STACKS
Library stacks are the main storage unit a libraries physical collection.
STACKS
Stacks come is several different sizes, while most of the facing for the stacks is made
of wood, the shelves can be either solid wood or steel.
STACKS
Stacks can even motorized and condensed to save space.
STACKS
Periodical stacks are differ from book stacks.
Due to size and volume, periodicals are
stored in stacks or flat shelved for more
convenient access.
For example bound periodicals will be
housed on reinforces steel stacks meant to
carry the weight of the books, while unbound
periodicals will be stored under the
magazines display case.
Micro-film and Fiche are stored in tall flat
cabinets to accommodate the volume of text.
STACKS
Stacks are permanent storage. They cannot be moved, but they can be expanded if
space permits.
•
Most libraries purchase stacks that will serve their library for twenty to 100 years.
•
Stacks are secured ( bolted to the floor or wall ) however books are not secure
and be jostled in the event of an earthquake.
•
Books however can and will fall of the shelves if patrons:
•
Push them
•
Are too forceful with books
•
Lean on the stacks
STACK MAINTENANCE
Taking care of the stacks is one of the primary duties of circulation services.
Stack maintenance includes:
Shelving books and re-shelving materials
Straightening the stacks
Shifting
Dusting
Shelf-reading
Updating –shelf range signage
Shelving and Reshelving terms
Blocking- the task of lining the spines of the books up with the edge of the shelf
Carts (and/or trucks) wheeled shelving units that are used to hold and transport books
Column- one vertical unit of shelving generally usually consisting of seven shelves
Compact Shelving- electric rows of shelving that run on tracks and open by pressing the button
closest to the isle that needs to be opened; these are used on the 1st and 2nd floors of the library
in order to conserve space
Face- a unit of shelving consisting of half a range (one row) composed of 5-15 columns.
Leveling- The task of bringing books back to their appropriate floors
Range of Shelving- a unit consisting of two rows (faces) of shelving
Row- a unit of shelving consisting of half of a range of shelving
Shifting- relocating and reorganizing books to accommodate growth of the library collection
Stacks- the rows of books that house the library's collection
Sweeping- the task of locating books used by patrons and returning them to their proper
reshelving areas
THE BASICS OF SHELVEING
Shelving books
To shelve book properly books must be in
call number order. Books on a cart or
shelving area will not always be in the
correct order sort through books based on
call number and them begin to shelve.
NAVIGATING THE STACKS
All stacks have
Shelf signs that
tell the clerk
and the patron
where book are
stored.
NAVIGATING THE STACKS
Shelf Signs correspond to the range of
books/materials on a given stack.
NAVIGATING THE STACKS
Stack signs are
often directional
or help to explain
the contents of a
section.
Additional signs
help patrons to
find larger or
more specific
sections.
EXAMPLE OF A SHELF SIGN
J 92 ACOSTA
to
J 92 ZAPATA
←
FIC ABB
to
FIC KRO
→
SHELVING TOOLS
There are several tool every
clerk needs to successfully
re-shelve book in any library
These include :
• Shelving truck (book cart)
• Steele book supports
SHELVING TOOLS
Book carts, or book
trucks are a movable
storage unit that
stores book while they
re being returned to
the shelves. Book
carts /trucks can be
single or double
sided, and can also
be used as a sorting
area for clerks who
work in libraries
where there is no
other place to sort
books.
SHELVING TOOLS
Steel Shelve support are a must
for properly carrying for library
books Libraries use the supports
to prop-up books and keep them
straight, they also use them to
divide books by call number or
location.
Steele supports come
in several sized to
accommodate the
height of any book. The
bottoms have no-slip
padding to firmly hold
books in place.
SHELVING OTHER MEDIA
Clerks also shelve other
types of media including :
• VHS and DVD’s
• Periodicals
• Microfilm and Microfiche
• Maps
• Oversize materials
• Pamphlets