Collection storage
The Library has over 150 millions items currently stored in five separate sites. Collection Storage develops policy frameworks and undertakes a range of activities that provide storage and security for all collections Library-wide in a dynamic environment in which the collections are growing and being used on a daily basis. The activities of the Collection storage section facilitates the Library’s service deliver to readers.
The Library’s storage space is a valuable resource as the collections continue to grow, by 12 linear km per year. A significant amount of the space conforms to the environmental recommendations in British Standard, BS5454:2000, which outlines best practice for the storage and exhibition of archival documents, including library materials. Our long term aim is to ensure that all of the Library’s storage space meets this standard, providing a suitable and stable environment for the collections that we have the responsibility to retain in perpetuity
Other criteria that must be considered in determining storage options for collections are:
- The amount of shelving or specialist storage required
- The requirement for high security storage based on value and/or vulnerability
- The forecast level of usage, based on usage trends and collecting policies
- Type of collection material and storage environment required for that material.
- The department is responsible for shelfmarking policies which assist in determining where material is best located to meet service and security needs.
Further information:
- Long Term Storage Strategy - Anoxic, fully automated, high density collection storage
- Specialist storage of artefacts
- Moving collection items
Long Term Storage Strategy - Anoxic, fully automated, high density collection storage
The Library has developed a long term property strategy enabling it to concentrate its collections and services from the two main freehold sites at St Pancras and Boston Spa. At the heart of this strategy is the need to plan the Library’s storage requirements through to 2022 and beyond. To meet the projected storage requirements the Library is building a high-density, fully-automated storage facility at Boston Spa. This building provides a state-of-the-art anoxic environment for fire prevention, thus making the British Library the first library to make use of such technology for collection storage on a large scale.
The department works closely with collections, services and estates departments on initiatives such as determining the future of newspaper provision and, externally, as par to projects as the United Kingdom Research Reserve.
See the UK Research Reserve (UKRR) project web pages from the Consortium of Research Libraries.
Specialist storage of artefacts
The BL alongside its traditional collection and modern day e-media formats also houses artefacts. As an integral part of the collection, the artefact collections are subject to the same duty of care that the BL has for all its collections. Thus they must be available for study, cared for and stored in appropriate conditions.
The approach to storing artefacts has shifted from a collection based approach to one that will provide the optimum storage conditions for different classes of artefacts irrespective of the collection in which they are based. Planning for the provision of appropriate storage for these important collection items is a significant part of Collection Storage’s strategy, ensuring that this matter is given serious consideration.
Moving collection items
Our storage planning managers plan and manage collection moves within and between buildings, working to specifications designed to ensure the safe transportation of all material.
