Design

Library design is a specialist skill that can be provided by library furnishing suppliers or Schools Library Service staff. They have experience of designing for purpose, making the best use of the space available so that the core purpose of promoting books, research and reading is achieved.  The design process must consider the ways in which the school will use the library so that it can be designed to fit that purpose.

A key issue in design is to create the maximum amount of forward facing display of books, either on sloping shelves as part of the library shelving, or in kinderboxes or paperback spinners, or with specialist display equipment or by making the best use of all flat surfaces in the space. This is the simplest and most attractive way of encouraging children to look at books.

The library must be accessible to all – this may have implications for design.