Universal Design

Book description

Universal Design provides practitioners, graduate students, and other professionals interested in obtaining practical advice on how to effectively create and re-create interiors of academic libraries for teaching, learning, and research. The academic library ‘as place’ continues to evolve around the idea that the existing environment can have multiple uses. Partnerships with other college and university agencies, such as centers for teaching excellence and writing centers have compatible missions with those of academic libraries. Established within the building-proper these facilities will better serve students and faculty. The book fills the need for current information about how to effectively design and re-design academic library spaces to meet the ever-changing needs for today’s and tomorrow’s students, faculty, and researchers.

  • Provides practical advice that can be applied immediately
  • Includes brief and to-the-point explanations and information for the time-crunched reader
  • Easy-to-locate references are provided if the reader seeks additional information

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. List of figures
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. Preface
  8. About the author
  9. Chapter 1: Why interior design matters
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. The importance of interior design
    4. What is Universal Design?
    5. Designing for today’s users
    6. Current thinking in academic library design
    7. Conclusion
  10. Chapter 2: Creating user-centered spaces in academic libraries
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. Getting started
    4. Strategies for gathering ideas
    5. Gathering input
    6. Developing a concept plan
    7. Concept plan in action
    8. A note of caution
    9. Next steps
    10. Conclusion
  11. Chapter 3: Universally-friendly spaces
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. Of rules, regulations and standards
    4. Universal-friendliness
    5. The importance of color
    6. Flooring selection and care
    7. A place to sit
    8. Lighting to task
    9. A look at security
    10. Interior comfort
    11. Conclusion
  12. Chapter 4: Universal Design of learning spaces
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. Universal Design of learning spaces
    4. Conclusion
  13. Chapter 5: Potential collaborations
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. Determining the best collaborators
    4. Conclusion
  14. Chapter 6: Transforming spaces through the use of vignettes
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. Vignette 1: the reference desk dilemma
    4. Vignette 2: meeting the demand for group study areas
    5. Vignette 3: replacing the 40-year old floor
    6. Vignette 4: reinventing staff space
    7. Vignette 5: don’t over-design social and learning spaces
    8. Conclusion
  15. Chapter 7: Conclusion
    1. Abstract:
    2. Introduction
    3. Challenges
    4. Trending
    5. Planning
    6. Continued relevance
    7. Specific take-aways
    8. Conclusion
  16. Bibliography
  17. Index

Product information

  • Title: Universal Design
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: July 2012
  • Publisher(s): Chandos Publishing
  • ISBN: 9781780633077