[Publib] Recarpeting Questions

[Michael Golrick]

Hi-

Both my current library and the one I was at previously did re-carpeting projects prior to my arrival, so I cannot comment on the process. However, each made a different decision about moving the stacks or not, and there are consequences for the decision.

At my prior library, they did not carpet under the very large, room-blocking, filing cabinets holding the picture files. When that service was significantly reduced, and we went to get rid of the cabinets (to create more staff work space), we had the problem of the carpet not being there, and we had no left over carpet.

At my current library, they moved the stacks, even though they are not the "traditional" metal shelving, but self-contained wood shelving units. This has meant that as we have down-sized the print reference collection we were able to move stacks to have a logical arrangement for the expansion of the circulating collection.

So, my very considered answer to #1 below is, please carpet underneath. While it will cost more, it preserves your flexibility. The carpet, presumably, is designed to last for 20 years or so. What will your building's lay out be then? Can you safely and accurately predict that? I cannot!

Michael

Michael Golrick
Councilor-at-Large
http://michaelgolrick.blogspot.com
 
L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library
400 Eau Claire Street
Eau Claire WI 54701
715/839.5001
http://www.ecpubliclibrary.info
mailto:michaelg at eauclaire.lib.wi.us


>>> "Kathleen Horan" <khoran at mcallen.net> 8/1/2007 4:07 PM >>>
A while back, I queried the collective brain with regard to the choice of broadloom or tile carpeting.  We have decided to go with tiles.  Now, on to the next big question: the installation process.  Our director feels that we --meaning the staff -- can handle moving books off the stacks to allow the installers to lay carpeting under the shelving.  So, my questions are:
 
1.  Does anyone have an opinion as to whether to carpet around or under stacks is best?
2.  Has anyone worked as staff to take books down before recarpeting?  If so, how did you store the books, and where?  Was it a hardship or did it run smoothly?
3.  If you used a moving company, did it keep books on the shelves when moving the furniture? How long did it take?  
4.  If you've recarpeting recently, and had to move books (using either method: staff power or an outside jobber), approximately how many books are in your collection?
 
I'm trying not to freak out.  Reassure me.
 
Thanks,
    Kathleen
 
"Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual."     -- Victor E. Frankl
 
Kathleen P. Horan, M.L.S.
Branch Manager
Palm View Branch Library
McAllen, TX
956-688-3322