A Model Storage Collection – A Fork in the Road or a Roundabout. Nancy Lewis and Mary McLaren (University of Kentucky)
The University of Kentucky Libraries recently received funds from a state grant (Library Services and Technology Act, Library Automation for Academic Libraries Subgrant) to create, operate, and evaluate a model library storage facility. The objective of the project is to create a model of a high density storage facility which will serve as the precursor of a permanent off-site storage facility which the library intends to construct when funds become available. Through the course of the grant, we will develop and test the capabilities of the Voyager Integrated Library System to make Voyager function as the facility’s automated retrieval inventory control system. Items sent to the model facility will be shelved by size in order to maximize space. We will develop a workflow for accession, retrieval and delivery of items. Although this model facility is located within an existing library building located on the UK campus, the workflows that are developed during the course of the project will be carried over into the operation of the library’s permanent off-site storage facility when it is constructed. The presenters will describe their experiences in planning for, creating operating, and evaluating the model library storage facility.