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© 1999 Seattle Public Library
Universal Branch Building Program: Return to UBBP Table of Contents
2.2 Adjacencies 2.3 Design Issues 2.4 Components and Furnishings publish date: 14 March 2000
2.0 Circulation Area2.1 Function
The circulation desk area is one of the busiest sections of the library. Here patrons register for cards, pick up holds (reserved items), pay fines, check out materials and ask questions. The building will be designed to incorporate one or more self-checkout stations.
The circulation desk is the central point for visual control of the entrance, lobby and service areas.
All handling of returned items will be in the workroom to remove clutter and confusion from the circulation desk area. Therefore the interior book drop, divided into three slots, media, adult, children's located at appropriate heights for the disabled, should be placed prior to reaching the service desk, either in the lobby or upon entering the main room. Ideally the returned items would enter the same book drop room as those returned outside the building.
Primary:
Workroom
Secondary:
Lobby
Reference/ Information Desk
Children's Area (needs to have primary adjacency and visual supervision from
either the Circulation or the Reference/Information desk)
Media Collection
Photocopier Alcove (needs to have primary adjacency and visual supervision from
either the Circulation or the Reference/Information desk)
Public Restrooms (needs to have primary adjacency and visual supervision from
either the Circulation or the Reference/Information desk)
The function and location of the circulation desk needs to be obvious to patrons upon entering the library.
A line of sight between the staff members at the circulation and reference/information desks is essential.
Acoustical treatment to minimize noise is necessary.
In the 5,000 and 7,000 sq. ft. branches a combined circulation and reference/information desk should be seriously considered to best utilize staff and space.
The self-check out equipment should be placed so that it is more convenient to use than the service desk. It should also be easily accessible by staff so they can demonstrate how to use the equipment.
A materials security system will be installed. Space and wiring for security system gates need to be located so that all persons leaving the library public areas must pass through them and a circulation staff member can quickly and easily intercept patrons who have set off the alarm.
The protection of patron confidentiality needs to be considered in the design of the circulation area.
The service desk should be planned with library staff so that all necessary requirements for computers, drawers, files, shelves, electrical, telephone and intercom connections and staff safety are met.
There needs to be adequate space for the public to queue up to check out materials and for people moving through the area to pass.
The desk needs to contain a lower section for children and disabled persons. It should also have a purse rail and toe kick setback on the public side.
The desk needs to be designed to take advantage of the state of the art technology and ergonomic improvements.
Computer screens should have fingertip adjustability to accommodate staff of different heights and swivel so patrons can see the screen when necessary.
Thin screen monitors are required to reduce the width of the desk and distance between staff and patron.
Keypads should be ergonomic and height adjustable.
Grocery store style built in scanners should be considered.
The desk should be designed to meet ergonomic standards with staff able to either sit or
stand, and should provide plenty of leg and knee room and places to store frequently used materials.
Rolling file cabinets that fit under the desk should be considered. Breadboards that can be pulled out from the desk can be used to hold frequently needed information such as telephone numbers.
It is recommended that the library design and mockup model desk components for circulation and reference/information desks. The desks should be designed with line staff assistance and tested by staff. The same desk components can be used in various configurations in most or all branches.
The shelving behind the desk to for holds (reserves) should be designed for convenience and a neat appearance; placing the shelves perpendicular to the desk should be considered. (Almost all libraries visited had inadequate shelving behind the desk for holds.) The holds shelving needs are:
5,000 sq.ft. library – 90 linear feet – 5 84" 6 shelf sections
The 150 square foot allowance for each circulation workstation includes enough space to incorporate the holds shelving behind the circulation desk.
7,000 sq.ft. library – 90 linear feet – 5 84" 6 shelf sections
10,000 sq.ft. library – 108 linear feet – 6 84" 6 shelf sections
15,000 sq.ft. library – 120 linear feet – 7 84" 6 shelf section
The cash register should be located within easy reach of all workstations.
From the circulation desk there should be line of sight control to all the areas listed in the adjacencies section except into the workroom. A call button at the circulation desk should be installed to notify staff in the workroom when help is needed at the desk.
The circulation desk surfaces should be clear and uncluttered. Library handouts should not be left on the desk for pickup. The backs of computers should be screened from the public, possibly with a decorative cover as is the case at the Bainbridge Island Library.
Staff needs to be able to move easily out from behind the desk to help patrons; it is desirable to be able to do so from both ends.
Room for book trucks as well as staff behind the desk is needed.
All thresholds in the building should be level with the floor covering for ease of moving book trucks and safety of the public and staff.
The area behind the circulation and reference/information desks should have either recessed anti-fatigue mats or extra padding under the carpet to relieve strain from standing.
The locations for trash and recycling containers need to be specific in the branch design plans. The containers should be large, well-marked, and consistent with the interior design of the branch.
The circulation area should be designed to clearly designate staff areas and to discourage members of the public from wandering into the staff workroom.
Self-Checkout Units, 1 to 3, depending upon branch size and circulation.
Service desk with standing and sitting heights, 2-3 stations depending upon size.
Computer workstations, adjustable heights, able to swivel, thin-screen preferred.
Telephone at each station with intercom capacity (all staff telephones in the facility).
Chairs/stools
84" shelving for reserved items, see Design Issues for specific amounts
Clock
Anti-fatigue pad behind circulation desk
Waste and recycling receptacles
The following controls:
call button to summon additional staff from the workroom
First aid kit, portable
emergency call button to the police department