Product Application: Library employs spacesaving measures
The University of Kentucky's (UK) new William T. Young library uses technology that consolidates space by using Spacesaver's high-density mobile shelving. By employing the mobile shelving unit, which eliminates aisle space, the university has been able to take 17 floors of library resources in three buildings and consolidate that into their new facility. The collection of resources is "warehoused" behind walls, which allows for open space and aesthetically pleasing work and student study areas.
Paul Willis, director of libraries at UK, says spacesaving measures have freed up room for 3,000 seats, 600 computer carrels and 57 group workrooms. Willis says the mobile systems make sense because the use of stacks has changed. Students used to spend lots of time locating books to find what they needed, but now students can look online for resources. This helps them locate resources more quickly.
"It makes a big difference in how the building functions, and the students and staff have adapted very well to using mobile shelving," says Willis.
The main library has 37 miles of carriages and mobile shelves, which include book lockers that allow students to store books at the library. Microfilm and microfiche, along with audiovisual equipment, are stored in staff support areas by additional mobile systems in the library.
The programmable electric systems are equipped with zero force sensors, which provide safety in areas that have 24-hour open access.
