DESIGNING LIBRARIES
© Coventry Evening Telegraph Not all library spaces are perfect, so other measures are needed.
Libraries guidelines (
https://tinyurl.com/DesLibs252) from Librar- ies Connected. The latter states: “Consider the layout and design of the
l ibrary, identify any pinch points, obstructions or poor sight- lines which might encourage poor behaviours.” The Design Out Crime report provides some top tips for designers at the outset of a project, suggesting they think about:
l Who will use a space or building: public spaces and open access buildings can be vulnerable to opportunistic offenders;
l how purposeful offenders might gain access, particularly when a building or space is empty;
l how access can be prevented without introducing unap- pealing, fortress-like security solutions which compromise design intent;
l whether there are more subtle or sophisticated access pre- vention solutions available, or whether gates, shutters and screens can be incorporated into the design;
l whether a design project’s location makes it vulnerable.
My top tips l Developing clear policies and communication regarding unacceptable behaviour;
Rewired 2025
© TechCube Technology can be an aid to protecting staff and buildings.
l staff training and de-escalation techniques; l design and layouts of library spaces;
l collaboration with the local community and other services, including Police; l monitoring and reporting of incidents; l use of technology.
A comprehensive guide based on CPTED (Crime Preven tion Through Environmental Design) principles suggests designing public buildings like libraries involves a mix of architectural, environmental, and social strategies. Recommended design features include maximising visibility, bright even lighting, modular and visible layouts with no hidden spaces, managed entrances and exits, and clear boundaries. Buildings and interiors that look well-maintained, supervised and orderly tend to deter vandalism.
Clearly we must respond to the challenges of anti-social behaviour without appearing to adopt a fortress mentality in our libraries. The first imperative is to ensure all inci- dents are recorded so we know what library staff are having to deal with – and body cameras could help with that – but it’s important we keep the ethos of the library at our fore, if such measures are to be put in place. Warwickshire has also developed some ‘Coffee with a Copper’ sessions, to help provide reassurance to local residents.
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL 9
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