[Michlib-l] adding electrical power to a library

[Philip Proefrock]

In order to be accessible for people with a broad range of ability 
limitations, overhead power cords would have to be at about light switch 
height, which would be unsightly, impractical, and probably hazardous.

Power poles by themselves are not terribly attractive, but if you could 
create a design feature to enclose the power run, that might be more 
aesthetically acceptable.  Then, if your flooring would accommodate some 
slight cutting and patching, you might identify a central location where 
you could bring power from overhead and then do some limited 
distribution from that point to other desks.

Reconfiguration of the space might be a way to extend power along the 
backs or undersides of furniture and storage units, but that may put 
unwanted barriers in the layout of the space.

This is the kind of creative problem solving that an architect could be 
helpful with, even if it is a minor project like this.  But a specific 
solution would depend on the particular conditions of your space, and 
your needs and schedule and budget.

Regards,

Philip Proefrock, AIA


On 4/22/2016 12:00 PM, michlib-l-request at mcls.org wrote:
> Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2016 13:27:17 +0000
> From: "Grai, Rebecca" <grai at northwood.edu>
> Subject: [Michlib-l] adding electrical power to a library
> Hi all,
>
> We are responding to our students request for more electrical outlets for their devices.  The traditional wall outlets are inconvenient for how students work/study in the library.  They typically do collaborative work at the larger desks.  We are thinking about bringing outlets into those desks in the center of the library.
> The problem is that we have a concrete floor and it is difficult, and monetarily prohibitive to drill into it.  So, we are looking for power sources originating from the ceiling.  We are contemplating installing poles or  pull down extension cords with multiple outlets on them.  But, we are struggling with how this would ruin the aesthetics of our building.  Does anyone have this type of ceiling drop down power source?  Or, a different power source?  Any ideas on how we could make them more pleasing to the eye?
>
> You all are a great resource and I look forward to hearing from you.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Rebecca Grai
> Strosacker Library
> 989-837-4333
>
> Northwood University - Developing the future leaders of a global free-enterprise society.