L.A.’S NEW LIBRARY : A Central Guide

The centerpiece of a pedestrian-friendly development project that links the old and new downtown, the restored Central Library doubles the floor space of the 1926 Goodhue building to 540,000 square feet. The result of a $214-million rehabilitation made possible by a unique private/public partnership, the 8-year project has built the Robert F. Maguire III gardens, a 1.5-acre urban green space, and developed an automated card catalogue that will soon be accessible on 12,000 computer terminals at the Central Library and its branches and bookmobiles. The nation’s third largest public library building, the Central Library houses 2.1 million books and subscribes to 10,000 magazines.

Basic Services

* PUBLIC ENTRANCES: The library may be entered from the front on Fifth Street, on Flower Street through the Robert F. Maguire III Gardens, and on Hope Street through the South Terrace. There is an entrance for the disabled at street level on Hope Street, and there is a separate entrance to the Mark Taper Auditorium in the Tom Bradley Wing.

* PUBLIC CATALOG: Terminals allowing access to the computerized catalogues are available throughout the library. The library automation system provides up-to-date, detailed information about inventory and speeds the check-out process. Computer terminals have replaced the traditional card catalogues and allow patrons to electronically browse titles as they appear on the shelves. Eventually, the catalog and additional databases will be available to home computer users via modem. The catalog electronically links the entire library collection--including materials at the 63 branch libraries and 5 bookmobiles.

* REFERENCE DESKS: Located throughout the library in the various subject and specialty areas, these are staffed by librarians with specialized areas of expertise. Eventually, the entire book collection and back file of magazines and newspapers is available from any of the reference desks via the track conveyor system.

* PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION: The entire photo collection, including the original archive of 2,000 photos and more than 2 million pictures from the Herald Examiner library, is available to the public. The library also has recently embarked upon the ambitious “Shades of L.A.” program, which dispatches volunteers throughout the Southland to solicit photo albums from families of diverse ethnicities. Historically significant photos are then selected by the library staff and added to the collection, which to date features 6,000 prints.

* PATENTS and GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS: The Central Library receives copies of most United States patents and govenment documents, including industry and military standards and specifications. United Nations documents and some foreign government documents also are kept in the library’s collection.

1. LANGUAGE AND LEARNING CENTER: This multimedia facility allows patrons to study a variety of the world’s major languages, as well as languages spoken by many Los Angeles-area ethnic groups. Learning tools include audio and video tapes and inteactive software packages.

2. COPY CENTER and FAX SERVICES: For a fee, the center will photocopy any material in the collection and mail or fax it to the desired location. The center also assists the branch libraries and provides rush services. Fax service is also available from all reference and information desks.

3. GENERAL INFORMATION: The information desk, just across from the loan/return counter in the main lobby, assists patrons with questions about directions and library activities. Phone directories are located here, as are fact sheets about public and library activities.

4. PUBLIC COMPUTER CENTER: The old typing room has been replaced with computer terminals with various software packages, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.

5. MUSIC DEPT.: In this area patrons will find various audio materials, including records. cassettes, and compact discs. Listening equipment is locaed in audio carrels thoughout the library.

6. HOMEWORK AND TUTORIAL CENTER: Computer terminals, software packages, and various multimedia facilities are available in addition to dictionaries, thesauruses, and information on SAT and GED programs. Volunteers and library staff are available to get you started.

7. FILM/VIDEO SERVICES: The department’s 10,000 videotapes include films from the silent and modern eras, all of Shakespeare’s plays and walking tours of college campuses. Viewing carrels are located throughout the library.

AUTOMATED SERVICE

The library will be utilizing the TransLogic Electric Track Vehicle System to move books and library materials throughout its facility. It is estimated that this unique library distribution system will complete 3,000 to 5,000 transactions daily. The system features small train-like vehicles traveling on a 4,000-foot-long aluminum track network, vertically and horizontally throughout the building. Each of the vehicles is mounted with a container which holds up to 20 pounds of reading materials. The 17-station, 100-vehicle system will transport library materials between subject departments and from closed book storage areas within five minutes after the request is relayed via computer.

GETTING THERE and PARKING

The Central Library, which fronts on Fifth Street between Grand and Flower streets, is accessible by RTD bus and Dash routes, and is a short walk from the Pershing Square stops of the Metro Blue and Red lines. Parking is available, but the situation can be complicated: one hour of reduced-cost parking is available in the garage at the rear of the library, but after the initial hour, fees increase substantially (special rates for seniors and students are offered on nights and weekends). Other public parking garages are nearby, but they offer no reduced rates, and some metered street parking is available.

Sources: Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, Los Angeles Public Library

Researched by PETER JOHNSON / Los Angeles Times