Automated Retrieval System

The James B. Hunt Library Jr. Library, which is being designed to take full advantage of the latest technology, will house print collections in a climate-controlled, state-of-the-art Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ARS). The library will contain up to 2 million volumes—including the working collections for engineering, biotechnology, and textiles, as well as fragile and other materials that benefit most from environmentally stable conditions.

The technology underlying high-density automated shelving has been used in large-scale industries such as automotive manufacturing and textiles for many years. Recently the technology has been adapted for use in the research library setting. In these shelving systems, barcoded items are sorted by size and stored in barcoded bins. Each item is scanned whenever it is removed from and returned to the shelves, as is the bin into which the item is deposited. This process maximizes available storage space and will allow the Libraries’ computerized systems to track the locations of all materials stored in the ARS at all times.

From the patron’s perspective, the system will be fascinating to watch and easy to use. Requests for materials can be made via the online catalog from any computer with an Internet connection. Within minutes of receiving the order, a robotic crane will retrieve the materials and deliver them to a service point. In the Hunt Library it will be very difficult for either books or people to become lost in the stacks!

Coming soon: A more detailed video of the process.