When designing a public library, what formula should one use to
determine the number of public access computers that are needed?

Hi Scooter!

Here are some useful tools in determining the number of public access
computers for a public library based on the success of the Mid-Hudson
Library System in Poughkeepsie, New York. “These factors include the
daily traffic through the building (now and in the future)--some
formulas suggest one for every 20 visits while other recommendations
suggest one terminal for every 10 visits (or even fewer); the intended
use of the stations – if more are extended use computers then the
library will need more computers; the library staff’s observation of
patrons waiting for access to computers presently on-site; and, the
experience of neighboring libraries regarding the number of computers
provided for the public. For space planning consider both how many
stations you need now and how many you will need for the future. Use a
figure of 50 square feet per public access computer.”
“Library Administration Information from the Mid-Hudson Library System
Construction”
Mid Hudson Library System
http://midhudson.org/faq/library_admin/construction_faq.htm


Additional Websites that may interest you: 

"The Impact of Electronic Journals on Scholarly Communication: A
Citation Analysis." by Harter, Stephen P. The Public-Access Computer
Systems Review 7, no. 5 (1996).
http://info.lib.uh.edu/pr/v7/n5/hart7n5.html

The Public Access Computer System Review 
http://info.lib.uh.edu/pr/pacsrev.html

You may want to subscribe to Computers In Libraries magazine
Information Today, Inc.
http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/ciltop.htm


Search Terms Used: 

"Public Library construction" "how many public access computer OR
computers"


I hope this helps!

Penguin

I work in a library, and I had found similar information.  I wanted
more in-depth info, which is why I turned to Google.

Could you be a little more specific with size and such.  Factors could
be the internet connection you have for speed and ip numbers available
to you, the size of the city, how many people go through each day as
well as how popular the internet already is in the city.

Hello, you may find this web site useful:

Library Automation Pages Maintained by Andrew Osborne: 
http://libinfo.com/libauto.html