At the invitation of Library Director Mary Ann Laun, I toured the Shatford Library with Systems/Web Librarian Dan Haley. There is a nice atrium where snacks are allowed, as well as group study rooms that double as storage for collections devoted to the ethnic groups of Pasadena (African-Americans and Asian-Americans, for example).
Here is a unique architectural feature: a vaulted ceiling with skylight. Mary Ann explained that the original design called for lots of natural light with panes in the entire vault structure. It became obvious that this was impractical, as it let it too much light and heat. The translucent panels you see here were the compromise and give the room's light a warm quality.
This image shows 1920s-era friezes that were found during planning for the Shatford structure. They reminded this visitor of similar artwork at the Central Library in Los Angeles, where I worked in the late 80s. Mary Ann explained that the originals were too fragile, so were replicated by moldings done by the college's own fine arts department and its students. A panel acknowledging donors to the library construction is part of this wall.
I was pleased to be invited to attend a staff meeting, held in the student orientation room. The tables with integrated laptops in drawers allow multiple uses of the space in an aesthetically pleasing way...much more so than desktop machines, I'd say. This is an idea worth considering for lab space in the new OC Library.
Heartfelt thanks to Mary Ann and her faculty/staff for their hospitality and generosity with their experiences at Shatford Library.
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