Universal Design

Gail M. Staines, MLS, Ph.D., is Assistant Vice President for University Libraries at Saint Louis University, St Louis, Missouri. Previously she served as the Executive Director of the Western New York Library Resources Council and was visiting lecturer at University at Buffalo Department of Library and Information Studies. In 2004, the Library Journal recognised her contribution to the library sciences with their ‘Mover & Shaker’ award. Gail is a frequent national and international presenter, author of several articles and co-author of a number of books.

• List of figuresAcknowledgmentsPrefaceAbout the authorChapter 1: Why interior design mattersAbstract:IntroductionThe importance of interior designWhat is Universal Design?Designing for today’s usersCurrent thinking in academic library designConclusionChapter 2: Creating user-centered spaces in academic librariesAbstract:IntroductionGetting startedStrategies for gathering ideasGathering inputDeveloping a concept planConcept plan in actionA note of cautionNext stepsConclusionChapter 3: Universally-friendly spacesAbstract:IntroductionOf rules, regulations and standardsUniversal-friendlinessThe importance of colorFlooring selection and careA place to sitLighting to taskA look at securityInterior comfortConclusionChapter 4: Universal Design of learning spacesAbstract:IntroductionUniversal Design of learning spacesConclusionChapter 5: Potential collaborationsAbstract:IntroductionDetermining the best collaboratorsConclusionChapter 6: Transforming spaces through the use of vignettesAbstract:IntroductionVignette 1: the reference desk dilemmaVignette 2: meeting the demand for group study areasVignette 3: replacing the 40-year old floorVignette 4: reinventing staff spaceVignette 5: don’t over-design social and learning spacesConclusionChapter 7: ConclusionAbstract:IntroductionChallengesTrendingPlanningContinued relevanceSpecific take-awaysConclusionBibliographyIndex

"The author’s 25 years of varied library experience is very evident in this publication. She has a strong understanding of academic-library services and design and is very conscious of library users’ evolving needs as well as our changing staffing and workflow requirements. The information in the publication is up to date, explicit and well organised, with ideas presented in a logical and easily accessible manner."--The Australian Library Journal, Vol. 62, No. 4, 2013