ABSTRACT
Except in the most prestigious library, furniture is normally specified from manufacturers’ catalogues rather than being designed specially for the building. Architects merely select shelving, desks and tables from what is offered by library furniture manufacturers. The choice, however, is by no means limited or the products available of inferior quality. The main problem which arises is not what is selected but who does the selecting. Often it is the chief librarian or project team which makes the choice of furniture and fittings. It is vital that the architect is involved in guiding the team in making the selection. This will ensure compatibility in terms of architectural structure and furniture layout, dimensional correspondence between bookshelving and partitions or tiling patterns, and the avoidance of conflicts of colour, style or material.
