Benefits of Compact Book Shelving for Libraries
Space Optimization
Compact shelving systems minimize wasted space by eliminating unnecessary aisles. Unlike traditional static bookshelves, compact shelving significantly reduces aisle space, maximizing the available floor area. Their mobile design provides the same storage in as little as half the space.
Increased Storage Capacity
By eliminating aisle space and using movable shelves, compact shelving can increase the storage capacity of a library by up to 50% or more compared to traditional shelving setups. This is especially beneficial for libraries with limited space or expanding collections.
Preservation and Protection
Compact book stacks on rail systems provide better preservation and protection for library materials. The compact design reduces exposure to dust and environmental elements, helping to extend the lifespan of books and other items. Custom options such as perforated shelving and end panels create an ideal storage environment for rare books and other delicate items.
Accessibility and Retrieval
Compact book shelving systems are designed for easy usage with either manual or electronic modes of operation. Libraries can provide access to a vast collection without sacrificing convenience for patrons.
Organization and Inventory Management
Compact stack shelving allows libraries to organize their collections better, making categorizing and locating specific items easier. The increased storage capacity also enables libraries to keep more materials on-site and readily available for patrons.
Customization
Libraries can tailor compact shelving systems to fit their specific needs. They come in various sizes and configurations, allowing flexibility in accommodating different materials and collections.
Security
Compact book shelving can be equipped with locking mechanisms or integrated with the library’s security system to protect valuable or rare materials. Compact bookstacks make an excellent solution for “book nook” shop kiosks, as the systems can be closed up and secured after hours.
Adaptability
As libraries continue to evolve and adopt digital collections, compact stck shelving can be adapted to store physical and digital materials, optimizing the use of space for the library’s changing needs. Compact shelving systems are highly scalable and easily expanded, relocated, or adjusted.
How Compact Bookstacks Work
Compact stack shelving systems utilize movable shelves or book stacks mounted on rails or tracks installed on the floor. These shelves can be compacted together, eliminating fixed aisles and creating a space-saving solution.
To access a specific shelf, the user opens the system by creating an access aisle, either manually with a mechanical assist handle or through a powered push-button system. Once the access aisle is opened, users can retrieve materials from the opened shelf as needed.
When not used, the shelves slide together to maximize storage capacity and minimize the overall footprint, making compact stack shelving systems an efficient and space-saving storage solution for libraries and many other environments.
Types of Compact Bookstack Shelving
Powered shelving and mechanical-assist shelving are the two primary types of compact storage systems, and they offer various benefits for libraries and other institutions with storage needs. Here’s a comparison of the benefits of each system.
Benefits of Powered Compact Bookstacks
Effortless Operation: Powered shelving systems use electric motors to move the shelves, making it effortless for users to open and close aisles with the touch of a button. This reduces physical strain on library staff during daily operations.
User-Friendly: Powered high-density shelving is user-friendly, requiring minimal physical effort to operate, making it suitable for all staff members and patrons regardless of physical strength or abilities.
Safety Features: Powered systems come equipped with state-of-the-art safety features such as automatic aisle safety sensors, ensuring the well-being of inexperienced users and preventing accidents.
Suitable for Large Collections: Powered shelving is particularly advantageous for libraries with large and heavy collections, as it eliminates the effort of manually operating a heavy-duty compact shelving system.
Benefits of Mechanical-Assist Compact Bookstacks
Affordability: Mechanical-assist shelving is typically more budget-friendly than powered systems, making it a cost-effective solution for libraries with limited funds.
Ease of Use: Mechanical-assist systems still require manual effort to move the shelves by turning a three-spoke handle. However, they are designed with ergonomic mechanical assistance, making them relatively easy to operate.
Energy Efficiency: Since mechanical-assist shelving doesn’t rely on electrical power for operation, it is more energy-efficient, which can appeal to environmentally conscious institutions.
Ease of Installation: Mechanical-assist shelving can be easier and faster to install than powered systems, as manual systems do not require electrical wiring or integration with power sources.
Ultimately, the choice between powered high-density shelving and mechanical-assist shelving depends on the library’s specific needs, budget, and preferences. Both systems offer space-saving benefits and increased storage capacity, with powered shelving providing automation and ease of use. In contrast, mechanical-assist shelving offers a more economical and energy-efficient solution.
Compact Shelving Safety Features
Compact library shelving systems have various safety features to ensure the well-being of library staff, visitors, and stored materials. These safety features aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to the collection.
Safety features for mechanical-assist compact book stacks include:
- Built-in anti-tip mechanism to ensure stability, even in seismic areas
- Manual safety locks to prevent system movement while an aisle is in use. Optional automatic locks are available.
- Carriage safety sweep to automatically halt system movement if obstructed by a person or object in an open aisle
Safety features for powered compact book stacks include:
- Built-in anti-tip mechanism
- Standard photoelectric safety sweep automatically locks the system in place if an obstruction is detected on the floor; no activation pressure is required, with a manual reset
- An optional aisle entry sensor prevents an aisle from closing when a user enters it, with a manual reset
- Advanced zero-force safety sensor automatically locks the system in place when people or objects are in aisles and resets automatically once the aisle is clear
Library staff and users must be familiar with these safety features and follow safety guidelines using compact library shelving systems. Adhering to proper operating procedures ensures a safe and efficient storage and retrieval process for the library’s collections. Visit our online store to see our library storage products.
Library Shelving Considerations
When considering what type of compact book stacks to install in your library, safety features are typically one of the main considerations, as the safety of patrons is always a top priority. As discussed above, mechanical assist and powered shelving systems have standard safety features. However, powered options are often the preferred choice for libraries due to their more advanced features, such as automatic sensors that ensure the safety of all users.
Another key consideration with compact library shelving is floor loading due to the heavy weight of shelves loaded with books. Architects can engineer the library floors for new construction to support compact shelving systems. But no matter your situation, Southwest Solutions Group has several innovative methods to handle floor load issues in new and existing construction.
Library Shelving, Tables, Racks, and Carts
Library Shelving, Tables, Racks, and CartsSee 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.
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Contact Us for Compact Library Shelving
Southwest Solutions Group provides design and installation services for Spacesaver movable 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.
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