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Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to determine whether an automated storage facility met the need to manage space, given a growing collection and the study area needs of users.
Design/methodology/approach - This paper describes the automated storage and retrieval installation, storage projects since the first load, and daily use.
Findings - Using an automated storage and retrieval system has allowed efficient space handling in Lied Library, while offering quick access to stored materials.
Originality/value - In recent years automated storage and retrieval systems have become viable options for the onsite storage of library materials. Those planning new library facilities or remodelling existing facilities will be informed of the practical experience in using such a system for five years.
Keywords Information retrieval, Storage systems, Automation
Paper type Case study
Building planning parameters
Lied Library planners had to project space needs for the library into the future to accommodate collection growth and the need for more space for library users. It was unlikely that the state public works board would allow money for expansion once the building was constructed. The decision was made to install an onsite, automated storage and retrieval system to manage space for a growing collection and the need for increased room for users. The lied Automated Storage and Retrieval (LASR) system was installed as a result of this decision (see Plate 1).
The LASR installation
The LASR installation has been compared to a gigantic card catalog with metal bins instead of drawers. Plate 1 shows the installation from the back. There are three aisles of bins mounted on racks. Each aisle has 37 columns on each side with 26 bins of various sizes in each column. Since there are building support columns throughout the facility not every side has 37 columns. There is one 6-inch bin at the bottom of each column. Then there are eight 10-inch bins, 15 12-inch bins, one 15-inch bin, and one 18-inch bin.
Plate 2 is in the aisle of LASR with the robotic crane, which is a mast with a platform. The crane moves from one end of the aisle to the other depending on where the bin being retrieved resides. When a request is received the crane moves to the column...