Request for Information -- Library Buildings

[David (David King)]

> Kansas City Public Library is currently planning construction of two
> library facilities.  Both will be "design build" or "build to suit"
> projects; the first is a 50,000 square foot branch library (new
> construction on two levels--located adjacent to and part of an office,
> retail, residential complex); and a 170,000 square foot headquarters
> library (renovation of a historic 1904 building, six above grade and two
> below grade levels, located in the urban business center).  
> 
> We feel our commitment to excellent customer service is best provided by
> roving librarians and paraprofessionals and a minimum number of fixed
> service desks.  In line with that philosophy our branch libraries (15,000
> square feet or under) have one service desk.  Our intention is to
> centralize service points in the two new facilities as well (which also
> holds the potential for dramatically reducing operating costs.)  This
> works well in the 50,000 sq. ft. branch since all traditional library
> services are on one floor (the lower level houses a 350 seat auditorium,
> meeting room, storage and office space).  The multi-floored headquarters
> library makes a single service desk impractical; however, we plan on using
> only two service desks--one on the first floor for circulation and readers
> advisory and one on the fourth floor for reference service and special
> collections.  Roving staff will assist customers in accessing materials
> stored on floors two, three and five.  Public vertical transportation will
> be placed on one side of the building rather than in the traditional
> center column.  We feel that this design will open the space and make
> access more intuitive on the "deskless" floors. 
> 
> We would like to hear from or about other libraries we could visit to
> gather ideas to incorporate in our designs/layouts.  This is your
> opportunity to laud the strengths of your library facility or another
> library that impresses you (public, academic or other).  If you feel your
> library is attractive and functions well, or you have employed the single
> service desk layout in a 40,000 sq. ft. or larger, multi-storied facility,
> let us know.  We are also eager to hear more about your experience with
> phone systems for mobile staff, surveillance camera systems and placement,
> or other creative use of technology to assist with customer service.
> Please respond to me off list, and I will compile and publish to the list
> later.  I will need to know the name of the library, location, size and
> name of a contact.
> 
> 
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Sandra Holderman
> Deputy Director
> Kansas City Public Library
> 311 East 12th Street
> Kansas City, MO 64106
> Voice:  816/701-3411
> Fax: 816/701-3401
> email: sandi at kclibrary.org
>