There are 20 libraries in the Christchurch City Library network. Four years ago the planning for ‘smart library’ installation began. The library team had a clear vision to embrace an open library environment, where counters were minimal, mobile, ergonomic and highly interactive – with impact and style.
Instinct Furniture’s popular GLO 1600 stations fitted well with this vision, being specifically designed for ‘open library’ and suitable for use as welcome, roaming, help and issues points. This adaptability, combined with seated to standing height adjustability and ease of interactivity made GLO the ideal choice.
Christine Annan, Christchurch City Libraries Facilities Planner, Places and Spaces Team, says: “While our vision was set in place before the Christchurch Earthquakes of 2010/11, it was the February earthquake in 2011 that accelerated the move. Paul at Instinct Furniture sent down our first GLO Station to trial at our busy Bishopdale Library which remained open while other libraries were closed.”
“We welcomed the versatility and mobility that GLO offered – it met our immediate needs, fitted well with our open library focus and looked gorgeous.”
“The GLO is ergonomic, suits a variety of interactions with our customers, acting as welcome, enquiries and membership points in a smart library environment. The shape of the GLO fits easily into any library layout and GLO 1600 at Bishopdale Library, provides the ideal place to connect and engage in colours to suit our library colour palettes.”
“We have removed large issues and membership desks which were a barrier to working with our customers and have adopted a more compact, streamlined service point which aids our new roving service model”, says Christine.
Christchurch City Libraries now have 26 GLO Stations spread throughout their region.
