A public library based in Norwich needed more room for its growing collection, but shelf space was running low. Popular titles were competing for a room with older stock that readers still asked for time to time. The library wanted a way to keep every book available to visitors, without letting storage take over the building.
The challenge
When the library reached out to us, space had become tight across the building. New titles needed room on the shelves, but older or less requested books were taking up just as much space as the ones in daily use.
Staff wanted to free up more of the building for readers, but still needed to keep every title in the collection accessible to borrowers. This meant finding a better way to manage the books that weren’t picked up as often, while keeping them in reach.
How we helped
The library reviewed its collection and put together a list of books to move offsite. Our team boxed up each title on that list and brought them back to our facility.
As part of the process, we catalogued every book and set up a system that lets the library request titles back whenever they’re needed. This gave staff full visibility of what’s stored with us, and a straightforward way to get hold of a book quickly when someone asks for it.
When a reader requests one of these books, the library places the request through our client portal. We retrieve and deliver it back within 24 hours, keeping the process quick and simple for staff.
The result
The library now has far more room to work with. Freeing up shelf space allowed the team to create more reading and break out areas, and add extra desk spaces. Wider aisles also make browsing more comfortable for visitors. The collection itself can keep growing too, without the library running out of room to store it.
These changes have helped the library to become more of a destination for visitors. The team can now offer a wider range of services and a broader choice of books while keeping every title in the collection accessible within 24 hours.
Making room without losing access
Many libraries face the same balancing act between space and choice. Removing books permanently isn’t the answer, and letting a growing collection crowd out reading and study areas isn’t either. Storing less requested titles offsite gives libraries a practical way to keep every book in circulation, while making better use of the space they already have.
Archive-Vault can help your library or organisation free up space without losing access to your collection. We collect, catalogue and store your books or documents safely offsite, with fast retrieval whenever you need them back. Get in touch with our team today by calling 01603 720722.
