|
Home > Departments > Presentations > Public Library Construction > 14. Moving
- Moving can be done by hired movers, by staff and volunteers, or by a combination of the two.
- Many issues will affect your choice. How far do you have to move? What will the weather be like? Are you moving inside a building, where you may be able to move fully loaded bookstacks with stack-moving equipment? Do you have a labor union with complicating contractual agreements?
- Small library moves are often done with staff and volunteers. The main challenge is good procedural planning, particularly developing a method for knowing where each container of books goes on the new shelving.
- Large libraries are often better off hiring professional movers. Some companies specialize in library moves. You will probably need to bid this service, so a detailed RFP is necessary.
- The most important components of a successful move are a detailed plan and a single person in charge. Be sure your plan includes the current and new locations for each piece of furniture and for all portions of the collection.
- Don't underestimate the complexity of relocating computer services. Reestablishing a 100-microcomputer network is a major undertaking.
- Moving takes more time than you might expect. Since your library will be closed during most or all of your move, your announced timetable matters. Be sure not to blithely promise overly ambitious reopening dates.
|
