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Smith System Adds Library Carrel to Library Furniture Line

Versatile and Functional New Library Carrel Addresses Unique
Requirements of Elementary School Libraries and Media Centers

PLANO, TEXAS (Jan. 9, 2007) – Smith System, a recognized classroom furniture innovator and manufacturer, has expanded its portfolio to address the specific needs of  K-12 libraries and media centers. The latest addition to its library furniture line, a modular and configurable library carrel, creates study areas ideally suited for younger library patrons.

“As libraries evolve to meet changing media consumption patterns, the need for durable, functional and user-friendly library furniture has never been greater,” said Bob Redding, vice president sales, Smith System. Libraries continue to incorporate more digital media resources, so there is an increased need for ‘media neutral’ furniture that can accommodate varying study styles.”

With that philosophy in mind, Smith System set out to design furniture that can be configured to meet each library’s unique task, space and technology requirements. The new library carrel is a perfect example; it provides patrons with a comfortable workspace and limited distractions while supporting a library’s need for multi-functional furniture.

“While a study carrel can be a great solution, one carrel configuration doesn’t fit all library situations,” said Redding. “This is especially true as computers become more pervasively used as a resource tool. For longevity of use, carrels must be designed to adapt and expand to changing patron needs.”

As a free standing study area, the new Smith System Library Carrel offers the function and comfort of a desk with added privacy — perfect for creating study spaces and research areas in a library setting.

With the attachment of adder units, a free standing study area is transformed into a row of carrels or study group area. In either formation, the carrel’s compact standard design (27 inches deep x 24 inches wide x 48 inches tall) conserves floor space while creating a comfortable work environment.

• Available in three widths (24-, 36- and 48-inches), the library carrel can support traditional individual study, partner study or computer use study.

The Smith System Library Carrel is extremely versatile, as it can also be used as a reference stand or patron kiosk by simply reversing the back panel and changing the table top height from 28 inches (desktop) to 36 inches (kiosk).

In addition to the new library carrels, the Smith System library furniture line includes a broad spectrum of versatile and functional pieces including carts, shelving and tables: 

• Carts – Incorporating heavy-duty welded steel, dual wheel casters for easy mobility and quiet operation, the Smith System family of library carts are designed to address a wide-variety of tasks:  Slope and Flat Shelf Booktrucks, Everything Cart, Gorilla Cart and Nomads.
• Shelving — In order to easily accommodate shelving expansion, the Smith System bookshelves incorporate a modular design of “starter” and adder units. With single-face, double-face and display stand/open shelf options, libraries can be easily configured to maximize space.
• Circulation Desks, Workstations and Library Tables — The Smith System line features five distinct table designs that address a broad range of configurations: Square Table, Contour & Half Moon Library Tables, Round Table, Trapezoid Table and Rectangular Table.

About Smith System
Founded in 1905, Smith System (www.smithsystem.com) has helped American education evolve by being ready with the right furniture at the right time. An industry leader in school furniture innovation, Smith System is committed to developing products that support optimum learning environments – addressing the needs of the students, the demands of the curriculum and the realities of space, maintenance and budget.

The Smith System furniture line has received GREENGUARD Children and Schools Indoor Air Quality certification from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (www.greenguard.org), an industry independent, non-profit organization dedicated to improving public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air quality.

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Media Contact:
Bill Risdall
Smith System
972.398.4050
billr@smithsystem.com

Media Contact:
Eva Keiser
Risdall McKinney Public Relations
651.286.6765
eva@risdall.com