How to Select Quality Library Furniture
By: Fred Whitley

Most people look at furniture and find that if it looks appealing, it must be good quality, but that is not so. Behind the scenes is the construction of the furniture, how is it made, and of what.

Back in the 1970s, the American Library Association (ALA) did some research on the proper construction of library furniture, and they discovered several of the best types of construction and printed their findings in the Library Technology reports. These reports covered shelving and table construction, so let’s discuss them and what they found.

Wood Shelving
Wood shelving construction should be designed to have adjustable shelves. Many manufacturers use all types of methods, from metal strips and clips to fancy metal inserts. All are good methods, but, for quality purposes, it is all about the pin.

Good quality shelf pin should be threaded; this allows the weight of the shelf to bite onto the pin and vertical upright to prevent the pin from falling out. ALA also stated that shelves are recommended to be grooved on the bottom of the shelf.

Grooving the shelf does two things: it allows the pin to be concealed so it is no longer visible, and it prevents the shelf from being pulled out while loaded with books, making a safety feature for younger patrons. 

Another thing to look for is the type of shelf. A lot of manufacturers cut corners when it comes to the shelves. Some use plywood veneer core, particle board core, or solid hardwood. Plywood shelves are lower-grade shelving and won’t make the grade in time. These type of shelves will bow or deflect after they are loaded with books, some shelves almost immediately.

The best shelf is one built of solid lumber. The shelf should not be one solid piece of wood, but, rather, glued up planks. One-piece wood shelves will bow or deflect over time; that’s the reason you have to glue up the shelf. Shelves should be glued in strips no wider than 3 inches and nothing less than 1.5 inches wide. Gluing the shelves in this fashion gives added strength and durability, so the shelf will not deflect or warp.

Tables
The ALA recommends tables to be constructed with metal to metal fasteners, steel plates, metal bushings, and stabilizer keels. These are the key features of a quality table.

Tables are only as durable as the leg construction. Table legs should be constructed of solid hardwoods. The ALA recommends legs to receive a metal bushing embedded in the leg with two bolts passing through the steel plate and engaging the embedded metal bushing. This type of construction is the strongest of all leg constructions. This also allows the table to have removable decorative aprons to meet ADA requirements and not give up structural strength.

Some manufacturers also use what is called a “leg and apron assembly.” This type of construction has a few problems. The leg is constructed and has a lag screw embedded in the leg that passes though either a wood or metal corner bracket, which is attached to the apron rails. One problem of this construction method is for the end user, which will be constantly tightening the legs over time. Typical use of the table creates a wobble effect, which worsens as the table ages, thus requiring maintenance to tighten the leg to the apron assembly. This construction leaves too much room for failure and possible injury to a patron or end user.

The only good thing from this type of construction is that it does allow the table to be made cheaper. Another negative of this type of construction relates to the American Disability Act (ADA). Tables nowadays must be able to meet ADA in public arena; this requires 27-inch clearance under the tables. With a leg and apron assembly, this type of table will not meet ADA, so your library will not meet requirements.

Leg and Apron Assembly
Let’s move on to the edges of the table.

There are several types of edges, from wood, plastic t-molding, or high-pressure decorative laminate. A good-quality edge bands should be durable, pleasing to look at, and safe. Low-quality edge bands are those like t-mold edges or laminate plastic edges. They are not very durable and are considered in the industry as being cheap construction methods.

A good-quality wood edge will be applied after the laminate or veneer of the table and should not show any “vein lines” or “V-joints.” A good-quality manufacturer will take time to glue on the edge and make it smooth with the work surface of the table. Vein lines and v-grooves allow manufacturers another cost-cutting method, but the end user, after time, will see the results from typical use in a school environment. The v-groove usually ends up a place for pens to mark in the groove or dirt to collect.

Stabilizing keels are a necessity for tables 60 inches or longer, and the number of keels is determined by width.  The keel is designed to prevent a table from bowing. There are many types of keel, whether it is metal or wood, as long as it is constructed properly. 

A quality manufacturer will use metal V-shaped keels. These screw underneath the tabletop and are not visibly seen without actually bending over and taking a look. It is recommended that you take a look; a quality table needs at least one.

Some manufacturers use wooden keels. These are perfectly fine as long as they are constructed of good, thick, quality hardwoods. A wooden keel needs to be at least 1.75 inches thick x 3 inches high and should screw through the keel into the bottom of the table.  With these points to look for on tables, one should be able to tell a good quality table like a pro.

Finishing
Let’s talk a little bit about the finish on the furniture. There a lot of different finishes available to the consumer. This also is the most difficult to see when comes to furniture.

Most manufacturers use a lacquer base of some sort, whether it is water or solvent based, or oven cured baked finishes. It also doesn’t matter what sheen you prefer; the only thing that matters is the solids in the finish and how tough it is. The tougher the lacquer, the longer lasting finish it will be. Catalyzed lacquer is the toughest of the lacquers. This finish uses a catalyst to harden the finish.

When selecting furniture for your library, check with the manufacturer to find out just what the finish is impervious to and withstand from abuse. The manufacturer should have some test results on their finish, so go ahead and ask to see them.

Stains are always part of finish; this selects the color of the furniture. Several manufacturers use different methods of applying these stains. Sprays-on stains are cost-cutting methods used by numerous companies, especially those that mass produce their furniture. Spray-on stains usually cover the wood grain and give an opaque color.

Quality staining is done by wiping stains. These stains are hand applied and wiped; this method allows the stain to penetrate the wood, bring out the colors within the wood, and give a beautiful finish.

This article has covered some of the basics when it comes to looking for quality furniture like a pro. There are just a few more things to ask the manufacturer before the decision is made.

Check the warranty period and what it covers, as some do limited and others do a good thorough warranty.  The average manufacturers warrant the products for two years, and others offer five years, but the quality manufacturers will give a warranty ranging from eight years to lifetime. Quality furniture should be constructed to last 10 to 25 years, especially library furniture, and a reputable manufacturer will do just that.

Remember the old adage that “you get what you pay for” is not always true when it comes to furniture. Just be smart about it and kick the tires, and you will make the right selection.

Fred Whitley is the vice president of International Library Furniture.

Product Roundup

Library 4 Universal (L4U)
Library 4 Universal (L4U) brings patrons and resources together. L4U is dedicated to providing a library automation system that is easy to use, innovative and responsive to customers’ needs. This fully integrated Web-based library management solution has been designed for the specific needs of school libraries. L4U delivers resources directly into the hands of patrons while making it easier to centralize control of all resources. Attend an online presentation by November 30, 2008, and mention this blurb to receive your free entry to win a complete Label Printer package.
www.L4U.com

ResourceMate Library Software
The Extended Circulation Add On Module allows you to set up circulation rules such as: maximum number of items checked out per patron, maximum accumulated fine per patron, maximum number of items overdue per patron, and the maximum fine per item. These can be established system wide, and privileges can be given or taken away for a particular patron group, such as teachers, or for individual patrons, such as the principal. You can set rules so that patrons cannot check out based on location, and resource type.
www.resourcemate.com

Conference Carrel by Smith Carrel
This one-of-a-kind unit was designed after numerous inquiries for a product that allows for private conferences between instructor and pupil or any two people needing a semi-private setting. The unit is 48”D x 37”W x 46”H with legs set in the highest position. The work surface is 29.5”D x 35.5”W and is available in 29” fixed height or 24-29” adjustable height. Optional ADA height is available. The extra long side panels extend 9” past the work surface on both the front and back sides to provide maximum privacy. 
www.smithcarrel.com

Fleetwood Group
Each piece in Fleetwood’s Library Collection is designed and crafted with the same attention to form, function, and value that has made their classroom furniture such a school favorite. The construction is solid, from the high pressure laminate used on all tables, to the rugged 1” shelving standard on all bookcases. The company now offers laminate with texture that appears very similar to veneers. Their design is timeless; it is truly made to last a long time and look great all the while.
www.fleetwoodgroup.com

Surpass
Surpass Software helps libraries by automating administration, circulation, and cataloging. Integrating Surpass ID card printers and Surpass Self-Check kiosk maximizes the use of your Surpass automation software. Surpass can even catalog both a school and church libraries, allowing you to select which collection is searchable from each patron search station. Some Surpass products, such as the popular Surpass Copycat cataloging software, work with any automation system.
www.SurpassSoftware.com

Bretford’s Wire Frame Book & Utility Truck
Bretford, Inc., supplier of technology and media furniture that improves how people work and learn, has introduced a new two-wheeled Wire Frame Book & Utility Truck. The new model is ideal for transporting books, DVDs, CDs and other materials in a school or public library. It arrives fully assembled to eliminate set-up hassles and is sized to ship according to UPS standards for reduced delivery costs. Further, it is the only wire book truck with a 12-year standard warranty for complete long-term coverage.
www.bretford.com

Paladin Caseworks
Who will be sitting in your library? Choosing furniture wisely will do much to create a comfortable, visually stimulating library interior – a memorable place to inspire creativity. While a library needs to promote an atmosphere of learning, the furniture helps create an environment where anything is possible from self-directed learning to group research work. Paladin Caseworks strives to create library furniture that emphasizes both form and function – furniture that is pleasing to the eye and practical to use.
www.paladincaseworks.com

Texwood Library
Texwood Library is the brand of quality library furnishings from Infinite Furniture Solutions and has served the industry for more than four decades. Their comprehensive product line includes a variety of shelving, seating and storage options, as well as custom circulation desks with a wide selection of color and wood grain options. Mobile units are also available on many models. The Mobile Bookstore Shelving is featured in photo. 
www.texwood.com

Buckstaff
Pictured is the Gaines B. Stanley, Sr. Biblical Studies Reference Collection at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas. Customizing Buckstaff’s Woodford Collection furniture with a two-tone finish created a unique, but time-honored look for the Stanley Room. The tables combined modern electrical components on traditional- styled lamps that maintained a classic appearance.  Buckstaff’s stylish Tribune series chairs were at each table. The Stanley Collection is not only a tribute to a great contributor to Christian studies; it is a great biblical studies resource.
www.buckstaff.com