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Case Study – High Density Shelving

August-September 2008

Like many major universities. The University of Pennsylvania was confronted with the problem of providing ready access to its vast library holdings. Penn's Van Pelt Library, located in Philadelphia, houses a collection of more than 3.5 million books.

Penn officials decided that the best solution to increase their book capacity was to install the Elecompack Mobile Bookstack System to store a portion of their collection. The Elecompack installation was completed and according to John Keane, Business Administrator for Libraries, "The installation was completed on time and looks great."

The installation is electronically operated and consists of 48 ranges. The ranges are 30' long and provide access controls at both ends. The system provides 228,480 linear inches (approx. 160,000 volumes) of storage capacity in only 3,420 square feet. The Elecompack System allowed Penn to more than double the storage capacity formerly provided with conventional stacks.

The Elecompack product was designed and originally manufactured in Japan beginning in 1965. It is now manufactured in Pound, Wisconsin. The system utilizes unique four post reverse cantilever shelving. The upright recesses 4-3/4' into the carriage to provide a secure and safe connection of shelving and carriage. This design was created by the Japanese primarily as a precaution to prevent tipping during earthquakes. While most of the U.S. does not experience this potential danger, it is still prudent to employ this design to assure a safe and stable joining of shelving and carriage.

An overhead anti-tip system is also part of the installation at Penn. This feature eliminates any possibility of tipping which could otherwise be caused by an extreme loading imbalance or possible abuse by the students who use the equipment. The recessed mounting of uprights and the overhead anti-tip combine to provide a structurally safe installation.

In addition to the structural safeties, Elecompack provides three electronic safely devices. The aisle reset switch, lower safety sweep and upper safety bar combine to provide complete and passive protection to anyone using the system. It is impossible for a student to be injured using the Elecompack System.

The University evaluated several products before deciding to purchase Elecompack. In addition to the features already mentioned, Penn selected Elecompack because it offered more book capacity within the allocated space with a lower cost per book. In addition, they were impressed with Elecompack's service record and capabilities as well as the simplicity and method of operation. This was the fourth compact shelving installation at Penn and according to John Keane "The Elecompack installation was the smoothest."

ASRS/Elecompack | www.elecompack.com | 212-760-1607

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