Computers, of course, are in abundance. They serve as a handy resource guide to what’s available at the library, along with serving a wide range of functions as learning and reference tools, word processors, etc. The children’s section of the library also features several computers, where children can play interactive educational games available on CD-ROM.
The top floor of the library offers the community a huge selection of CDs and DVDs (and even some VHS video), all of which can be checked out and taken home just like books. The main floor features books, periodicals, other reference materials, several computers and common areas for reading.
The basement includes a state-of-the-art auditorium available for community use, along with a common area where coffee and snacks are served. All floors are accessible via stairs or a large elevator.
Discrete Systems
The library includes a building-wide background music and paging system, a direct counter to the days of total silence as a rule, punctuated only by admonishments of “shhhh” from fiesty librarians. Control and source gear for these systems, which are independent of each other, reside in a control room in the basement which also serves as the computer storage and repair shop.
The background music system includes a Marantz PMD 370 five-disc CD player, fully loaded and generally set to random play. It feeds a Shure SCM268 four-channel mixer, which provides any necessary signal processing in addition to accommodating other source devices when needed, with signal then fed to two Crown Com-Tech CT-810 power amplifier in 70-volt output mode. All of these components are mounted in an Atlas Soundolier 502-61B rack which can be covered and locked to prevent unauthorized access.
When the CD player is activated, it provides steady programming, without interruption, to more than 80 Atlas Soundolier L20-400-2-7 dual-voice-coil, 8-inch ceiling loudspeakers located throughout the facility.
More than a dozen Atlas AT Series volume controls are mounted throughout the library, allowing levels to be controlled for particular zones. All components are linked via assorted West Penn wire and cabling.
Another feature of the background music system, according to Dan Grabill, who took the lead in A/V system design support on the project, is the ability for alternative programming to be supplied locally at a couple of locations.
For example, the children’s section of the library includes another Shure four-channel mixer and Marantz CD player that can be used to provide a local source, perhaps to accompany a special children’s show.
“They can select the master program or localize it - whatever is needed or wanted at the time,” says Grabill. “In addition, they can also plug in another source device into these mixers for even more capability. However, this is so easy to use that even the most non-technical lay person can operate it without a problem.”
The paging system, meanwhile, takes advantage of the same Atlas loudspeakers; the dual voice coil design was the primary reason for their selection.
Separate feeds are provided from a Rauland CCOM25D master intercom unit, also mounted in the lower-level control room. Linked with the facility-wide telephone system, it provides paging by zone or building-wide by simply inputing the proper numeric codes on the telephone keypad.
The dedicated area stocked with 20 Tascam CD players, available to everyone. (click to enlarge)
“The Atlas loudspeakers are great for an application like this, where you don’t want pages constantly interrupting the music. Instead, the two coexist, with the announcements coming smoothly over the top, with neither at a volume level that could be disturbing to library patrons,” Grabill says. “This ‘two speakers in one’ concept also makes for much easier installation.”
The audio CD section of the library offers a nifty method for either previewing CDs before taking them home, or simply for listening while reading or looking out the window. Grabill worked with Cadence, a case manufacturer, providing them with plans for custom wood cases that house 20 Tascam CD301 CD players distributed around a dedicated section.
These rugged but highly attractive cabinets rest on tables, protecting the CD players and also ensuring that they’re not taken. Visitors simply check out Hosa headphones from the A/V desk, drop in a CD, and enjoy. The same cases are used to house the remote CD player/mixer combos.
The sound company’s job is to advance the show with the artist and show up with a rig. Not so when the full production falls into your lap.
