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Ellen Bosman

 
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Space Planning

Appendix 7
Table of Frequently used measurements for Library Space Planning
(Table IV 1)

Note: v. = volumes


Library Materials
  • Shelving Capacity
      • Assuming 8 v. per lineal foot or shelf:
        • each 3 foot shelf will contain====================24 v.
        • each single faced unit with 7 shelves holds =========168 v.
        • each double faced unit with 7 shelves holds =========336 v.
        • each single faced unit with 5 shelves (60" shelving) ===120 v.
        • each double faced unit with 5 shelves (60" shelving) ===240 v.
        • each single faced unit with 3 shelves (42" shelving) ====72 v.
        • each double faced unit with 3 shelves (42" shelving) ===144 v.

        • Reference books should be calculated at 5-7 v. per foot
        • Bound periodicals should be calculated at 5-7 v. per foot
        • Oversized books should be calculated 6-7 v. per foot
        • Disc recordings in bins shelved vertically on shelves = 6 discs per inch

  • Volumes per square foot of trade books shelved on double faced 90" stacks:
        • Using 5 shelves.top & bottom empty for expansion = 10 v. per sq. ft.
        • Using all 14 shelves, each 2/3 full (avg. 16 v. per shelf) = 15 v per sq. ft.
        • Using all 14 shelves, max. capacity (avg. 24 v. per shelf) = 22 v per sq. ft.
  • Number of usable shelves per single faced section of 90” stacks:
        • Trade books = 7 shelves
        • Reference books ================5-6 shelves
        • Bound periodicals ===============5-6 shelves
        • Oversized items =================5-6 shelves
  • Space occupied by shelving (no allowance for transverse aisles)
        • Single faced section w/3 ft. aisle =======12 sq. ft.
        • Double faced section w/3 ft. aisle ======15 sq. ft.
        • Single faced section w/4 ft. aisle =======15 sq. ft.
        • Double faced section w/4 ft aisle =======18 sq. ft.

Seating:
  • At tables =========================================25 sq. ft. / seat
  • Informal (lounge) ===================================40 sq. ft / seat
  • Reading/study carrel ===============================25-30 sq. ft / seat
  • In conference room around tables ======================25 sq. ft / seat
  • Multipurpose room/ / auditorium =======================6-10 sq. ft / seat
  • Audio/visual carrels (single seat) =======================30-35 sq. ft / seat
  • Computer carrel ===================================30-35 sq. ft / seat
  • Microfilm reader===================================25 sq. ft / seat

Files: (Assumes space for opening drawer & user in front, but not aisle space on sides/back)

  • Lateral file (42” drawer) ===============================21 sq. ft.
  • Letter file ==========================================8 ½ sq. ft
  • Legal file ==========================================10 sq. ft. / file
  • Jumbo picture file ====================================12 ½ sq. ft. / file
  • Microfilm file =======================================14 sq. ft. / file
  • Flat map file w/drawer extension & aisle ====================35 sq. ft.
  • Card catalogs:
      • 1 free standing 72 drawer w/3 ft. aisle both sides, draw extension & user = 21 sq. ft.
      • 1 72 drawer w/o aisle, w/draw extension & user = 21 sq. ft.

Miscellaneous Furniture Items:
  • Free standing dictionary/atlas stands w/aisles on 3 sides & user ====25-32 sq. ft.
  • Index table (4’x 8’) 3 users per side ==========================140 sq. ft.
  • Disc recordings, 4 bins w/aisle space in front only ==============25 sq. ft.
  • AV storage (18” deep x 39” wide) w/ drawer extension & user space=20 sq. ft.

Office & Workrooms:
  • Public work stations (circulation & reference) ================150 sq. ft.
  • Librarians office =====================================250 sq. ft.
  • Other staff offices =================================100-125 sq. ft.

Floor Load ======================================150 pounds per sq. ft.

Compact shelving =================================300 pounds per sq. ft.

From: Lindsey, Elizabeth. A Manual on Library Services for State Agencies of Michigan. 1983. Thanks to Shannon Smith for finding the citation.

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