To all,
Sorry for the delay in posting the summary of the answers to my query. We
have had significant network problems here.
Most respondents have Space Saver systems. A couple of respondents had the
Kardex system. With either manufacturer, those with newly installed systems
are happy with them. The systems require little service or other attention.
It seems that, again, with either system, parts begin to wear out after
about 12 - 15 years, requiring increased service. The moral here is to buy
the service contract.
Most people use manually-operated compact shelving. Electrically-operated
compact shelving has on occasion been known to operate poorly under certain
circumstances (usually the introduction of direct sunlight which affects the
light sensors that block the unit from moving while someone is in the
aisle). Some respondents have electrically operated units and love them
(though one respondent did have some repair issues.
Some respondents added that proper installation is critical to long term
satisfaction with the system. The floor must be perfectly level and the
hardware (tracks and rollers) must be installed by someone who knows what
they are doing. The floor must be able to carry the load. Compact shelving
puts a tremendous load per square foot on the floor. Choose shelving depth
with an eye towards what will be placed on the shelves. Many legal
treatises and loose leafs are deeper than the 9 inch shelves that are
usually provided.
Miscellaneous brands that were not well regarded by those who looked at them
(and did not buy) are Adjustable and Elecompak.
Thank you all for your comments.
Excerpts from remarks are:
We have a space saver unit. Not sure when it was installed, but within the
last 12 years or so. I've had to call for service 3 times in the last year
and a half. And they charge for travel time, so be aware of how far they
are from you when it's time for service. [county law library]
[W]e reviewed this issue about 2 years ago prior to our move about 6
months later. We reviewed a few companies and chose Space Saver. We had
Kardex at the old location and were not crazy about it, although it had been
installed 15 years prior and may have been upgraded since then. Kardex did
not have adjustable shelves. [law firm library]/[Note: the new Kardex system
has adjustable shelves]
We recently installed electronic compact shelving by Space Saver and
absolutely love it. Not only is it extremely easy to operate for
everyone (including those in wheelchairs), but it looks so much better
than the manual version. And contrary to what I had heard, there have
been no operational problems at all. [academic law library]
The ... Law Library purchased a large installation of Spacesaver compact
shelving in 1982. We have been quite satisfied with it. [academic law
library]
We have several ranges of the electronic Spacesaver product and are very
happy with it. [court library]
We are using Space Saver compact shelving [electronically operated] for the
... [law library] project. They are unbelievably quiet and can hook into
your network system to let
you know when any of them are having "issues." [academic law library]
Our local contract relationship with Space Saver (now 13 years) has
been good. ... I made the determination early on that I did
not want any type of motorized operation and I have never regretted the
decision. In terms of the shelving itself--it has advantages and
disadvantages. These systems do much better as storage systems rather than
as shelving that is used daily. It is a means to an end, and you do get the
space utilization so paramount in smaller libraries. While it has been a
long time since I compared systems, I know that at time I contracted for the
Space Savers system they were head and shoulders above the others in terms
of product, installation and service. What they don't tell you about these
systems is that you need a perfectly flat floor. That was the biggest
concern going in--and some costs were attendant with fixing that issue. And
the floor load is also a concern. Be sure to budget for annual maintenance,
and consider the ease of repair. ... We see those folks on the average of
once each quarter...and when it breaks I want it fixed right. [county law
library]
We have had Kardex electronic shelving since 1990 and it has never ever
broken down or given an problems (KNOCK ON WOOD). [law firm library]
SpaceSaver is the only way to go. [court library]
We've had Space Saver for 8-9 years and have had few problems. [county law
library]
[W]e purchased SpaceSaver manual compact shelving for both our library and a
file storage area. So far, we have been happy with the product. However,
I should mention that the real key to the product is the installer. The job
is often contracted
out by the manufacturer, so insist on the best installer and try to get
references if you can.
Last year we had Space Saver install compact shelving in our Law Library
and we are generally satisfied with it. It is quite easy to manually move
the shelving and no one can really get crushed when it is moved manually,
even if they try. ...Make sure that the floor groves are thoroughly vacuumed
or scraped
down so that the shelves move easily. We also used the Space Saver shelving
drawers to accommodate our microfiche and microfilm. The drawers can handle
a lot of microform, but it is a little tight when pulling out a drawer and
looking for what you want unless you plan for a little more walk space. I do
advise that you plan for "stationary walk through spaces" about every
seven rows so that people are not always waiting for someone in another row
to finish. And make certain that your shelving is deep enough and tall
enough to accommodate your needs. ... Above all, make sure your floors can
handle the extra load bearing weight. We had to get two of our floors
reinforced or rebuilt..[law firm library]
Jack McNeill, J.D., M.L.S.
Associate Library Director
Pace University School of Law Library
78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
Phone: 914.422.4414
Fax: 914.422.4412
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