In Cambridgeshire, we are planning for the reopening of Cambridge Central Library, currently closed for redevelopment as part of a wider city centre project. One aspect we have had some discussion over is the physical layout of the People's Network computers that will be available in the new library so I would be grateful if those of you in other authorities would share your views and experiences in this area, particularly on areas such as
* When locating the PCs, did you get to 'choose' a space or was it a case of fitting computers in around everything else?
* Have you significantly changed your PC layout since People's Network introduction? If so, what were the reasons for this?
* Do you group PCs together (large/small groups) or locate them singly? Different zones for computers with different functions/audiences? What is the reasoning behind and the advantages/disadvantages of your approach?
* What kind of benching do you use - straight line, curved, circular, zig zag? What impact does this have on the take-up of the facilities? What impact does this have on non-computer users of the library? What guided your decision in this area?
* Does your setup allow/encourage access to a PC by more than one person?
* Do you allow customers to book a PC via self-service (netloan, icam, etc)? If so, what implications did this have for your layout?
* How has the need for security of equipment affected your PC layout? Do you have benching with integrated security?
I'll stop there as it is starting to look like an exam paper! All responses gratefully received, however many or few of the above areas you can comment on.
Robert Day
ICT Manager
Cambridgeshire Libraries
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