The Library Paintings: Research

Based on initial ideas and word associations different library organisational systems have been looked at to see if any visual language associated with the systems could be incorporated into the logo. Furthermore blueprints have been examined to identify any structures or features that could be adapted to fit within the logo that would be recognisable.

Library Systems: Figure 1
There are multiple organisational systems adopted by libraries around the world the most common being the dewy decimal system and universal decimal classification. The dewy decimal system comprises of ten main classes which relate to a number of topics with subgroups existing within these main classes. Each class has a number e.g; arts and recreation is 700 with painting being 750. In relation to universal decimal classification, uses arabic numerals arranged decimally with every number being thought of as a decimal fraction meaning the system is infinitely extendable. This also allows for extremely specific classes to be created as the longer the notation the more specific the class as by removing the final digit a broader class is automatically produced. Different symbols are also used within this method, all relating to different things. + means coordination and addition, / means consecutive extension, : means relation, [] means subgroup and * means non UDC notation. 

Interestingly alongside these traditional systems, art and iconography have there own classification system used by galleries and institutions called Iconclass. Iconclass is a tool for the description and retrieval of subjects represented within images, existing of ten main divisions which use alphanumeric classification codes to reference the description of the subject of images. Iconclass also uses brackets within its references to help specify however these are rounded () rather than square [].

Blueprints: Figure 2

Blueprints where traditionally used for the reproduction of specification drawings for construction and industry as they allowed for rapid and accurate copies to be made due to the light sensitive sheets used. However blueprints where replaced by white prints when new cheaper printing methods where developed. The main aspects of blueprints is the structure and grid used which is often determined by the object being designed, house or boat. In relation to house floor plans different stroke weights are used to identify different features such as windows will be lighter stroke than structural walls. Furthermore floors and rooms are sometimes number to help implementation of the plan.