Description of the contract
Friends of Llanfairfechan Community Library (the Group) wishes to appoint a suitable Supplier (the ‘Supplier(s)’) to design, manufacture and fit-out three community libraries as part of a UK Shared Prosperity Fund project, New Chapters.
The three community libraries are located at Uwchaled (Cerrigydrudion), Llanfairfechan and Kinmel Bay.
Aims
The aims of this project are to create accessible and inclusive community library spaces by using:
New mobile shelving that promotes a reader-centred library experience;
Dedicated public access computers and space to use free wifi where
customers can remotely connect to other council services and other
agencies;
Contemporary, comfortable seating that promotes browsing, socialising
and relaxation; and
An age-friendly space that promotes intergenerational activity and
social inclusion.
Requirements
The layout of shelving will need to ensure that there are good sightlines and will need to allow adequate congregation and circulation space for other building users and visitors. The libraries are multi-use spaces and all shelving must be light to move, mobile and easily reconfigured to allow for other events. Flexibility of use within these spaces is critical to the success of each scheme due to their multiple uses.
The Design Brief
The brief is for a fresh, clean design that makes the most of natural light, and has a modern feel. The design scheme should achieve a relaxing and welcoming environment that promotes reader development and which is consistent with the principles and approach taken in other Conwy County libraries. The information below sets out the client’s preferences for design elements, which are summarised in the table below.
Shelving
Shelving on the floor of the library should be low level and be easily moveable to maximise use of the space for activities.
Shelving must be fit for purpose, to enable and maximise the potential for stock promotion and reader engagement. Flexible and moveable shelving is required suitable for the range and diversity of collections in terms of size, format and intended audience.
Shelving that is of good quality, is durable, flexible, and allows face on display, and can accommodate a range of stock sizes and formats e.g. oversize books, MP3, CDs will be required. The contractor should cost for signage headers and acrylics for on-shelf display for all shelving. People flow should be smooth and intuitive.
DDA principles should be integral to all aspects of design. The design and layout should maximise space to meet the challenges of facilitating the multitude of services delivered. Shelving should be designed to allow maximum potential for stock promotion and should include all necessary equipment/parts for adaptation and configuration and include shelf supports/book supports/shelf ends.
Categorisation of stock, rather than Dewey order will be used to engage readers.
Children and Young People’s area
The children’s area should be as spacious as possible and include bright and welcoming furnishings with comfortable seating and floor areas. The design of the area should reference local stories and include a focus feature where possible. A strong emphasis should be placed on encouraging play using a range of engaging elements. There should be a low table included with seating for young children to use.
ICT
The Community Libraries are accessed by multiple service users, external training providers and visitors and the client is committed to promoting digital inclusion. There will be WiFi throughout the building, so the design of the library should be for comfortable and relaxing seating to facilitate WiFi use.
An allowance should be made for computer tables with seating for PCs / laptops, including cable management, as well as space and power sockets for bring your own devices. All ICT furniture should take account of DDA requirements, cabling requirements and user privacy and the supplier should liaise closely with Conwy CBC IT Service.
A self-service desk-top kiosk will be supplied by the customer.
Other library features
The supplier should cost for the following in all three libraries;
One split-level counter allowing space for one work station and 2 PCs, one phone, storage cupboard.
An infrared battery-operated People Counter at the libraries’ entrance.
Additional requirements
The library will also contain
• Comfortable seating and tables amongst the bookshelves.
• To achieve maximum potential of the new design and layout, staff and volunteer training should be incorporated to embed Reader Development principles.
Quality
Library shelving should meet the following quality specification:
-Innovative in design giving a modern, contemporary feel to the library and providing a very real wow factor.
-Made in laminate and not metal to achieve the required shapes in the layout.
-Strong and durable materials with at least 25mm MDF (not MFC) for bookcase structure and 18mm MDF for tops, ends and shelves.
-Customised wedges and infills to join bookcases into specific shapes in the layout.
-Fully adjustable shelves which offer flexibility in display of stock and can be changed quickly and easily as required.
-Angled shelves so books are tipped towards the eyeline of the viewer standing in front.
-Shelving units should have backs supplied to prevent stock falling behind units and for easy merchandising of stock.
-Integral bottom shelf supports for all fiction areas, ensuring smaller books are brought to the front of the shelf.
-Exposed edges must be edge-banded in matching ABS edging 2mm thick.
-Available in a range of heights and widths with the ability to fit custom widths to maximise specific spaces.
-Customisable for retail-style display walls with graphic lightboxes (including cable management), magazine and leaflet display.
-Integrated guiding with holders for easily changeable graphic headers.
-All shelving must be guaranteed for 10 years against manufacturing defects.
A fully fitted and finished look is required. Shelves and desks must be safely attached to walls and all fixed unitary should be scribed to walls and floors, including scribing into corners and around obstacles. All voids and corners must be infilled, tops must be covered to the walls leaving no gaps which are unsightly and difficult to clean.
All shelving should allow for adequate customer circulation that is DDA Compliant.
To achieve maximum potential of the new design and layout, staff and volunteer training should be incorporated to embed Reader Development principles.
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