Yale University Library Shelving Facility

Yale University Library's Shelving Facility is a state-of-the-art storage and retrieval system designed to house the library's vast collection of books, journals, and other materials. The facility, which opened in 2005, is located in Hamden, Connecticut, and provides a climate-controlled environment for the long-term preservation of the library's collections. The Shelving Facility is an essential part of Yale University Library's strategy to manage its growing collections, providing a secure and efficient way to store and retrieve materials.

Design and Construction

The Yale University Library Shelving Facility was designed by the architectural firm of Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott, in collaboration with the library’s staff and other stakeholders. The facility’s design takes into account the unique needs of the library’s collections, with features such as climate control, humidity monitoring, and advanced fire suppression systems. The building’s construction was completed in 2005, and it has since become a model for other libraries and archives looking to build similar facilities. The facility’s design has been praised for its functionality and sustainability, with features such as a green roof and a high-efficiency HVAC system.

Collection Storage and Retrieval

The Shelving Facility is equipped with a high-density shelving system, which allows for the efficient storage of the library’s collections. The facility’s shelves are over 30 feet tall, and are equipped with a retrieval system that allows staff to easily access and retrieve materials. The facility is also equipped with a barcode scanning system, which allows staff to quickly and accurately track the location of materials. The facility’s storage capacity is over 1.5 million volumes, making it one of the largest library storage facilities in the country.

Preservation and Conservation

The Shelving Facility is designed to provide a stable and secure environment for the long-term preservation of the library’s collections. The facility’s climate control system maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level, which helps to slow down the deterioration of materials. The facility is also equipped with advanced fire suppression systems, which provide an added layer of protection for the collections. The library’s conservation staff also work closely with the Shelving Facility staff to ensure that materials are handled and stored in a way that minimizes damage and wear.

Access and Services

While the Shelving Facility is not open to the public, the library provides a range of services that allow researchers to access materials stored at the facility. The library’s delivery service allows researchers to request materials from the Shelving Facility, which are then delivered to the library’s reading rooms. The library also provides a range of digital services, including digitization on demand, which allows researchers to request digital copies of materials stored at the facility.

The Yale University Library Shelving Facility is an important part of the library's overall strategy to manage its collections and provide access to researchers. The facility's design and construction have set a new standard for library storage facilities, and its operations have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the library's collection management operations.