The trend I researched is that of libraries attempting to capitalize on the success of bookstores by changing the overall look of the library. This includes but is not limited to the classification of books for ease of the library patrons as of yet unfamiliar with libraries. This practice involves the manner in which books are displayed, and seems to boil down to the question of is it better to have specific books easily available but overall difficult to browse, or is it better to allow for an unsure reader to browse for their books making it somewhat more challenging for a patron looking for a specific title to find that title. The question at hand, is it possible to incorporate the user friendly atmosphere of a bookstore in your library without alienating your long standing patrons?
Ultimately, I think the best solution is a happy medium. Signs in appropriate places to clearly mark the areas (but not too many), broader categories with the more popular groupings highlighted (like fairy books, or pirate books). It’s best to create a clean look with a natural flow for the patrons to get around. This is how I hope to design my library and I’m looking forward to tackling this task in the upcoming years!
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In reading your comment, I am in agreement with the clean look of your ideal library and happy medium as a solution to library or bookstore appearance. I always enjoyed walking into a book store like Barnes & Nobles or Borders because it appealed to your senses having a great overall appearance with lots of variety without overwhelming you as you walked into the store. Our library continues to have that "library" look however I can also see how they're trying to move towards a more user friendly bookstore type of shelving including having up-to-date technology in computers and providing patrons with a huge variety in a friendly visually appealing style. Great job!
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