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Although these high-density book storage facilities have a range of different sizes they all incorporate the following concepts which were part of the initial Harvard Depository Project:
1. Sorting books by size.
2. Placing books into special book trays according to the book size.
3. Providing all books and/or archive boxes with bar code labels.
4. Use of 36" deep shelving.
5. Incorporation of modularity among book trays, archive boxes and the shelving system.
6. Use of order picker retrieval vehicles with special platforms for storage and retrieval.
7. The vehicles are mechanically guided in very narrow aisles.
8. Most involve storage up to 30-31 feet from the floor although lower heights are also used.
9. The HVAC air distribution is built into the storage system to maximize air distribution.
10. Most of the systems include a storage system design which uses welded steel pallet rack type uprights which are specially punched for 1 1/4" thick steel shelves which are adjustable on nominal 1" centers. This was a development specifically for this type of book storage.
We are constantly trying to improve the methods of high density storage of books and archival materials and lately we have been working to address fire protection issues which has required major changes in the design of the shelving systems.
We have also spent a great amount of effort to address preservation issues including shelving design which includes guides to prevent accidental contact between the books and potentially sharp parts of the shelving system.
For most of our book storage projects, the shelving, vehicles and book trays have been purchased directly by the owner rather than being included in the building contract. It is obviously very important to coordinate the design of the shelving system and the building construction, and there are some very important building design criteria that have to be established. Once the basic building design criteria have been established the shelving systems can either be purchased directly by the institution or included in the building construction contract.
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