In 1876, Melvil Dewey developed a library classification system based on ten main classes, and we still use it today. What the Dewey Decimal System does for finding books, the high-density mobile shelving system does for storing them. It simplifies the process. Today’s libraries are transitioning from book storage only into learning centers and gathering spaces. As collections continue to grow, they are faced with a difficult challenge - what to do with all those books, periodicals and other media and reference material that needs to be kept while still providing space for other uses?
To that end, the Broward County (FL) Library System and Nova Southeastern University did something unique. They partnered together to build the largest library in Florida - the five-story, 325,000 sq. ft. Alvin Sherman Library and Information Technology Center. This multi-use facility is run by the university and houses a full service academic library, public library, classrooms, computer labs, study rooms, exhibition gallery and an auditorium. The entire facility is open to Broward County residents as well as university students, faculty and staff. This is a true case of public and private sector working together for the common good.
Now, back to the question of space. Spacesaver high-density electrical mobile shelving was used on several floors of the library for both the public and academic library storage. These systems nearly doubled the capacity for their book storage. It makes you wonder how much larger this building would’ve been without them! Because this facility is open to everyone, safety and ease of use were a top priority during the design of these systems. The touch button controls make the systems intuitive to operate. The safety system can sense if someone is in an aisle, lock that aisle open and then reset itself to be moved again after that person leaves. It can also sense if someone enters an aisle that is being closed, and stop the aisle from closing. Completely safe…consistently simple.
These days it seems rare to see the public and private sectors agree, much less come together to build for the common good. When it comes to storage, however, everyone is on the same page - how do you fit more stuff in less space? Broward County and Nova Southeastern kept it simple. High-density mobile storage from Spacesaver. The perfect answer for political harmony…and stuff matters.
(Below are some photos from this project. If you would like to learn more about library storage you can visit Spacesaver’s Library Solutions site here. )
