Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for information. As a
couple of people asked for a summary to be posted to the list, here you go!
Carrells: students like them and they help keep noise down (less chatting).
Most libraries offer a mixture of large tables and single-person carrells.
One library found it cheaper to have their own carrells made to order.
Another library put low panels around pre-existing desks to create more
"private" study space.
Some good ideas here, thank you.
Flooring: carpet is a clear winner, with carpet tiles being the favoured
floor covering. Only one library regretted the move to carpeting (5 years of
use have left it looking stained and "sad"). This library is thinking of
cork tiles as a possibility for the future. Colour choice seems to be of
utmost importance, when choosing one's carpet and industrial carpeting was
indicated as a "must". Good, strong vacuum cleaners should be acquired by
cleaning staff.
Looks like I have to reconsider my aversion to carpets.
Thank you again for your help. Best from Bologna,
Gail
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Gail Martin
Head Librarian
Johns Hopkins SAIS Bologna Center
Via Belmeloro, 11
40126 Bologna, ITALY
Tel: +39 051 2917 811
Fax: +39 051 22 85 05
email: [log in to unmask]
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