Automated storage and retrieval system: a time-tested innovation

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the ongoing life cycle of the world's first library Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) at the Oviatt Library at the California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Born from the pilot project at the California State University Chancellor's Office, CSUN's ASRS was inaugurated in 1991 and cost over $2,000,000 to implement. It survived a devastating 6.8 Northridge earthquake and protected the collection housed within. Almost 20 years later the CSUN ASRS underwent a major renovation of hardware. With the changing concept of library as space and the construction of Learning Commons at the Oviatt, the demand for ASRS capacity is higher than ever. Design/methodology/approach – In addition to the history and overview, the paper explores the major aspects of ASRS administration: specifications of storage layout and arrangement of the materials, collection policy for storing materials, communication of retrieval requests and ASRS interface and compatibility with successive Integrated Library Systems. Findings – The first ASRS served as proof of concept that a library collection does not lose its effectiveness when low-circulating materials are removed from the open stacks. Furthermore, with the changing concept of library as space and the construction of Learning Commons at the Oviatt, the provision of the nimble, just-in-time collection becomes paramount, and the demand for ASRS increases exponentially. Practical implications – Administrators and librarians who consider investing in ASRS will learn about the principles of storage organization, imperatives and challenges of its conception and long-term management on the example of CSUN. Originality/value – The paper carries unique qualities as it describes the formation and evolution of the world's first library ASRS. The visionary undertaking not only withstood the test of time and nature, it continues to play a pivotal role in Oviatt Library's adaption to the new generation of users’ demands and expectations.

Automated Storage & Retrieval System

“…"The conventional way of solving the space problem by adding new buildings and off-site storage facilities was untenable." 9 A benefit of an AS/RS, as Creaghe and Davis predicted in 1986 was, "the probable slow transition from books to electronic media, an AAF [Automated Access Facility] may postpone the need for future library construction indefinitely." 10 The AS/RS has enabled the library to create space by removing physical materials while enhancing customer service, material security, and inventory control.…”

“…The current transformative process that takes place in academia has a powerful impact on at least two functional areas of the library: library as space and library as collection." 11 In addition, the "increased security the AAF … offers will save patrons time that would be spent looking for books on the open shelves that may be in use in the library, on the waiting shelves, misplaced, or missing." 12 In subsequent years, library services have evolved to include computer labs with multiple high-use printers/scanners/copiers, instructional spaces, individual and group study spaces, makerspaces, etc., in addition to campus entities that have required large amounts of physical space within the library.…”

“…Thus, by moving lower-use materials to AS/RS, the library could still ensure that more than 80% of the use of the materials occurs on volumes available in the open stacks." 14 Low-use items were identified if one of the following three conditions was met: (1) the item's last circulation date was more than five years ago; (2) the item was a non-circulating periodical; or (3) items that were not designed to leave an area and received little patron usage such as the reference collection. In 1991, the AS/RS was loaded with 800,000 low-use items and went live for the first time later that year.…”

“…The original concept "came from the warehousing industry, where it had been used by business enterprises for years." 2 By leveraging and storing physical materials in the AS/RS, the CSUN Oviatt Library is able to create space within the library for new activities and services. "Instead of simply storing information materials, the library space can and should evolve to meet current academic needs by transforming into an environment that encourages collaborative work."…”

Multidisciplinary Engineering for the Utilization of Traditional Automated Storage and Retrieval System )ASRS) for Firefighting in Warehouses

“…Examples of such warehouses are ASRS university libraries [47][48][49][50], libraries of motion pictures and television programs [51], etc.…”