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Special Report |
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Custom Furniture: Creating the
Library Brand Courtesy of Brodart
Creative Today’s
libraries have become more than a hub for information. They have transformed
from a stale, potentially unapproachable environment into a destination spot
where traditional resources and technology converge to create a library
that’s above and beyond that of yesteryear. This
trend has also enticed many facility owners to turn their back on
conventional cookie-cutter libraries and welcome more concept-driven
environments with open arms. With this newfound interest, libraries across
the nation have looked to custom furniture to satisfy their taste for
something different—to create a look and feel they can call their own!
Brodart
Furniture, a forward-thinking contract library furniture manufacturer, has
teamed with Creative Arts, a master of creating innovative interiors, to
provide libraries with a level of customization designed to satisfy this
craving for the extraordinary! Introducing Brodart Creative. “As we
know, patrons are expecting more and more from their libraries. That’s why Brodart
Creative was born,” said The
movement toward custom has spurred a seemingly endless potential for
customization. The fact is—when it comes to outfitting a library, you simply
can’t fit a round peg into a square hole. Every library serves a diverse
audience that’s unique to its school, university, or community. Technology
demands are different. The focus on children’s material, the size of the
general collection, the depth of audio and visual being presented; all this
and more must be considered when planning a new construction or renovation.
Hence, diverse needs call for flexible furniture solutions. For
example, Brodart Furniture offers “starters” and “adders” for most tables and
workstations. This means libraries begin with a starter and can purchase
adders in order to fulfill the necessary space requirements. As patron needs
become more and more diverse, library furniture also needs to take this same
approach.
One of
Brodart’s newest creations, the 2be! Series is an excellent example of how
manufacturers are evolving their processes to stay ahead of the curve.
Released in 2007, 2be! is another effort to introduce even more flexibility
into the library. 2be! was designed to accommodate libraries looking for a
flexible table solution. This collection offers the versatility of four
interchangeable options. With the clever use of tops, legs, and panels, 2be!
easily adapts to accommodate everything from independent study to group
interaction and everything in between. Although
Brodart offers a catalog of product offerings, each and every option can be
customized with a library’s choice of wood species and finishes, pigment
stains, paint colors, fabric options, and more. When you choose custom
furniture, there’s truly no such thing as a standard product.
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Ways To Brand Your Library ·
Back to basics: Does your library have a logo? If
not, incorporate one in your signage, on your library cards, and throughout
your facility. A logo should be a recognizable representation of your
facility. ·
Create a destination: Design your facility around a
theme; all areas should complement one another in order to create a
well-rounded and appealing concept. ·
Think outside the walls: Bring something unique about your
community into your library. Think about what is your area known for and
incorporate this into your design. ·
Keep things fresh: Although consistency in look and
feel of a library is key, providing fresh and relevant information is always
an important part of appealing to your patrons. Reserve an area for current
events that can be updated monthly. ·
Play the name game: When you establish a concept
within your library, name the various areas so they are centered on an
underlying theme. For example, if you establish an aquatic theme, name your
children’s area The Coral Cove.
In
addition to a seemingly endless potential for personalization, partnering
with a custom furniture organization, such as Brodart, opens the door to a
full-scope of enhanced service offerings. For example, Brodart takes great
pride in providing a 360° approach to all new projects. At the
onset, Brodart spends a great deal of time with our clients to ensure all project
goals are outlined and considered throughout the entire process—from planning
to opening day. This level of understanding allows Brodart to recommend
quality solutions that complement the established design scheme while
ensuring patrons’ needs are being met. Brodart also offers design services to
allow customers to evaluate potential layout options. Brodart’s hallmarked
customer service, backed by nearly 50 of years of manufacturing expertise,
adds another layer of value to the custom furniture equation. Why Custom? ·
Most custom manufacturers take the time to understand your vision and
breathe life into it! ·
Many custom manufacturers provide design/layout services. ·
You can explore the potential for “branded” or “destination”
libraries. ·
The sky is the limit. Say good-bye to the cookie cutter mentality! ·
Custom manufacturers stand behind their products and often provide
steadfast warranties. ·
If you need to order additional products, specifications are in place
to ensure consistency. ·
All products can be purchased from the same manufacturer, eliminating
the potential for inconsistencies. ·
Dabble with differentiated design. Select your custom paint colors,
wood stains and wood species, fabric colors and patterns, as well as
additional finishing options. Meeting your patrons’ needs has become more and more
difficult with each passing year. The good news is that your industry
partners are evolving to meet these needs head-on. Furniture manufacturers
like Brodart can bring a handsome package to the table. The bad news is…with
all the options available today, deciding on the solutions that are right for
your increasingly savvy patrons may have become more challenging than ever
before. |
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INFOcus | 7823 Stratford Road | Bethesda, MD 20814 |
800-235-9723 |
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