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A Unique Way to Move Books

June 8, 2007 - 1:17am — Jaclyn_McKewan

The Morgan Hill (California) Library is using an unusual method to transport books from the current location (which closes on Saturday) to a new location in July. Patrons have been asked to check out as many items as they can, then return them to the new location once it opens. "The more they check out, the less we have to move," said librarian Rosanne Macek in this story. Information is also available at the library website.

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June 8, 2007 - 2:39pm — Anonymous Patron (not verified)

not unique

This is pretty much a standard method for moving as much of the collection as possible. This is the type of lesson learned that rarely makes it into the facilities class of an MLS program. Though to be truthful very few library school faculty no squat about facilities and management so it's not surprising this gets labeled unique. With all the focus on the Internet/computers/social networking/open source/virtual worlds/ it amazes me when someone thinks a million dollar computer project is huge. Get involved in a few multi-million dollar building projects and be prepared to have your scales adjusted.

June 8, 2007 - 3:59pm — Anonymous Patron (not verified)

Makes it harder to shelve the books

We thought about doing that here when we were about to open our new building (about four years ago), but then somebody made a good point -- how do you know how much shelf space you will need if most of the books are out? You'll probably have to do a lot of unnecessary shifting when the books start coming back, whereas if you have the typical amount of books on hand, you'll be able to get the arrangement right (more or less) the first time. You're going to need movers for other things, anyway -- how much do you think you'll save by leaving out a few books? Not much, probably.--Ron

June 8, 2007 - 5:36pm — Anonymous Patron (not verified)

Re:Makes it harder to shelve the books

Really not that hard to calculate. The easiest way would be with Libris, but this is old school librarian collection management. Take the shelves you have available the linear feet of books, the percentage normally out, and your shelving plan and you will be amazed at how good a guess you can make. Great PR opportunity too. Shifting is part of librarianship. The shelving plan should always be in some sort of transition. Shifting shelving and collections in a few projects throughout the year will boost circulation. Keep them books moving all the time. If I had my own shelf lifter I'd be in heaven.

June 8, 2007 - 5:43pm — Anonymous Patron (not verified)

Re:Makes it harder to shelve the books

Movers work by the hour, the saving can be considerable. Last move I did had a crew of 8 working at a contracted rate of 30 plus a move manager at 60 or so. So yes this can be significant.

June 8, 2007 - 7:36pm — Blake

Just slightly better...

We've occasionally run stories on libraries that'll move by forming a long line of people and just pass the books on down line the line from one library to the other! These stories are always my favorites.

June 8, 2007 - 9:21pm — herzogbr

potential for greater returns

I like this idea - in fact, if a library charges overdue fines, it might be a good idea to suspend all fines during the move, to encourage people to check items out. Then, for the first couple months the new building is open, no fines will be collected, so all those materials can be returned. And, the library could use that as a chance to get back all those overdue items people are afraid to return - they could market the "no fines" months as an amnesty period, and hopefully a lot of long-missing items will find their way back.

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