Periodicals keep library patrons updated with the latest research, news, and trends. Managing and organizing these resources is essential to ensure visibility and easy access for users. Library periodical shelving, a specialized library display shelving system, is designed to accommodate and showcase periodicals in a space-efficient manner that enhances accessibility.

Library periodical shelving, also called library magazine shelving, library newspaper shelving, or library display shelving, is designed to store various periodicals. These include magazines, journals, newspapers, trade publications, and serials.

The shelving features a unique hinged design, accommodating periodicals in an organized and accessible manner, making it easier for patrons to browse, retrieve, and read the materials of their interest.

Read on to learn about the benefits of library periodical shelving, its features and specifications, and how the display shelving works. To see more library storage solutions, visit our market page.

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Benefits of Library Periodical Shelving

library display shelvingLibrary periodical display shelving offers numerous benefits to libraries and patrons. Some of the key advantages are outlined below.

Improved Visibility

The sloped design of the angled library shelves ensures that periodical covers are prominently displayed and easily visible to patrons. This makes it much simpler for patrons to browse through available options, identify interesting titles, and make selections without needing to pull out each periodical.

Enhanced Access

Library display shelving features a hinged flip-up mechanism allowing patrons to access their chosen periodicals easily. While the current issue of each periodical is displayed on the outer sloped shelving, patrons can lift the shelf to access stacks of issues stored inside the shelving unit.

Ease of Selection

library periodical shelving

With the most recent issues of each periodical facing out and elevated due to the sloped library shelving, patrons can quickly scan and identify their desired titles. This eliminates the need to pull out each periodical to see its content, making the selection process more efficient.

Reduced Clutter

The tiered arrangement created by the sloped design prevents overcrowding and clutter on the shelves, particularly by storing stacks of older issues out of sight inside the shelving unit. This organized presentation contributes to a cleaner and more visually appealing library environment.

Aesthetically Pleasing

The tiered display created by the angled library shelves adds an aesthetically pleasing element to the library’s layout. The covers of periodicals displayed at various levels create an appealing visual composition.

Customization

Libraries can choose from a range of options to tailor the library display shelving system to their specific needs. This includes selecting the shelves’ dimensions, the unit’s color, and the overall design to fit the library’s space and collection.

Promotion of Periodicals

By showcasing periodicals in an engaging and accessible manner, the library periodical display shelving system encourages patrons to explore and discover new titles, contributing to increased circulation and readership.

How Library Periodical Display Shelving Works

library magazine shelvingThe steel library periodical shelving features a unique design with hinged display shelves for current publications and fixed interior shelves for storing back issues.

The display shelves have a slight downward slope from the back to the front. This slope allows for better visibility of stored periodicals. Staff can arrange the most recent issues of each periodical on the sloped shelves with their covers facing outward and slightly elevated due to the slope. This makes it easy for patrons to see the covers and titles of the periodicals, making their selection process more intuitive.

Each display shelf has a hinged flip-up mechanism. This mechanism allows the front edge of the shelf to rise, providing access to the back issues stored on a fixed shelf behind. When the patron wants to access a back issue of a specific periodical, they can lift the display shelf to view and select items stored inside the shelving unit.

Depending on the design, the slope angle, the number of shelves, and the overall dimensions of the library magazine shelving unit can vary. Libraries can often choose options that best suit their available space, the types of periodicals they house, and the preferences of their patrons. Visit our online store to see our library storage products.

Library Display Shelving Features & Specifications

library periodical storage drawersLibrary periodical shelving units are available as freestanding starter units or add-on units that can be attached to a starter unit for maximum space efficiency. The library display shelves have all steel construction, with double-wall vertical uprights and closed back panels. Each shelf kit includes a hinged display shelf, sloped at a 10-degree angle, with a fixed shelf behind for back issue storage. The hinged shelves lift and slide back into the unit to provide access to issues stored on the fixed shelf.

The library magazine shelving units are available in single-sided units, designed to stand against a wall and double-sided freestanding units. The units assemble easily with basic tools. The library display shelving units are available in eight standard colors.

Single-sided unit specifications:

  • 22-gauge shelves
  • Includes one 4.25″ base
  • Width: 36″
  • Depth: 12″
  • Heights: 76.25″ (5 hinged/fixed shelves) or 88.25″ (6 hinged/fixed shelves)

Double-sided unit specifications:

  • 18-gauge shelves
  • Includes two 4.25″ bases
  • Width: 26″
  • Depth: 24″
  • Heights: 76.25″ (10 hinged/fixed shelves) or 88.25″ (12 hinged/fixed shelves)

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See specifications and pricing for library shelving, art racks, bookcases.  Various options for wall mounted shelving for books may include a wall mounted shelf, floating bookshelf, hanging bookshelf, open shelf.

Contact Us for Library Periodical Shelving

Southwest Solutions Group provides design and installation services for library display shelves for periodicals, magazines, newspapers, books, and more. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 800-803-1083 or send us a message today.

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