Best Practices

Ever Evolving Shelving: Moving from Surplus Storage to Dynamic Display

Marisa Amara

As the responsibilities assumed by the library continue to grow into more than just a repository of books, the role of its shelving has expanded as well. Providing books and media remains a vital function of the library. However, with more information accessible through the internet and greater shared resources through interlibrary loan systems, libraries have seen a decline in the size of many of their collections.

These smaller collection sizes make it possible for more creativity in how these materials are stored and displayed and new shelving configurations have taken on a starring role. The added benefit being realized by many libraries is that better merchandised collections tend to yield higher circulation numbers.

Lower height shelving units with a variety of shelf types allowing for a combination of face-out and spine-out display are replacing tall bookstacks. Power walls and interesting slatwall configurations provide further opportunity for high impact, high capacity display options. The result is improved sight lines for the staff and enhanced visibility of the collection for the customer. Additionally, lower units make it possible for libraries to consider mobile shelving. The flexibility gained by mobile shelving is essential as libraries continue to face ever-increasing rate of change to their services and space requirements.

In addition, these changing collections also allow for much more flexibility in the placement and configuration of the space. Long straight aisles are replaced with smaller mobile units or different heights of stationary shelving placed into “information neighborhoods” that group appropriate materials together with integrated signage, helping customers navigate through at their own pace. Staff can easily relocate these units to adjust to the changes in customer traffic patterns and highlight popular or seasonal collections.

With a move towards providing multi-functional spaces, libraries are also utilizing their shelving to create interesting landscapes that help to define areas for various activities. These shelving configurations often incorporate a variety of shelving types and display features encouraging browsing. Integrating seating into these arrangements creates a welcoming environment for customers to sit and peruse their selections. Utilizing modular shelving systems in lieu of walls to create these specialty areas results in a more open and flexible area without barriers.

Taking a fresh look at the options for revitalizing standard library shelving is helping to keep the library relevant and dynamic. A continual reimagining of the role shelving plays will reinforce the inevitable evolution of the library from a quiet stuffy place to a vibrant bustling destination.

Marisa Amara is a marketing manager at DEMCO Library Interiors. DEMCO Library Interiors provides a full range of services related to the development of interior spaces in Public, School, College/University and Special Libraries. The company is a division of DEMCO, Inc. which celebrated over 100 years of serving our library customers in 2005. This rich history has uniquely positioned us to understand the full range of needs addressed by our customers on a daily basis and reaching far into the future. In addition, we have become trusted partners over the years with not only our customers, but also our vendors and the architects, designers and consultants with whom we have collaborated. Based in Madison, WI, we have regional representatives who service our customers across the country. www.demcointeriors.com