Project:  Kulturhuset NV

Location: Denmark

Product: 60/30 Classic Steel Shelving System

BCI’s 60/30 Classic Steel Shelving is installed up to ceiling height, around and behind the building constructions. Low shelving with castors and pull-out browsers for all kinds of media are also available.

We advise architects and interior designers with questions to please call (877) 224-7026  for assistance.  Local representation can by found on our dealer area within the website.  If your state/region does not have a designated contact, EMAIL BCI for more information.

I want to thank the Lammhults Marketing Department for providing the photography for this blog post.

BCI 60/30 Classic Steel Installations in the U.S.:

Bronx P.S. 69 (NYC, NY)

Columbus Public Library (Columbus, GA)

Terrebonne Parish Library (LA)

Related Website Links & Downloads:

60/30 Classic Steel Shelving Website Link

60/30 Classic Steel Shelving Brochure

60/30 Classic Stee Shelving Specifications

Standard Steel Shelving Colors

Designing a library and need planning assistance? Or do you have a library project and are looking to create a modern media center and with high quality, unique furniture? Take a look (and download at your leisure) the presentation material above to discover that BCI is the manufacturer of library furniture you have been searching for with our sleek furniture design features, use of building materials like perforated steel and frosted glass and creative design services.

BCI Eurobib’s library design service is available to architects, interior designers and library directors of both public library systems and university libraries. If you do not want to formally meet with one of our consultants you can always EMAIL floor plans for a free evaluation and library planning suggestions. Our consultants will provide their expertise to advise on library furniture interiors, space planning ideas, and adherence to shelving & equipment budgets.

Title:  Library Design Tips for the 21st Century

Author:  Kimberly Bolan

Source:  WebJunction – Library Design Tips For The 21st Century

This is a post from a few years back that still holds true and with great ideas for public libraries considering furniture selection and purchasing for their construction projects. 

1. Get patron input – The main thing to remember is that it’s not about you or the architect or the interior designer…it’s about them, the customers!  

• In the most successful of instances, positive space transformation and successful purchases are a result of open-minded library professionals and significant community input from users of all ages, so utilize focus groups, surveys, and interview techniques.
• Any architect or designer worth working with will be more than receptive to participating in a community needs analysis, focus groups, interviews, etc.  Do not let anyone try to tell you what he/she ‘thinks’ your community needs. 
• Think about each user group (children, teens, adults, and senior citizens).  One design rule of thumb does not apply to all.  Color, style, durability, and material choices will and should vary by group.  It is possible to have both a cohesive look and feel for the entire library, while still serving the individual needs of various user groups.

2. Think comfort – Comfortable furniture, whether lounge seating or tables and chairs, is where it’s at for patrons of all ages. 

• The type of furniture you choose sets the tone of your library, so if you want to make your patrons feel welcomed and keep them coming back…think comfort.

• Comfort is not restricted to lounge style furnishings.  Tables and chairs, whether for general seating or computer use, should also be considered at all times.  Think about ergonomics and, remember, just because it’s a library, doesn’t mean it has to be hard and made of wood.

• Never settle for an item before testing it.  Ask vendors to let you ‘trial test’ a few of your final furniture choices for a week or two.  This can be useful to determine if a chair fits your library and users’ needs.

3. Be adventurous – Look to new styles, colors, ideas and even ways of doing business.  Being adventurous does not have to mean being eccentric, but it does mean keeping an open mind.

• Shop around…get ideas.   What are others such as book stores, museums, shopping malls, etc. doing?  Consider durability as well as basic design elements such as style and color.  You’d be amazed at what the right combination can accomplish.
• Never settle for what’s easiest or cheapest.  Don’t pick something because it’s the first you’re shown.  And, never let the cost of an item be an obstacle.  Believe me…I have spent many of day finding ways to purchase the right item at the right cost.  Balancing quality, durability, comfort, and cost can be a tall order, but it can be done.
• Look to designers and vendors who are continually expanding their ways of thinking.  Who has produced the same old furniture and fixtures for the last 30 years and who is producing new product lines and listening to what their customers are asking for?