Benefits of Library Cantilever Shelving
Enhanced Visibility and Browsing Experience
The Cantilever shelving’s open design with no front posts allows for unobstructed views of the book collection. People can easily see book labels, spines, covers, and titles, making browsing and locating desired materials more convenient. This enhanced visibility encourages exploration and discovery, increasing library resource engagement.
Improved Accessibility
With no obstructions at the front of cantilever library shelves, customers can approach the books directly, making reaching and retrieving items easier. This mainly benefits individuals with mobility challenges, as they can access materials more comfortably without barriers.
Optimized Use of Space
Since cantilever shelving does not require additional support at the front of each shelf, more room is available for storing books and materials, allowing a larger collection to be stored in a smaller space. Cantilever shelving has adjustable shelves that can be easily repositioned to fit different book sizes and formats. The flexibility to customize shelf heights ensures optimum space utilization, preventing wasted gaps between shelves and accommodating materials of varying dimensions.
For maximum space efficiency, Spacesaver cantilever library shelving can be converted to a mobile compact library shelving system, in which the shelves slide on floor tracks with a moving access aisle that enables double the storage capacity in the same footprint.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The adjustable nature of cantilever shelving allows libraries to accommodate different book sizes, formats, and materials. It offers the flexibility to reconfigure shelf heights and styles as collection needs change, ensuring the shelving system remains adaptable. Cantilever library shelving systems can also be used on compact mobile storage systems to adapt to changing space requirements.
Streamlined Book Retrieval
Library staff can efficiently resupply shelves and maintain order due to the ease of access provided by cantilever shelving. The absence of front posts makes it simple for staff to organize materials and keep shelves neat, reducing the time and effort required for book retrieval and shelving tasks.
Customization and Aesthetics
Cantilever shelving systems come in various designs, materials, and finishes, allowing libraries to customize the shelving to match their interior design and aesthetics. This versatility enables libraries to create a unique and appealing atmosphere that complements the architectural style.
Ease of Maintenance
The simplicity of the cantilever shelving’s design makes it easy to clean and maintain. Library staff can keep the shelves tidy and organized, enhancing the overall appearance of the library space.
Cantilever v. Four-Post Library Book Shelving
Cantilever and four-post library shelving are popular storage solutions used in libraries. Still, they differ in design, functionality, and the types of materials they are best suited to store.
Cantilever library shelving features open shelves supported by vertical columns without front posts. The shelves extend outward from the vertical columns, creating an unobstructed view of the books and resources.
Four-post library shelving consists of shelves supported by four vertical posts at each unit’s front and back corners. This design provides stability and rigidity to the shelving system.
Let’s dive into the differences between the two types of shelving below.
Accessibility and Visibility: Cantilever shelving provides superior accessibility and visibility due to its open design, offering an unobstructed view of materials. Four-post shelving, while still accessible, may have slightly reduced visibility due to the presence of front posts.
Space Optimization: Both shelving types optimize space, but cantilever shelving’s lack of front posts allows for more efficient use of storage space.
Flexibility: Cantilever shelving is more flexible and adaptable, allowing adjustments to accommodate changing collection needs. Four-post shelving may have more limitations in reconfiguration.
Aesthetics: Cantilever shelving has a modern and sleek appearance, while four-post shelving has a more traditional and classic look.
Ultimately, the choice between cantilever and four-post library shelving depends on the library’s specific needs, architectural preferences, and desired aesthetics. Each option offers unique advantages, and libraries can select the shelving system that best aligns with their goals and objectives. Visit our online store to see our library storage products.
Cantilever Library Shelving Features
Spacesaver cantilever library shelving features a durable, adaptable design and a wide range of accessories for customizing your shelving system. Some of these features and specifications are discussed below.
Construction & Design
- Welded steel frame with 14-gauge shelving uprights for superior strength
- The frame accommodates most types of cantilever shelves
- Triple-bend shelf construction affords additional strength and promotes safety by eliminating exposed sharp edges
- Interlocking shelf end brackets featuring a smooth and clean design with rounded edges to prevent book “knifing.”
- Shelves fully adjustable in 1″ increments
- Fixed base shelf with 3″ kickplate for stationary shelving configurations (can be replaced with 1″ adjustable shelf for mobile applications)
- Seismic anti-tip protection available for both mobile and stationary configurations
- Durable powder-coat paint finishes that meet or exceed American Library Association requirements
- A-frame shelving design available with optional casters
- Heavy-duty shelving options are available
- Single or double-faced shelving units are available
- Available in a wide range of colors
- End panels are available in steel or laminate to complement any aesthetic
Shelving Options & Accessories
Cantilever shelving offers a wide range of specialty shelves to accommodate almost any material. Shelves and accessories include:
- Pull-out reference shelf with a 50 lbs. load capacity
- Multimedia shelf (holds approximately 26 VHS tapes or 80 CDs per shelf)
- Media bag rack
- Two-tier sloped multimedia shelf (holds approximately 56 VHS tapes or 168 CDs per two-tiered shelf)
- Flat storage shelf
- Fixed display shelf
- Open or closed periodical display shelf (hinged and sloped, with plexiglass cover for closed option)
- Zig-zag display backstop
- Hanging wire supports
- Adjustable steel dividers
- Sloped shelves with low back
- Low-back dividers
- Multimedia browsing bins (single or double tier)
- Six-tier newspaper rack
- Two-tier cassette tape shelf (holds approximately 100 tapes per two-tiered shelf)
- Offset center stop
- Range finders and cardholders for aisle identification
- Overhead canopy lighting
- Acrylic top canopy shelves
Specifications
Standard sizes for Spacesaver cantilever library shelving are as follows:
- Heights (upright): 24″, 30″, 36″, 42″, 66″, 78″, 84″, 90″
- Widths (shelf): 24″, 30″, 36″
- Depths (shelf): 6″, 7″, 8″, 9″, 10″, 11″, 12″, 15″
Special Applications for Cantilever Library Shelving
Beyond simple library book shelving, cantilever library shelving can store various materials, such as multimedia, DVDs, CDs, and videos, as well as maps, rolled posters, vinyl records, architectural drawings, and other items of all sizes.
In academic and research libraries, cantilever shelving’s adaptability is especially valuable. It can accommodate various types of resources, including books, journals, and multimedia, catering to the diverse needs of students and scholars.
Cantilever shelving is particularly beneficial in the library’s children’s and teen sections. The accessible design allows young readers to easily reach and explore books, promoting independent browsing and a positive reading experience.
And for libraries with special collections, rare books, or valuable artifacts, cantilever shelving provides an ideal solution for showcasing these items. The open design allows patrons to view these treasures without barriers, enhancing the experience of exploring rare materials.
Library Shelving, Tables, Racks, and Carts
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.
Library Shelving
Stationary & Mobile Bookcases
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Contact Us for Cantilever Library Shelving
Southwest Solutions Group provides design and installation services for Spacesaver cantilever library shelving systems. 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.
Library Storage Overview
Library Storage Cantilever Shelving
Library Testimonials
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