This session will describe the process undertaken by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Library to move the entire library’s collection of 500,000+ items (monographs, micro-formats, AV, archives, rare books, objects, art, and technology) from a 3-story building to a brand new 5-story building with an entirely new shelving program and layout. The 2.5 year process involved librarians from Collection Services (electronic resources, acquisitions, stacks maintenance, special collections), Information Technology, and Library Administration. Working together, the main “Move” project was divided into dozens of smaller projects that could be completed within a semester or shorter time frame utilizing student labor. Each project built upon the previous project and allowed for continuous evaluation and the ability to change directions as the construction deadline changed or problems arose (like losing precious shelving square footage because of an error in the building plan). Examples of projects to be discussed are weeding, interfiling, inventory, statistical analysis, and space management. Focus will be placed on effectively managing stacks/collection projects while in a state of flux, tips for accurately assessing collection size and space needs, and tips for selecting the best library movers. Participants will gain valuable and practical tips for evaluating and managing small or large collection moves. In the end, our move was a success. It was quick and accurate; taking only 10 days to accomplish during a break. We were up and fully operational in our new facility within 3 weeks.
