Update on the Moves in Documents and Reference

The initial phase of the shift of materials in Documents has been completed.  This was primarily a shift of the Y4 group to UMLD2, although some libraries received parts to enhance their own collections.  Most of the shelving went to UMLD2 to house these materials, but some shelving was temporarily moved near the Reference stacks in a holding area for use later.  Additional items that were moved to open up as much space as possible included microfiche cabinets, shelflist cabinets, map cases, counter shelving and a few other Documents items.

The area now cleared for carpeting is directly north, west and northwest of the Documents office.  Carpeting of the area could begin within a week.  This is the first step in a series of stages of materials shifting, then carpeting.

There are also two minor shifts in parts of the Reference collection.  Here are the reasons for the shifts:

1. To free up shelving that will be used after carpet has been placed.  The Reference shelving will generally be moved to the footprint of the small ranges of Documents—often referred to as “Documents lite.”
2. The existing shelving in Reference will need to be moved anyway (for carpeting), and these empty stack ranges can easily be moved to the new footprint.
3. If these were not used, there would be a need to identify matching supports, base units, end panels, brackets and shelves, all of which would need to be assembled.  Use of existing stack ranges saves time, labor and effort.
4. This also consolidates the Reference collection into a more compact and cohesive unit for the time being, although this is a temporary measure.

The estimate is that this will produce about three half ranges of shelving and two mini counter shelving units.  None of these will be moved, of course, until the carpet is ready.  At least two parallel half ranges are necessary for the final shift so that they can be braced at the top for safety and stability.  After Reference materials are moved to the new location, additional open stack ranges will be produced to continue the cycle.

Wayne Barnes