn't tied up, and I am hoping to do classes with our
> bookmobile as
> that has a satellite internet connection that we can use. 
> 
> When the lab is not being used for teaching we run a laptop lending
> scheme.
> Patrons with library cards in good standing & over 18 give us their
> photo ID
> & library card in exchange for a laptop with a 2 hour session. We have
> a
> policy that must be adhered to, and in the time that we have been
> running
> this scheme (almost 2 years) we have had no breakage or theft. We have
> also
> expanded this to the branch library (thank to Wal-Mart for having
cheap
> systems on sale!!).
> 
> Terry Caudle
> Hopkins County - Madisonville Public Library
> library at vci.net
> www.publiclibrary.org
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of jlohmann at co.durham.nc.us
> Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 10:51 AM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] Roving computer classes with laptops
> 
> 
> Another question for the publibbers,
> 
> We will be getting 10 laptops to use as a "roving computer class." 
> This
> will allow us to offer offsite computer classes and computer classes
at
> our smaller branches which have a meeting room, but limited public
> computer space.  Have other libraries tried this?  If so, what
> procedures did you put in place to make sure the computers always had
> full battery power, all their bits, etc.  Do you have any advice for
> implementing this type of movable computer lab?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Jennifer
> 
> 
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> 
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