RESOURCE CENTRE MANUAL
HEALTHLINK WORLDWIDE
3.2 Planning the layout
Before starting to arrange any furniture or equipment, it is best to draw a plan
of the space available. The plan can be used to work out the most effective
layout.
It is important to notice where the electric sockets are, so that computers,
photocopiers and other electrical equipment can be placed near them. It is also
important to find out which walls or pillars are strong enough to hold shelves.
Plenty of space needs to be allowed for shelves. The layout should ensure that:
• maximum use is made of the space available for shelving
• shelves are easily accessible to users
• shelves are away from direct sunlight as much as possible.
Activities that will take place in the resource centre need to be considered. For
example, if the space will be used for meetings and training, the shelving will
need to be arranged in a way that allows enough space for these activities.
Space also needs to be allowed for wheelchairs to move about easily.
It is worth thinking about how to make the resource centre look attractive.
Plans should include some colourful floor rugs, pot plants, and posters.
3.2.1 How to measure space for shelves
To work out how much shelf space you need, first find out how many books
will go on a shelf. To do this, measure the width of a shelf. Then use some
books to see how many will fit (not too tightly) on one shelf. Do this four
times, using different books each time. Take the average of all four totals. For
example, 45 + 57 + 49 +54 = 205 ÷ 4 = about 51.
Estimate the likely size of the collection over a particular period (such as five or
ten years). To do this, take the present size of the collection, estimate the
number of materials to be added each year (see Section 4.1.1: Developing a
collection policy) and add the figures together. Remember to subtract the
number of books that might be discarded. Divide the estimated size of the
collection by the number of books per shelf to find out how many shelves you
will require.
If shelf space is limited, remember this when you develop and review the
collection policy. You will need to specify carefully what subjects and materials
are to be added to the collection, and ensure that older or superseded materials
(materials that are out of date) are weeded out regularly. You may have to limit
the length of time that a particular type of material, such as periodicals, can be
kept.
4 SECTION 3: SPACE, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT