Browsing Bins at a Renovated Public Library
When this historic library received funding for a major renovation and expansion, one of its main priorities was to improve the children’s area. Library staff advocated strongly for face-out displays that would allow children to see the books’ cover art.
“We know that spine-out storage is convenient for parents and librarians, but it’s not ideal for kids. They need to see the book covers to determine their own selections.“
-Library Director
Browsing bins are ideal for storing and displaying CDs, DVDs, and children’s books. A variety of colors and finish options help ensure that the bins enhance any building’s interior design.
“We know that spine-out storage is convenient for parents and librarians, but it’s not ideal for kids,” said the library director. “They need to see the book covers to determine their own selections.” The new children’s area features row upon row of child-height browsing bins, allowing children to choose the books that appeal to them.
The renovations have had a huge impact in the community. Weekly attendance at children’s events regularly exceeds 200 kids, and the library has seen a 240 percent increase in new library card registrations since the new facility opened. The town of 44,000 residents now has 19,000 active cardholders.
As with all Spacesaver products, steel construction and sturdy hardware ensure durability and ease of use.
Pull-out browsing bins save space by allowing more bins to be stacked in the same vertical space.
Pull-Out Browsing Bins in a New Library
Members of the planning team for this university’s new library were determined to keep the entire collection in the library, rather than storing materials off site. “Our goal was to be able to house our materials in a way that would make students want to borrow them and be able to borrow them,” said one of the planning team members. “We’re an undergraduate university, and we know undergraduate students don’t want to wait around for an item to come out of storage. So we were very committed to having everything available.” They not only wanted to keep materials onsite; they also wanted to display them in a way that would encourage browsing. Part of that strategy involved designing library browsing bins for the music collection. They opted for pull-out browsing bins, which save space and provide a convenient way for students and faculty to find CDs and other materials. The bins are fitted with sturdy hardware to ensure years of smooth and trouble-free operation.
Choose Size, Colors, & Finishes
Library browsing bins are typically designed within counter-height cantilever shelving units, and the tops can be used as display, workspaces, or “landing pads” for temporarily storing patrons’ belongings while they browse.
To complement a library’s interior design, the tops and end panels can be finished in virtually any material, including wood, laminate, steel, or acrylic. The bins are available in a variety of smooth or textured colors and can be installed in new or existing Spacesaver cantilever shelving.
Your source for quality library shelving and browsing bins.
As you begin thinking about your library’s expansion, renovation, or new facility design, connect with our library shelving consultants to learn about all your options. As Spacesaver’s only authorized distributor in Colorado, New Mexico, and parts of Wyoming and Texas, MOTUS offers expert space planning insights and the best library shelving products on the market.
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