Bretford Manufacturing, Inc.^®, a United States manufacturer of technology-enabled furniture for agile learning and business environments, today introduced a new line of library furniture that offers a complete solution for the modern digital media center. The Library 2.0™ Line is more than shelving, but rather a full range of seating, tables and desks as well as the company’s new flagship FOSTER™ Series Circulation Desk and EXPLORE™ Teaming Table. These products incorporate built-in power, technology and comfort to fill the need for interaction in today’s dynamic digital age library. Products from the new line will be shown for the first time in the Bretford booth (#2365) this week at TCEA 2013, Feb. 6-8 in Austin, Texas. The Library 2.0 line is launching in stages starting Feb. 5 and will be fully ready for order by March 1.

Targeted for the K-12 and higher education libraries, student commons as well as public library settings, the Library 2.0 line reflects the dramatic evolution of the library from a static study space with the mission of warehousing documents to a social commons that encourages learning through collaborative interaction, mirroring many of the changes that have already happened in the classroom. Library 2.0 includes the enhancement of Bretford’s traditional library offering with the addition of technology-enabled products that are both powered and mobile so places, people and information can move while still staying connected. Along with the furniture, Bretford is also providing a new Library Specification Guide that offers all the information needed to completely re-outfit a library. The combination of the products and guide give architects, designers and facility planners everything they need to update a library through a single source.

According to Phil Cloutier, vice president of sales and marketing for Bretford Manufacturing, Inc, the challenge is that much like the classroom, the function and atmosphere of the library has significantly changed. “Today’s library is not just about books or a place to study — it’s a dynamic place that revolves around mobility and collaboration. Students use the library to socialize, work on group projects and just hang out. Library attendance is up in the digital age because the library now serves as a social space as much as a research and learning space so it is critical that the furnishings in it reflect and support this new reality.” Cloutier continued, “Our new Library 2.0 line addresses these changes head on with power built into the tables, seating and desks. We’ve also integrated collaborative components such as a new circulation desk, mobile interactive whiteboards, teaming work tables and soft, comfortable, powered seating.”

An extension of the classroom, the library space needs to include flexible and collaborative learning modalities while serving as the centerpiece of a school, campus or community. The Library 2.0 line was created using “Bretford Evidence-Based Practices” that involve the voice of the customer. Every product in the line is agile so as the room changes, it adapts; mobile because it fits, works and moves together; technology-enabled for easy access to power and data; social for interaction; and sustainable for a healthier learning environment.

The flagship product in the Library 2.0 line is the FOSTER Series Circulation Desk. The new circulation desk serves as a resource center, help desk and a place for librarians and visitors to work in partnership. It offers a clean, contemporary appearance with built-in power and cord management that will fit well into traditional and modern libraries alike. Its continuous work surfaces allow for greater functionality while the new teaming work surfaces enable a librarian and visitor to sit across from one another and share a monitor. Additionally, new desk cabinet options provide more room for the storage, charging and distribution of electronics.

Another highlight to the Library 2.0 line includes the EXPLORE Teaming Table, a small group collaborative tables that feature a large monitor at one end and allow up to five students to easily connect and share the screen content on their laptop or other mobile device. The table is designed as an affordable and intuitive platform for students to work together in small groups. Each table includes a monitor mount, cord management and a Fluid Up Power System.

Additionally, the Library 2.0 line will include the following products:

• MOTIV™ Soft Seating with power access for a comfortable place to work and gather
• New double-sided EXPLORE Collaborative Laptop Tables with Fluid Up Power System
• New EXPLORE Computer Tables
• New option of EXPLORE Tables with a hardwood leg
• Two new lines of Study and Computer Carrels using Bretford’s Fluid Up Power System
• Carrels and Shelving have been updated with a new hardwood edge option
• Study Carrels with a new aesthetic
• Updated Display Components with new hardwood edge options

All of the shelving is available in tiered price options with woods ranging from Oak or Maple to Cherry or Walnut with varying edges. Premium woods are available upon request.

For more information about Bretford visit Bretford.com or call 1-800-521-9614. Bretford can also be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bretfordmanf.