http://librarylayout6010.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/general-considerations-for-library-layout/ Just another WordPress.com weblog Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:41:47 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://librarylayout6010.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/general-considerations-for-library-layout/#comment-5 E. Heitsch Fri, 05 Dec 2008 04:54:01 +0000 http://librarylayout6010.wordpress.com/?p=16#comment-5 Elements like coffee shops and more comfortable furniture are already being integrated into many libraries. I think rearranging the collection depends on the library type. This might work well for public libraries, and really, in some cases already is. My local library has the fiction collection divided into children’s, young adult, and then the adult section subdivided into mystery, romance, sci fi/fantasy, and general fiction. Usually this works for me, but I occasionally have to search multiple sections when the book could fall under one of three subdivisions of the collection. I really think this sort of rearrangement could be useful in the non-fiction section. I know that many people find the Dewy Decimal classified nonfiction section to be confusing and overwhelming. If the library were labeled like a bookstore, (aka American history, art, music, etc.) I think the average person might be more easily convinced to browse the collection and maybe actually find something useful. Elements like coffee shops and more comfortable furniture are already being integrated into many libraries. I think rearranging the collection depends on the library type. This might work well for public libraries, and really, in some cases already is. My local library has the fiction collection divided into children’s, young adult, and then the adult section subdivided into mystery, romance, sci fi/fantasy, and general fiction. Usually this works for me, but I occasionally have to search multiple sections when the book could fall under one of three subdivisions of the collection.
I really think this sort of rearrangement could be useful in the non-fiction section. I know that many people find the Dewy Decimal classified nonfiction section to be confusing and overwhelming. If the library were labeled like a bookstore, (aka American history, art, music, etc.) I think the average person might be more easily convinced to browse the collection and maybe actually find something useful.

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