This new 20,000 SF high-density archival storage library provides an optimum preservation environment for the University’s library collections and maximizes their archival storage capabilities. The high-tech, expandable building features systems and technologies that foster secure, economical, and efficient storage and retrieval for enormous quantities of books, which can house an equivalent of 165,000 to 200,000 linear book feet on conventional library shelving.

A 12’ high automated compact shelving system, introduced as a cost-saving measure, eliminates the need for in-rack sprinklers and an expensive industrial picker device and enables the University to house the same number of materials in the building footprint but with less than half the height and cost.

The temperature and humidity-controlled vault can hold over one million books, maps, and multimedia materials and maintain a temperature of 50°F (+/-1°F) and 30% relative humidity (+/-5%). The team utilized desiccant technology in a package air handling system to achieve these environmental conditions. The vault was pressurized to avoid infiltration. Achieving the vault’s specific and extreme conditions can result in high operating costs, and a supplemental form of dehumidification known as hot gas reheat was used to address the cost concern.