Library Architects and Planners—Let's Talk!

Architects, Designers, and Planners—Let's Talk Early and Often!

All of us who serve the library industry—architects, designers, planners, and technology vendors—have a shared mission to provide spaces and workflows that empower libraries. For Tech Logic, this means providing library technology solutions that automate circulation.

However, Tech Logic’s work is only one part of the mission to empower libraries. Our hope is to collaborate with architects and building planners as early as possible—during the pre-design phase of the build or remodel—in order to streamline the relationship between library design and library technology. We want to work closely with you from planning, to procurement, to implementation. We have found that early and proactive collaboration between library designers and library technology vendors brings benefits like the following:

• Early collaboration between designers and vendors ensures that building and facility designs account for unique technology specifications—preventing potential rework later.
• Ongoing collaboration between designers and vendors demonstrates to libraries that we are all prioritizing efficient library technology infrastructure for their build or remodel.
• Procurement collaboration between designers and vendors can open up efficient procurement avenues that save libraries from additional RFP processes for library technologies.

Automated Material Handling (AMH) Design Considerations

It is never too early for the architect, the library, and a library technology vendor to sit down and discuss the library’s needs and goals when it comes to AMH. We can help translate the library’s vision into technology infrastructure, which often brings its own set of considerations to the predesign process for a build or a remodel. These considerations will probably include, for example, elements like the following:

• Customized totalAMH designs (including DWG files for placement within architectural documents)
• Interior/Exterior Walk-Up Induction
• Drive-Up Induction
• Rough Opening(s)
• AMH Size and Layout
• Power and Data Specifications
• Custom Conveyance
• Specialized Features (e.g. Fire Suppression)
• Library Responsibilities
• Project Sequencing and Parameters

Security Gate Design Considerations

As early as possible, it is also really important to discuss the library’s needs and goals when it comes to security gates. These discussions should include, for example, elements like the following:

• Aisle Widths and Pedestal Coverage
• Power and Data Specifications
• RFID Installation and Distance Parameters
• Installation Options
• Library Responsibilities
• Project Sequencing and Parameters

Procurement Considerations

For totalAMH, rfidGATE, and all of our other solutions, Tech Logic has decades of experience working with libraries and their partners to navigate the procurement process. Early conversations and collaboration around procurement can lead to great efficiencies for everyone involved.

We help libraries find efficient procurement avenues for the purchase of library technology. For example, potential opportunities may include the following:

• Helping the library purchase through the general contractor
• Helping the library purchase through an existing procurement contract (e.g. GSA or cooperative purchasing)
• Helping the library prepare for an RFP process

Other Solutions

We know that library architects and planners have the entire library experience in mind. In reality, all library technology is integral to the patron and staff experience. Tech Logic’s AMH, self-checkout, staff station, security gate, and shelf management solutions empower library staff to focus more on connecting with patrons and less on repetitive tasks.

We are fully committed to customizing each customer’s solutions to fit their specific needs and goals—from touchless self-checkout interface, to an award-winning shelf management wand, to our ever-expanding central management portal, to our totalAMH system, to our streamlined rfidGATE detection system, and much more.

Building synergy between library design and library technology

If you would like to talk with a Tech Logic solution specialist about library technology, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are eager to connect with you and, ultimately, to assist you in your mission to create spaces and workflows that empower library patrons and staff.

Please click the Architect's Kit, below, to download.

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Tech Logic connects libraries with their communities through dynamic, innovative, and efficient workflow technologies—delivering unparalleled service and outstanding patron experience. Since 1997, we have worked exclusively with libraries to develop solutions that empower library patrons and staff.