Case Studies

Queen’s University Belfast

The new Library at Queens University opened in August 2009. Six months prior to books moving, Delivery Services managed the planning process which involved CAD mapping of collections, measuring and tagging, sequencing, preparation of special collections, pre-move and logistical and manpower planning. The moving of the library involved the separation and integration of book sequences from four locations, one of which was an eleven floor tower. The physical move was concluded within a 6 week period. The University was delighted that Delivery Services completed the move ahead of schedule and with notable accuracy.

University of Aberdeen

Relocation of the Blair’s College Library Collection from National Library Scotland to the University of Aberdeen.
Library Movers undertook an extremely challenging relocation project for the University of Aberdeen which involved relocation of over 1000 linear metres of special collections from the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh to the Special Collections Centre at the Sir Duncan Rice Library, Aberdeen. All volumes were packed into lined crates, with approximately 25% of the collection being individually wrapped. Approximately 75 linear metres (150 no crates) made the 120 mile journey between sites each day, in a fully heated (climate controlled) vehicle, with each trip undertaken by 2 HGV two drivers. This project was executed by a team of skilled and experience library movers / antiquity handlers, each of whom were registered with Disclosure Scotland / Disclosure NI. The project was completed within agreed time-frames and to the immense satisfaction of the client.

University of Greenwich London

Relocation of library collection, staff assets and equipment for the University of Greenwich, from existing Greenwich and Avery Hill campus to the new Stockwell Street Development.
The University of Greenwich, London involved the relocation of 2 University Libraries from separate locations into their new state of the art Campus Building. The move also entailed a large staff and equipment move which consisted of staff and equipment coming from 4 separate locations again into their new campus Building. The project was made increasing complex due to building contractor delays resulting in works being undertaken in conjunction with multiple other trades on the same site, which was essential due to programme constraints.
The project had many unique logistical challenges. Loading bay at the new building had to be booked in advance. Loading and unloading time restrictions were in pace. The building contractors programme had significantly run over. When relocation activities were undertaken the site was still under the main contractor’s control, many areas were unfinished and unsecure which lead to last minute alterations to the relocation programme.
The Library move involved the merging of two library stocks into one new library, involving book-by-book and title-by-title integration and separation. Approximately 3500 linear of book stock was relocated over a 2 week period, the move period was longer than expected due to on-site logistical restrictions and severe traffic delays. Book stock included monographs, journals, folio collections and an archive and special collection.

Birmingham City University

Relocation and integration of library collection for Birmingham City University from existing Perry Barr and Millenium Point Campuses to new Curzon Building development.
The relocation of library stock and staff at Birmingham City University aimed to populate the new Curzon building library with existing library collections. In addition to the main move, rationalisation of collections left within the existing Perry Barr Library was required. The dismantling and removal of existing shelving was also required. In total 4,500 linear metres was transferred to the new library with 2,600 linear metres re-oraganised within existing library and 7,000 shelves dismantled and removed. Full IT de-commissioning, relocation and re-commissioning services was provided as part of staff moves.
Library collections from Perry Barr & Millennium Point were merged together on a book-by-book basis to form a straight Dewey sequence. Interfiling stock on a book-by-book basis is typically a slow and labour intensive activity but was undertaken efficiently due to the book move being carefully and precisely planned.

Robert Gordon University Aberdeen

Library Movers undertook 2 separate phases of a complex library relocation project which involved the relocation of approx 8000 linear metres of monograph and journal collections in total. A small special collection was also involved. Integration and separation of stock was required on a book-by-book and title-by-title basis. The project was made increasing difficult due to delays in the shelving install and the necessity to work around multiple other contractors in the new building. Overall the project was a success with both phases completed on schedule and the satisfaction of the client.

University of Portsmouth

During July of 2013 Delivery Services implemented a major library relocation project for the University of Portsmouth which involved an internal relocation of books stock in excess of 12000 linear metres. This project was undertaken to facilitate a complete reorganisation of the University of Portsmouth’s library stock, and which presented many unique logistical challenges to overcome. A considerable level of journal title-by-title integration and separation was required and block integration of book stock.

University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen was a complex two phased project undertaken in the summer and autumn of 2011. Phase 1 involved the population of the new state of the art library facility, approx 600,000 items was relocated over 14 working days including book-by-book integration, this resulted in approx 1100 linear metres moving on a daily basis. Stock relocating to new library was separated from stock moving to storage locations. Over 400,000 volumes were individually identified by D.S. staff ahead of the move Stock was integrated at the new library on a book-by-book basis. Phase 2 involved relocating all remaining stock from the old library to various storage facilities, also involved merging 2 separate journal sequences onto shelving which had irregular shelf lengths, in addition to moving other collections into a various University stores.

University Of Strathclyde, Glasgow

In June 2010 Delivery Services completed phase 1 of an ongoing two year relocation project undertaken at the University of Strathclyde’s Andersonian library tower in order to accommodate a floor by floor refurbishment. Phase 1 of the project involved the internal relocation of all materials on level 1 to various floors within the library, allowing the refurbishment of level 1. Approximately 6000 shelves (5000 lin metres) occupied level 1, which was relocated within a 1 week period. Phase 2 of the project was undertaken in April 2011 with 11,000 shelves relocating over 2 weeks, included separation of titles within certain collections and integration of other collections. Phase 3 was undertaken in June 2011 which involved the relocation of approx. 10,000 shelves plus the dismantling, erection and rearrangement of shelving. Phase 3 required detailed survey of shelving layouts, from that Delivery Services produced new space plans showing new shelving layouts and flow / location of book stock to make best use of available space. Phase 4 seen 3000 shelves of stock relocated from another University campus and stock was fully integrated into main library collections.

Napier University Edinburgh

In 2010 Napier University appointed Delivery Services as relocation contractor to coordinate and project manage and deliver their relocation into their newly refurbished Sighthill Campus. This project involved the relocation and merging of three University libraries at Napier University which was undertaken in December 2010. This project required book by book integration, flexibility in move dates due to exam timetables and moves to be undertaken through adverse weather conditions. The project was undertaken over a seven day period leading up to the Christmas break. The book move was completed within five days and a further two days was required to undertake a redress (book by book integration), which fully merged three libraries.

The University of East London, Stratford

The University of East London consisted of the relocation of library stock from 3 separate locations into the new building at the Stratford Campus. In total there was approx 3000 linear metres of library stock relocated, which also included book-by-book integration and also journal title-by-title integration. The move was executed over an intense 5 day period, and was an overall success, being completed on time and to a very high standard.