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SEATTLE CENTRAL LIBRARY
Public Work Group- Researchers Focus Group
Meeting #1, January 13, 2000
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Research Collections
- On-going changes in format
- Access - Finding "Hidden treasures"
- Genealogy Research
- use of catalog
- arrangement on the shelf, putting everything about Virginia or Maryland in one place
- safeguard important finding aids e.g. genealogy card catalog, Northwest Index, WA
- Company File, Boat Index
- Ability to view works of art, projected electronically in "real size"
- Ways to co-locate subjects to improve browsability
- Single Dewey (call number) sequence vs. specialized collections. Find ways to direct users to special collections.
- Catalog only reveals what the library owns not what is on the shelf - in the way that browsing does.
- Technology consultants we bring on board should be of a "certain age" so as not to be overly seduced by it.
- Recommend that scope of local history collection should be increased to include King County and "easy avenues" to NW history.
- Many part of the general collection-especially history- support specialized collection such as genealogy.
- Continue to explore ways for collaboration on projects with UW, e.g. digitization of important local indexes.
- Ensure parking availability for public (spaces not eaten-up by staff).
Physical Features, Environment or Ambiance
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Seating and Sound
- "non-laptop" area, no clicking area
- acoustics/sound absorption
- overhead cones to absorb sound
- strong desire for personal space: adequate personal space, openness for some, but also open space for a living room experience
- definitely need study carrels, offers some sound-proofing
- a single research project can require a lot of surface space
- microfilm r/p need to be in proximity to other research services
- lockers to store materials and/or personal belongings
- specialized study rooms by topic, e.g. like Seattle Room for local history research
- arrange table parallel to the stacks instead of perpendicular arrangement as they are now
- concern over the slope of the floor, especially for the disabled
- floor design flexible to adapt to changing needs
- L-shaped tables and built-in book props
- should vary depending upon area, anticipated use
- reading lights for tables
- subdued lights at microfilm readers
- tract lighting for flexibility
- need to use a lighting engineer
- people will want to create their own lighting environment depending on activities
- laptop users will likely be using books
- plan for on-going changes in technology, fiber optics
- restaurant services, plus space for those who choose to bring their own lunch
- lots of green spaces, potted plants, throughout the building, especially the atrium
- portal windows that open situated near individual seating areas
- flyers advertising/marketing library programs and services
- laptops need to have Net connections
- individual or small group rooms -reservable for short-term use
- copy machines, noisy
- space them around for ease of access
- contract copy service
- table for staplers, cutters etc.
- shelving height, avoid shelving on lower shelves, having to bend over
- DO NOT ALLOW CELL PHONES IN THE BUILDING
- building is too cold, regulate heat
- color, subdued, soft interior colors in study areas bold and exciting in the living room and mixing chamber
Content modified: 29 March 2000
12/31/2004
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