There should be a section designed for local government reports and information. A cluster of computers for public access to the catalog, databases and the Internet should be placed near the reference desk. The computers should be housed on systems furniture that provides some privacy, but does not have sides so high that staff are unaware of persons needing assistance or are blocked from visual supervision of the library. The systems furniture should allow adequate space for the user's books and papers as well as the computer equipment. It is recommended that uniform reference desk components be designed, purchased or built, tested by staff, and adopted for all branches where it is practicable.
Individualization can come from finishes, layout, and component units selected.
Other computers will be distributed throughout the building, the exact number to be specified in the individual programs. Thin-screened monitors should be used throughout the branch to take up less space and provide a more open, less cluttered environment. A photocopier alcove large enough to accommodate several people should be visible from the circulation or reference desk. It needs to be separately vented and acoustically treated. It will contain a copier, a debit card machine for operating the copier and the printers, storage for copier supplies, counter space for sorting materials and housing reproducible tax form notebooks, and slotwall for notices and acrylic bins for tax forms.