Libraries have grown from just storing a collection of books to a place where students and patrons spend hours researching, learning and sharing knowledge. Because of this, libraries have expanded to include interactive spaces, collaborative areas, media labs, in addition to the traditional quiet zones.
OLP has a large number of workstations that are very effective in optimising space and zoning. Workstations come in many configurations, allowing libraries to create a combination of private, semi-private, and collaborative spaces. OLP’s product range also includes a number of other items suitable for library storage such as steel shelving for the storage of books, mobile shelving for archive storage and acoustic sliding door cabinets to help minimise noise in collaborative areas.
Main Area
The main area of a library gets the most traffic and needs to accommodate many people. Creating a good layout that provides easy access to books and other educational resources is essential. The main area of a library should be able to connect others while maintaining the balance of privacy and openness. OLP has workstations designed for separate working space within open areas as well as workstations designed to seat up to 6 people. OLP’s workstations are available with screens to segregate desk space and bookcases for the temporary storage of books, phones and other items. OLP’s acoustic sliding door cabinets can also be used in these areas for added storage and to reduce noise. These cabinets are fitted with an acoustic rated, sound absorbing material designed to minimise surrounding noise.
Media Rooms
Computer labs and media rooms have grown to be a valuable student and community resource. OLP’s workstations are perfect for use in media rooms, providing ample seating. Many workstations are also available with cable management holes, allowing cords to neatly pass through the desk.
Collaborative Spaces
Libraries are no longer solely the silent individual study areas that they used to be. They now provide group study spaces for the purpose of collaboration, learning and study. Libraries have a range of facilities and rooms sizes. Workstations come in different configurations, shapes and sizes to accommodate any number of people, different areas and room sizes. Demountable and moveable partitions can be used to divide areas and to add a layer of privacy. Mobile shelving (Aislesavers) can be incorporated in these areas for effective storage while also saving on space to ensure an effective collaborative working area with plenty of room.
Private Study Zones
Creating a semi-private work area is still important among libraries for one to one interaction and privacy. Workstations can be used in conjunction with demountable partitions to create study pods for individual study or small study groups.
A library should be designed to adapt to the changing demands of students and patrons. OLP’s workstation range allows your client to build a series of interactive spaces and collaborative areas within a library. For more information on our workstation range please contact us or click here.
