What has been moved and what is the new arrangement like?

The overall arrangement of collections in the Langson Library has changed significantly. Installation of compact shelving has provided us with an opportunity to rethink the overall layout to maximize user convenience. For example, in response to feedback from library users, we have now arranged all call numbers in the circulating book collection in one linear sequence, beginning on the 4th floor and continuing down to the 3rd floor and basement. All bound periodicals are now shelved together in the newly-renovated and upgraded basement, including East Asian and Government Information periodicals. The East Asian monograph collection has moved from its former location in the basement to the 1st floor.

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Why was this project necessary?

The Langson Library bookshelves were filled to over 100% capacity, which is far beyond "functionally full" for efficient collections management. No floor space exists for additional conventional shelving, and so we had two options for increasing collections capacity: install moveable compact shelving or move some material to off-campus storage. Compact shelving was the preferable alternative for user convenience and will provide additional shelf capacity for approximately six years of projected growth.

This project was part of a comprehensive plan to address the space problems in the UC Irvine Libraries, as described in UC Irvine Libraries Update (volume 20, No. 1, Fall/Winter/Spring 2001) which was distributed to all UCI faculty and administrators.

What is compact shelving?

Compact shelving is high-density mobile shelving that enables twice the capacity of fixed shelving within a given space. Within the Langson Library basement, this will mean space for shelving nearly 500,000 volumes more than the building currently accommodates. The shelving units move smoothly on tracks. An aisle is available between every 4-6 shelving units to minimize the number of shelving ranges that cannot be accessed at any given moment. Both electrical and mechanical-assist systems are available, both of which are quick and effortless for library patrons to utilize. Both types of systems incorporate safety features. After conducting a competitive bidding process, the UCI Libraries have selected an electrical system.

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What key factors influenced the Libraries' approach to the project?

We can install compact shelving in the basement only, since a ground floor slab is necessary to support the combined weight of twice as many shelves and books.

The basement compact shelving is accessible to all library users, who are able to move the shelves quickly and easily. The moveable shelving units are equipped with safety features.

Up to 35-40% of our Langson Library general collections are now housed in the compact shelving (approximately 15,000 shelves) to provide about six years of growth space for the entire Langson Library collection.

Many low-use materials already have been transferred to the Southern Regional Library Facility (SRLF), and we will continue to send such materials to SRLF every year. As a result, we must put collections in compact shelving that are not necessarily low-use.

How can I give the library feedback?

The Libraries consulted extensively with campus groups and faculty throughout the planning process, and we warmly appreciate the feedback that we received.

Please send any comments to Lorelei Tanji, Assistant University Librarian for Collections (x45216, ltanji@uci.edu) at any time.

In addition, faculty may contact their individual subject bibliographers with any questions or comments.