Oxford’s Library Chooses Its First New Chair Design Since 1936
Oxford’s Bodleian library—aka the Bod—is one of England’s largest libraries, a 414-year-old research hub steeped in tradition and history. For example, only three types of chair have ever been designed for use inside its walls. Until now, that is: According to Co.Design, the library has chosen a fourth design to replace its older models.
Why is the Bod choosing to inaugurate a new chair now, 77 years after its last model was designed? Because one of its buildings is currently undergoing a major renovation—and each major revamp has seen the introduction of a new chair. In other words, it’s tradition. After launching a UK-wide call for designs in 2012, the library whittled 60 entries down to six—and finally, they chose a winner: A three-legged wooden chair submitted by London designersEdward Barber and Jay Osgerby.
Michael Sauers is the Director of Logan Library in Logan, UT. Prior to this he was one of the founding staff and Technology Manager for Do Space in Omaha, NE. After earning his MLS in 1995 from the University at Albany's School of Information Science and Policy Michael spent his first 20 years as a librarian training other librarians in technology along with time as a public library trustee, a bookstore manager for a library friends group, a reference librarian, a technology consultant, and a bookseller. He has written dozens of articles for various journals and magazines and has published 14 books ranging from library technology, blogging, Web design, and an index to a popular horror magazine. In his spare time, he blogs at TravelinLibrarian.info, runs The Collector's Guide to Dean Koontz website at CollectingKoontz.com, takes many, many photos, and typically reads more than 100 books a year.
Unless otherwise stated, all opinions are my own and are not to be considered those of the City of Logan, UT.
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Oxford’s Bodleian library—aka the Bod—is one of England’s largest libraries, a 414-year-old research hub steeped in tradition and history. For example, only three types of chair have ever been designed for use inside its walls. Until now, that is: According to Co.Design, the library has chosen a fourth design to replace its older models.
