Storage Solved by Spacesaver

Military Optics: Secure Storage Solutions

Nancy McDonald — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:23:00 GMT

Inventory control of military equipment is important for a number of reasons. Readiness demands equipment is accessible at a moment’s notice and in good working order. Inventory shrinkage results in millions of dollars of loss or more each year across many industries. Ramifications of inventory shrinkage for military personnel can be devastating. Beside affecting troop safety and effectiveness, they also include loss of rank and salary, removal from command and possibly imprisonment and/or fine. In addition, the unlucky command may also be used as subject material for a blog on the importance of securing military equipment…

Take the recent theft at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. It is estimated that approximately $600,000 worth of military optics were stolen and an entire infantry company was placed in lockdown until the culprit(s) could be identified. Fortunately, the thief was arrested. Not so fortunate is the reality that military equipment, just like civilian property can be targets for the unscrupulous desires of dishonest persons. The relative ease with which the items were “liberated” is equally bothersome. However, all is not lost. Spacesaver has the solution.

Spacesaver offers many storage solutions for military equipment. Whether it’s storing weapons or night vision goggles, UWR (Universal Weapons Rack) and Tactical Readiness Cabinets and Lockers provide a solution that will safeguard military equipment inventory and avoid unfortunate consequences related to missing or stolen items.

In addition to heavy gauge steel construction and fully welded cabinets, all military storage solutions offer a variety of locking mechanisms to meet or exceed the requirements of the military. Available security features include the option of hasps for pad locks and keyed or combination entry pads. Whether the equipment is kept at the armory or deployed, Spacesaver has it covered.

Your job is to protect the nation. Our job is to protect the equipment that makes it possible for our armed services to keep us safe. At Spacesaver, we’re committed to making sure your equipment is stored securely. Through a variety of storage solutions designed especially for the military, you’ll have piece of mind knowing that equipment will be there when it’s needed.

Nancy McDonald - Military Storage Specialist

Rockin' Athletic Storage

Nancy McDonald — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 GMT

Storing athletic equipment for a college is a big job. Storing athletic equipment for 17 different sports and keeping everything secure, organized and in good shape is a huge endeavor. Combine that with a severe lack of space and the job becomes nearly impossible.

Spacesaver Corporation announced its second “Rock UR Athletic Storage” contest last fall, offering $30,000 in storage solutions to one lucky college and one K-12 school. Moravian College and more than 30 other institutions of higher education saw an opportunity to solve their athletic equipment storage issues. Voting for “Rock UR Athletic Storage” was conducted via Facebook and users could vote up to ten times per day for their favorite school.

In addition to a 100-word essay and photos depicting their current storage issues, Moravian College submitted a 4-minute video demonstrating their lack of space and need for an equipment storage makeover. Students, teachers, parents and entire communities were amped up about the program this year! Voters responded via Facebook and Spacesaver was up to the task, awarding Moravian College $30,000 in storage solutions. For their efforts, Moravian College will receive a high-density, Wheelhouse® mobile storage system. Congratulations, Moravian College!

Check Out the Moravian College Youtube Video!

With Spacesaver mobile storage solutions, athletic departments can increase their overall storage capacity by 100% or reduce their storage footprints by 50% over static configurations. Accessibility to equipment is also improved as increased storage density allows for equipment to be stored and retrieved much easier over other configurations.

Last year, Dunlap High School in Illinois won the “Rock Ur Athletic Storage” award. They chose a storage solution that included a modular, high-density Wheelhouse® mobile storage system. This year, Spacesaver expanded the contest to include one college and one K-12 school.

Nancy McDonald, Athletic Storage Specialist

Show Me The Money. . . A Partner in Your Preservation Efforts

Nancy McDonald — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:00:00 GMT

In today’s precarious economic state, it is more important than ever to be mindful of budget constraints. While nearly all of us are feeling the tightening of our belts, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and municipalities need to be especially careful as long gone are the days of entitlement funding. The competition for financial investment is daunting to say the least. Finding room in a budget for basic operational expenses can be a challenge. What to do when you’re out of financial resources AND space? That’s where Spacesaver can help.

Spacesaver pullout art racks displayed in the Luce Center of American Art - Visible Storage & Study Center, Brooklyn, NY

Spacesaver will help you identify your unique storage needs and offer a variety of solutions to fit any size budget. All Spacesaver storage solutions are customized to meet the customer’s needs and while offering the flexibility for future modification, making your investment today mean something tomorrow.

From collection storage and preservation to retrieval, Spacesaver is your partner in getting and keeping you organized, freeing up your time and space for the next chapter of your story.

Some helpful places to explore for financial investments to support your unique storage needs include the following:

Institute of Museum and Library Sciences - Funding solutions for libraries and museums. Several grant programs include archival and collection management. http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=11

National Trust For Historic Preservation - Opportunities for preservation of historic buildings and collections can be found here. www.preservationnation.org

Grants.gov - A portal for all grant opportunities and announcements, it includes all federal departments of government. Site offers ability to search for funding by agency, category or date. www.grants.gov

Funds Net Services - Searchable fund development database, offering a variety of grant funding for multiple purposes. www.fundsnetservices.com

The Foundation Center’s Philanthropy News Digest – Request for Proposals
New funding opportunities as well as a searchable funding database by category.http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp

To learn more about the storage solutions available through Spacesaver's Museum Collection Care click here for a downloadable brochure.

Seeing is believing. Click here to see how Spacesaver is protecting and preserving the world's history.

Nancy McDonald - Museum Storage Specialist

6 reasons to choose the FrameWRX System for your next storage challenge

Kacia Gillette — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:28:00 GMT

When David Bowie sang about Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes in 1971, I doubt this is what he had in mind. Nevertheless, it is hard to deny that the FrameWRX storage system was built for change. The unique design of FrameWRX easily adapts to meet your changing storage needs — from today to well into the future. Here are six reasons why you might choose FrameWRX for your next storage challenge:

It’s Modular – The FrameWRX storage system can be configured in an infinite number of ways — to give you the most space efficient storage.

It’s Adjustable – FrameWRX is simple to install, simple to adjust, simple to take down and move, and requires no modifications to the walls. Components can all be rearranged as needed — without tools or fasteners — to meet your specific storage requirements.

It’s Accessible – Everything stored in the FrameWRX system in easy to access, easy to see and easy to inventory — to leave you more time for more important tasks.

It’s Easy – Built around the innovative EZ Rail Element, the FrameWRX storage system can accommodate a variety of storage accessories, including hanging plastic bins, wire bins, shelves, work surfaces, peg-board hooks and slat-wall accessories — to allow you to configure it any way you like.

It’s Mobile – FrameWRX can be installed on a high density mobile storage system, or give FrameWRX HD a try. Similar to a bi-file, FrameWRX HD (high density) compresses two rows of storage into one deeper space; thereby, “saving an aisle.” Either option will give you more storage in less space.

It’s a Lean Management Solution -- FrameWRX in combination with the StockBox provides an RFID lean inventory management solution for low cost supplies in hospitals.

Those are just some of the ways FrameWRX can help you turn and face the strain of an unwieldy storage situation. For more information, visit our Bin Shelving FrameWRX page or call us today at 1.800.255.8170.

To learn more on the FrameWRX storage solution download this brochure.

Originally posted by Robert Ferguson - Storage Expert

10 reasons to go mobile with your storage!

Kacia Gillette — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:02:00 GMT

Greetings!

Mobile Shelving has been around for a long time. Actually, Spacesaver has been manufacturing it since 1972, and (as you can imagine) after 40 years, the features of mobile shelving have evolved considerably. What have continued to remain unchanged are the benefits of compact shelving. Which is why we feel compelled to discuss the top 10 reasons for you to GO MOBILE!...reasons that go beyond the obvious space savings!

1. Greater Space Efficiency!

Use your space more efficiently! Gain 100% greater storage capacity or reduce your storage footprint by 50%!

2. A cost-effective solution to accommodate growth!

Mobile storage offers long-term benefits. This is especially true with programmable electric systems, which offer the highest storage density (sometimes more than 50% of static storage systems) and allow any business to plan for short or long-term expansion in existing spaces.

3. Improved Productivity!

Staff will be able to find stored materials quickly, therefore freeing up more time to complete daily tasks.

4. Customizable storage for virtually any material!

From small supplies or bulky boxes, to files and printed materials - all the way to industrial pallet storage, let us configure a system that fits your individual storage needs! We don't just store files, we store stuff! Customization is a key benefit of mobile storage. Deep shelves and heavy-duty carriages can handle large boxes and heavy loads, accomodating through customization to satisfy ANY storage need.

5. Increased security of stored material!

Although locking devices are available on any of our mobile products, programmable systems provide the ultimate in system security - electronic or remote access. This guarantees that aisles can be opened only by someone who has the proper authority.

6. Stored items are more readily accessible!

Mobile systems can improve accessibility in countless ways. This goes back to the idea of customization. Increased density allows stored materials to be found in the most appropriate location for staff needs.

7. Provide a safe employee environment!

Improved density eliminates dangerous practices such as in-aisle precarious overhead storage. Use of narrower shelves makes items easier to reach. Programmable systems safely move heavy loads with the touch of a button. Features to look for: passive safety systems, anti-tip protection and in-aisle lighting.

8. Going mobile is less expensive than purchasing NEW stationary shelving!

We've done the comparisons time and time again for our clients. When considering new mobile shelving vs. new stationary shelving, it's actually less expensive to go mobile! *This comparison proves true when considering all of the 'stuff' you have to store - in the space you have available or planned.

9. The ability to plan for future growth!

Imagine never having to consider or worry about your business' storage needs again! Our Spacesaver specialists will conduct a completely cost-free analysis of your stored materials, while allowing for your future growth expectancies.

10. Organization is key!

Whatever you're storing, our team of storage specialists will help organize your 'stuff', all with the goal of fast retrieval, cost savings, and ultimately - peace of mind!

Learn more about mobile storage and how it can
benefit your time and space

For additional information, call us today at 1.800.255.8170, OR download our Mobile Shelving brochure today to compare mobile shelving features!

Original post by Shannon Melrose - Storage Expert

Something in Common at WFCA

Kacy Hack — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:57:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the 36th Annual Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Clinic in Middleton, Wisconsin. Over 3,000 coaches, athletic directors and equipment managers from around the state attended the three-day event, which included guest speakers, seminars, an exhibit hall, a nightly “WFCA Bash” and the “Hall of Fame” Inductee ceremony.

I must admit I was a little overwhelmed with the high ratio of men, but got over it quickly when I realized they were interested in what I had to say “Do you have issues with your current equipment storage?”

Everyone had similar storage challenges, small space, shared space or no space. What they didn’t realize is that Spacesaver mobile storage systems are designed to store bulky items like shoulder pads, helmets, uniforms or equipment for any unique storage space.

I also had the opportunity to talk about Spacesaver's "Rock UR Athletic Storage” $30,000 equipment storage makeover. When I told them all you had to do is visit www.rockurstorage.com, submit a photo of their school’s current equipment storage and tell us why their school was in need of an equipment storage makeover - they were all over that.

Overall the clinic brought awareness and insight to who Spacesaver® is and the storage challenges we can solve.

For images, videos and case studies of Spacesaver athletic equipment storage visit: organizedsports.spacesaver.com.

Is it time for your equipment storage to go from before to after?

Kacy Schiefelbein — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:21:00 GMT

Last year, Spacesaver launched its first annual
“Rock UR Athletic Storage" makeover contest. The contest was a hit. A number of U.S. schools nationwide participated and over 250,000 votes were submitted to the contest website www.rockurstorage.com. Unfortunately, there could only be one winning school.

On April 30, 2011, the “ Rock UR Athletic Storage” winner was ann ounced and Dunlap High School in Dunlap, Illinois walked away with the grand prize - a $30,000 athletic storage makeover from Spacesaver.

Today, Dunlap High School uses their winning Spacesaver mobile storage system to store equipment for seven of their athletic sport teams. “It has allowed us to move teams out of storage areas where more than one team shared a space,” said Athletic Director of Dunlap High School, Duane Peterson. “Boys and girls swimming, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball and athletic director supplies are all currently being housed in the system.”

This year, Spacesaver has launched its second annual “Rock UR Athletic Storage” makeover contest, but this time they're giving one U.S. college and one U.S. K-12 school a chance to win a $30,000 equipment storage makeover. The contest runs through May 1, 2012, so you still have time to enter.

If you’ve had enough with your current storage situation then it’s time to submit your mess. Visit www.rockurstorage.com

In the meantime, if you're interested in learning Spacesaver’s Athletic Storage products and solutions click here.

Preserving Asia's Artifacts for Generations to Come

Kacy Schiefelbein — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 15:07:00 GMT

This past year, the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) acquired a rare collection of 16th century Japanese and Korean painted screen and bold ink paintings for their Luminous: The Art of Asia exhibit currently on display.

From a collection care manager’s perspective, a collection of this magnitude has specific preservation needs in storage. Due to their scale and construction, storage and handling can be a challenge. Plus, the materials of the Asian screens are highly susceptible to deterioration and damage from environmental conditions and mechanical impact. Despite the museum staff’s diligent care for its collections, the necessity to upgrade the storage furniture for these precious screens had become an urgent priority.

With special funding from a Conservation Project Support (CPS) grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Seattle Art Museum turned to Spacesaver Northwest, a local dealer of the Spacesaver Group.

Together with Spacesaver and Delta Designs Ltd., 16 environmentally controlled cabinets were designed to ensure safe preservation and storage compatibility for the Asian artifacts.

With the help of IMLS funding and Spacesaver’s state-of the art storage solution, SAM will continue to preserve these treasures for generations to come.

To learn more about the Spacesaver Museum Collection Care storage solutions click here for a downloadable brochure.

Seeing is believing. See how Spacesaver can protect and preserve
your collections. Click here for the full image gallery.

Re-published with permission.

Creating Space to Breathe

Julie Weber — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:10:00 GMT

I am thrilled to finally reveal the much anticipated Spacesaver Sustainability website. After many months of hard work we have launched a comprehensive site to demonstrate our commitment to corporate sustainability.

http://sustainablestorage.spacesaver.com will host new collateral that Spacesaver has developed to meet YOUR needs:

Sustainable Product Design information: Downloadable material information sheets for steel, wood and plastic.

Corporate Sustainable Practices: “Space to Breathe” Brochure (Spacesaver’s Corporate Sustainability Statement).

Current Certifications and Memberships: GREENGUARD® Certification, USGBC and CaGBC membership, and Green Masters Program membership.

Sustainability Focused Case Studies: Anacostia Library Snap Shot.

The Integrative Design Process and Revit information

Image gallery with sustainable storage examples

You can check it out now by clicking here. Or by visiting www.spacesaver.com and clicking on "Sustainability" on the top navigation.

On a personal level, I strive to make a positive impact on the environment in some small way everyday. Spacesaver is doing the same thing and this new website is our way of sharing those actions and our passion for sustainablity with you.

Cheers and stay green, my friends!

~Julie Weber, Green Queen

Fill the Gap Contest Launches at IIDEX

Julie Weber — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:34:00 GMT

Close your eyes and picture this: gleaming new shelves with custom end panels designed specifically to house all your vendor binders, Carpet books and fabric samples. Yes, my Canadian friends, this fantasy could become your reality.

Spacesaver® is giving away a custom shelving and storage solution for one lucky A&D firm in the Canadian market worth up to $20,000.

We launched this fantastic contest at IIDEX 2011 in Toronto, and if you visited our booth there, you already have one entry!

There are many ways to win…

Each professional who attends a lunch and learn pre-scheduled at IIDEX 2011 = one point per person per firm. *Example: 10 people attend = 10 points earned for your firm. Didn’t schedule a lunch and learn while @ IIDEX? Call your local storage specialist today to do so and earn 1 point for your firm!

Bring Spacesaver in on a project = 10 points per firm per project!

Follow @Spacesaver on Twitter and tweet us with “@Spacesaver, (firm name and city) needs a storage makeover!” = one point per twitter user per firm.

Like Spacesaver on Facebook and post on our wall: “Spacesaver, (firm name and city) needs a storage makeover!” = one point per Facebook user per firm.

For the official rules and regulations of this contest click here.

Good luck!

Spacesaver® Partners with LogiTag As North American Distributor

Kacia Gillette — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:41:00 GMT

Spacesaver is excited to announce a partnership with LogiTag Systems, Inc., a company specializing in RFID technology for several industries including the healthcare market. The two companies are joining forces to assist healthcare facilities in North America with improving their business practices and patient care efforts. This partnership is the perfect marrying of technology and organizational products for improved healthcare asset tracking, inventory control, patient workflow, safety and security.

“Spacesaver is extremely excited to offer LogiTag products along side our Spacesaver storage solutions. Working together our solutions will free up healthcare staff so they can spend more time with patients and less time searching for supplies. Our distributors now have access to complimentary products, which will simplify their healthcare customers’ processes and make an immediate impact to their organizations,” said Jason Freeman, Vice President of Commercial Business at Spacesaver.

Featured in the product suite are LogiTag's StockBox, Smart Cabinet, LogiTrack, and Smart Sense.

LogiTag's StockBox is a generously adaptable inventory management product that can be integrated into existing Spacesaver shelving and numerous other areas. RFID technology allows the StockBox to manage its inventory, which increases productivity while decreasing cost. Counting is the most time consuming and expensive task associated with restocking (par replenishment). However, StockBox’s automation allows dispensable requests and off site monitoring results in an overall streamlined process.

The Smart Cabinet is a system designed to manage the storage, distribution, replenishment and usage of high-cost medical devices and products that require individual tracking through an automated process, designed to work in the operating room and interventional lab environment. The management of consigned items, automated billing and replenishment capabilities, and ability to track specific item usage to address regulatory and risk management issues, are only part of this product, which has been used successfully in dozens of hospitals worldwide.

LogiTrack is a powerful RTLS Active-RFID platform that includes a diversified set of tracking, tracing and monitoring applications. A unified platform enables tracking assets, tracking people, monitoring temperature and pressure and providing reliable location information to improve operational efficiencies across the healthcare spectrum. LogiTrack's tools and information are critical to any healthcare institution and their desire to ensure maximum operational efficiency while improving patient care.

“There are tremendous savings opportunities in the healthcare market for asset and supply management and tracking. In many cases, up to fifteen percent of a hospital’s inventory is written off each year because it can no longer be located. And, some hospital’s are losing as much as $1 million a year in medical equipment and supplies to thefts,” said Milissa Rick, Director of Marketing for Commercial Business at Spacesaver. “With our combined healthcare solutions for asset and supply management and tracking, Spacesaver and LogiTag offer healthcare organizations a fast return on investment.”

In addition to inventory and high-value asset tracking, LogiTag also has patient tracking solutions. Smart-Sense provides a uniquely high means of security for infants using state-of-the-art RFID technology. Newborn security is a serious issue and the safety and peace of mind that “Smart-Sense” brings to parents and administrators is an important tool to address any hospital's risk management concerns.

Through our partnership, hospitals that invest in Spacesaver’s and LogiTag’s solutions will have the right products, at the right place, at the right time, for the right patient! A winning combination for everyone.

Spacesaver® Goes GREENGUARD®!

Julie Weber — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:01:00 GMT

Spacesaver creates products that inspire smarter, more responsible uses of space. But sustainability encompasses more than just creating quality products. It is a commitment to protect and give back to our local and global community through environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and corporate stewardship.

At Spacesaver Corporation we respect the environment and strive to preserve the availability of natural resources for future generations. We don’t just create space-saving solutions; we create space to breathe.

Not only can we help you create MORE space to breathe but, now we can help you create CLEANER space to breathe.

To help protect human health and improve indoor air quality by reducing people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollutants Spacesaver went GREEN with GREENGUARD® Indoor Air Quality Certification

To achieve GREENGUARD Certification, Spacesaver went through a series of demanding tests required by The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) that identified which products met low chemical emissions. GEI will monitor these products each quarter to maintain low emitting status.

GEI’s methodology for testing and certifying furniture was developed and validated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Technology Verification Program. Realistic, worst-case configurations of a product’s components and materials are developed and placed in the environmental testing chambers.

Want more information on GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification? Click here to download the Certification Profile!

For a complete listing of Spacesaver certified products, visit www.greenguard.org

Spacesaver’s Innovation on Display at the 2011 Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo

Tyler Burns — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:55:00 GMT

Storage for the healthcare industry is Spacesaver's® passion – putting our knowledge and dedication into this area benefits both providers and patients, which explains why we are very active in the healthcare field. Our constant innovation of storage solutions has allowed us to affect facilities from top to bottom, in the OR and through the sterile corridors.

This month Spacesaver will be attending the 24^th Annual Healthcare Facilities Symposium and Expo, in Chicago, Illinois. The Symposium will be held at Chicago’s famous Navy Pier on September 20^th - 22^nd. In attendance will be a wide range of healthcare professionals from designers and architects to the deans of medical faculty. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge from the speakers specializing in various healthcare fields, including one from Spacesaver’s own, Jason Freeman. Jason will be on a panel entitled “Health Records Revolution: On and Off-Site Workflow Solutions", digging deep into your on-site and off-site storage needs while discussing technological advancements in the area, along with Darice Grzybowski from HIMentors, LLC and David Moehring from the University of Illinois - Chicago.

Additionally the event will be the début for new products and technology utilized in the healthcare field. Access and knowledge of these product and technology innovations will improve facilities, allowing the benefits to be felt by the patients and providers.

At last year’s HFSE event, Spacesaver took home three awards for our CoreSTOR^® Patient Server product: Architect’s Choice, Most Innovative, and Best in Show.

The awards added fuel to our passion within the field to keep innovating and evolving to cater to the constantly changing needs of healthcare professionals. This year we've introduced our ControLOC Technology™ and ActivRAC^®7M products to support healthcare. We will have extensive information on each of the products at booth #703 during the show.

Spacesaver is also welcoming the RFID company, LogiTag, as a partner in our booth. We will be showcasing LogiTag's range of applications designed for the healthcare industry including their StockBox. LogiTag's StockBox is a generously adaptable inventory management product that can be integrated into existing shelving and numerous other areas. RFID technology allows the StockBox to manage its inventory, which increases productivity while decreasing cost. StockBox’s automation allows dispensable requests and off site monitoring results in an overall streamlined process.

Spacesaver understands the need for healthcare institutions to improve their business practices and patient care efforts. We will also be featuring information about LogiTag's other healthcare products, which include Smart Cabinet, LogiTrack and Smart Sense.

We hope to see you at Booth #703 to check out some of the best products the show has to offer!

Want more information on Spacesaver Healthcare Products?

	CoreSTOR Product Brochure -- Click Here
	ControLOC Info Sheet -- Click Here
	ActivRAC 7M Tech Data Sheet -- Click Here

Riding On Rails To Resolve Space Conundrum!

Jason Konz — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:06:00 GMT

Back in the mid 80’s Harvard University pioneered a new approach to addressing the mounting pressure of ever increasing library collections. This new approach consisted of installing 30ft to 45ft high shelving in warehouse-like locations off-site from the library. This “high-bay” shelving was then used to store rarely accessed collections –making room for newer, more frequently accessed collections back at the library(s) on campus. This model of Off-Site High-Bay Archival Storage for collections became commonly known as the “Harvard Model”. Since this time university after university has adopted the Off-Site High-Bay Archival Storage model –making it mainstream in today’s academic environment.

Anyone who has returned to their alma mater recently for a 20 year class reunion, knows that campus amenities seem to have taken a front row seat and nowhere is that more evident than in the campus library. What used to be aisles and aisle of shadowy book stacks dotted with tiny cubicles around the parameter exterior walls is hard to even recall as you take in a make-over worthy of headlining any of today’s popular “extreme make” over TV series.

Today’s libraries are transitioning to more open, well lit spaces. Sofas and cushy lounge chairs strategically (but seemingly randomly) placed add to the inviting social areas as students sip on coffees and lattes purchase right in the library from modern décor coffee bars.

While all this transformation is fundamental to the continued popularity of libraries, it places extreme pressure on library officials to resolve the transformation of space conundrum -that being… more and more collections with less and less space to store them.

The situation at Wake Forest University was no different. However, their landmark approach to resolving the library space conundrum may just have etched them a mark in history.

Learn more from watching this Inside Business Review with Fred Thompson feature story.
Then make your prediction…Will Mobile High-Bay for archival storage be referenced as the “Wake Forest Model”?

Running Out of Room?

This whitepaper describes the growing array of on- and off-site storage solutions that are helping academic libraries adapt to increasingly diverse user needs!

Download Free Whitepaper & XTend Mobile High-Bay Product Brochure!

Need help resolving your storage conundrum?

Click Here to Contact Us!

We'll connect you with a local storage specialist and Authorized Spacesaver Representative to help!

A place for everything and everything in its place

Kacy Schiefelbein — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:45:00 GMT

Little is more frustrating than chasing down a tool or part during routine maintenance and repair. So, what is the best way to maximize control and minimize machine down time? Some companies feel a complete set of tools and parts at each production cell is warranted, while others prefer a more centralized approach. Each method has challenges and benefits; however, all can agree that organization, regardless of the location, is a critical component to the success of any MRO operation.

Take Aveva®, a manufacturer of drug delivery systems primarily comprised of the transdermal patches people wear to stop smoking, lose weight or prevent motion sickness. Until recently their strategy for maintaining and repairing manufacturing tools and machines was to locate the required parts within the particular production cell. The challenge created was a large number of redundant parts and tools scattered around the facility. If the maintenance staff didn’t properly manage the inventory levels at each location, the repair or maintenance technician was required to get pieces from other locations in proximity. Over time, maintenance staff was scrambling all over the facility looking for just the right part or tool, which significantly impacted the productivity of each production cell.

Aveva decided to centralize their MRO parts and tool systems, but space was a serious concern. Even through eliminating all the duplicitous parts and tools, the wide range of required space presented a challenge.

Enter mobilized storage and the elimination of aisles when not in use. With only a single MRO room manager, every part was accounted for, in adequate supply and easily accessible. By mobilizing various four post shelving, drawer systems and bulk storage, Aveva was able to assure that any part or tool needed was locatable and available immediately.

They called “it a place for everything and everything in its place.” We call it smart storage solutions from Spacesaver Industrial. Either way, it’s storage at work.

To download the full the Aveva application case study click here.

Spacesaver® "XTends" University of Virginia’s Ivy Stacks Facility

Tyler Burns — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:13:00 GMT

The University of Virginia (UVA) kicked off their Ivy Stacks Retrofit project in September of 2010. The Ivy Stacks are the University’s off site storage facility that adopted “The Harvard Model” for rarely accessed library items. This process has worked well for UVA since 1994 when the stacks were installed, but over time the items being stored completely filled up the estimated 1.2 million square feet of storage.

A change was in store for the Ivy Stacks facility, but as to what that solution would be, was up for debate. They originally proposed a plan to build an additional building in the same style right next door. The original design allowed for this to be the go-to option once capacity was reached. The problem and eventual downfall of this idea was the cost of construction at an estimated $16 million. Another option, though extremely undesirable, for the University was to dispose of items that were rarely used to make room for new items. The final option was to somehow make better use of existing space. Luckily for UVA they heard about Spacesaver’s new XTend® high-density mobile system, which gave them another option to consider.

Spacesaver’s XTend® Mobile High Bay System clearly met their needs:

Doubles the capacity of the current facility.
The cost was almost 70% cheaper than the proposed new construction cost.
The stacks are now mobilized to allow compression.
Storage shelf sizes are customizable to store various sized items.
Streamlined the cataloging process.
Freed up space on-campus for years to come.
Allowed UVA to stay in the same building.

After learning about the XTend system, UVA felt that the system met every need they had and did so for a cost that was affordable for the University. After concluding the XTend system was the best choice, the renovation of the facility could get underway with Spacesaver starting construction on March 1st.

Area crews working hard to install the system on time and on budget

Laying the tracks for the system

Looking down on the completed XTend System at UVA on the left

A look at the operation panel and size of the XTend system on the right

Photo Credit: Ivy Stacks Retrofit Project via Flickr

The XTend system at University of Virginia was completed on June 29, 2011, and the first phase of the Ivy Stacks Retrofit Project was complete. The 750,000 items stored within the facility just relocated from a college dorm into a luxury home, now with plenty of space for new roommates.

To learn more about off-site storage solutions download Spacesaver's XTend® Product brochure and Running out of Room whitepaper.

Check out this UVA Blog on the Retro Fitting of the Ivy Stacks!

http://ivystacks.lib.virginia.edu/

Click Here to view the full image gallery of the UVA installation!

Mobilized Storage; The Jack of all trades!

Matt Servant — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 22:06:00 GMT

Trying to find ways to squeeze out more productivity from your staff, bring files and supplies closer to where they are needed, or reduce cost to store or archive items while maintaining or improving control? Well, Mobilized Storage can help you do all of those things and more.

Not sure what Mobilized Storage is all about?
Watch this video now

Not just for the Big Boys!
Mobilized Storage is no longer just for pallet racking in manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution centers. Especially now that Spacesaver has introduced a light duty version of ActivRAC™ Mobilized Storage for commercial businesses to compliment the medium duty ActivRAC 16 series and heavy duty ActivRAC 30 series carriages.

The light duty version of ActivRAC carriages accepts all kinds of existing or new shelving, cabinets, drawer systems, racking, etc making it easy and cost effective to mobilize your storage.


Combination of drawer systems and four post shelving mounted on ActivRAC carriages to save space	Ideal for tool storage, small parts storage, artifact storage, archival storage or whatever.

Mobilize 4-post shelving to centralize materials and supplies. Or the opposite...use ActivRAC systems to decentralize items closer to where needed.	Make the most of pharmaceutical storage, lab storage systems, lab shelving, hospital storage, healthcare storage, medical supply storage and more.

Existing or new filing cabinets -legal filing cabinets or lateral filing cabinets- can be placed onto ActivRAC carriages to save space or bring files closer to where needed.	Reduce the footprint required for business record storage, paper document storage, corporate document storage, or any type of business storage needs.

Get more light industrial/wide span shelving into the same space or reduce the footprint of your existing shelving by placing in on top of ActivRAC carriages.	Optimize preservation storage, archival storage, museum storage or even evidence storage, lab storage, parts storage or almost anything you can think of.

Light Duty Racking on ActivRAC carriages for storing more boxes or other bulky items in up to as much as 50% less space.	Stop waisting valuable space for supplies storage, secure storage, lab storage, business storage, archive storage...

You can mobilize practically any type of shelving, storage cabinet, slatwall, etc with an ActivRAC Mobiized Storage system.	Make more space for food storage, dry goods storage, and bulk storage or reduce the space to store items on wire shelving.

Watch a short ActivRAC 7M system demo video now!

Think big, start small!

ActivRAC 7M Mobilized Storage System has several features to help you start realizing the big benefits of mobilizing your storage while making it easy to get started with a small budget.

Modular Design
ActivRAC 7M systems are designed for flexibility to meet your applications needs –now and in the future. This means that you can take a phased approach to implementing mobilized storage. Start with a module that is practical today and be set to expand, reconfigure, or even re-locate in phases to meet your budget and business needs as they change over time.

Simple, Fast Install
ActivRAC 7M systems feature patent pending rail and carriage designs that make it possible to install directly to flat, but non-level floors without the need for installing raised floors or requiring a second pour and costly footings.

Mechanical Assist Manual Operation
Get into mobilized storage today and start freeing up space or better locating and organizing materials without the added cost or advantages of a motorized, electric push button operation. But don’t worry, you can easily upgrade from hand-crank to a power system when you’re ready for increased productivity and security.

Want to Learn More?

Click Here for a FREE tech data sheet or Contact Us Now!

Manufacturers, Warehousing, or Distribution Centers...

Click here for FREE technical data and product information or Contact Us Now!

Local Support, right in your neighborhood...
Spacesaver Corporation has a network of local independant commericial area contractors and industrial distributors that are handpicked and highly trained. These local representatives work in tandem with the end user, architects and local building authorities to properly evaluate each application and recommend the most appropriate solution. Spacesaver Corporation also has sales support and technical support representatives available to assist you and your local representative.

FreeStyling Wardrobe Lockers

Nicci Breithaupt — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 19:47:00 GMT

At the Skokie, IL Police Department, the number one asset and philosophy is its people. When it came time for Skokie PD to redesign their station, the one major design change that was desired by the police force were new personal uniform lockers for every officer. The police department had offered basic school sized lockers, which weren't available to every officer and were too small to adequately store all of the officers belongings.

To aid in solving this storage and space crunch, Bradford Systems, a local Spacesaver^® representative, designed a solution for the new facility's locker rooms in the form of 142 Spacesaver FreeStyle™ personal storage lockers. The FreeStyle lockers live up to their name being specifically engineered with a host of options and interchangeable features which allow end users to easily customize them to their personal needs.

Watch the Skokie FreeStyle Video below to learn more about the Spacesaver Personal Storage Locker Solution ...

“The lockers represent the only private space for most of the people who work here,” he says. “We didn’t design the locker rooms as a country club, but the lockers certainly needed to be big enough and functional.”

The ability to match the FreeStyle lockers to the needs of the users scored high marks, according to Silverberg. He says a properly designed locker goes a long way toward the creation of a positive working environment.

– Police Chief Silverberg

Readiness is also critical for patrol and community service officers. The building planners decided to utilize a bare corridor to install gear bag lockers to store the officers' heavy duty bags needed for each shift. The wall was lined with 47 lockers designed specifically to store gear bags. A perfect location next to the roll-call room and parking garage making it easily accessible to the officers before and after shift duty. A typical officer gear bag contains everything from ticket books to extra ammunition and can weigh up to 30 pounds. The heavy-duty lockers, each of which is two feet wide by two feet tall, are stacked two and three high along the corridor.

Fourty-seven lockers with combination locks designed specifically to store gear bags were installed for the officers use after each shift.

“The idea for gear bag storage came out of the end-users meetings,” Silverberg says, adding that there really was no place for gear bags at the old facility. “Now, they’re right outside the parking garage and having them there adds to productivity and morale.”

“Employees truly appreciate it when you do what you can to make their jobs easier, and our storage systems definitely play a role in helping us do that,” Silverberg says. “What it often boils down to in law enforcement is time savings and productivity. Both ultimately lead to higher morale and a higher level of service to the community.”

To learn more about the storage solutions Bradford Systems delivered and installed for the Skokie Police Department, click on the image to the right to download the full case study.

Need more information on Spacesaver Storage Solutions, Contact Us!

From Inception to Completion Spacesaver® has your Healthcare Storage Needs Covered

Tyler Burns — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:40:00 GMT

Many of you might instantly associate the word Inception as a dream within a dream, with Leonardo DiCaprio running around in upside down buildings trying not to fall into limbo.

Definition: Inception - The establishment or starting point

of something; the beginning.

While looking at the definition, an antonym of “inception” caught our eye, “goal”. Goals are set during inception and if they are met remains to be seen until completion of the project. One of the most challenging aspects of goal setting is clearly defining the goals and making sure everyone involved is on the same page.

Seamless collaboration becomes inconceivable when given the task of constructing and opening a hospital, on deadline, with precise codes and specifications.

Enter Attainia…

The process of planning, budgeting, and monitoring projects in the healthcare industry can be very strenuous. Involved is an enormous amount of teamwork needed from numerous companies, from inception to completion and beyond.

Today we are all connected by the click of a button or the touch of a screen. Attainia takes advantage of this connection by creating a community consisting of hospital and health system providers, manufacturing/distribution suppliers, and architects/equipment planning facilitators. Proper use of the program is invaluable, with real-time updates and additions that can be made from within, productivity increases from streamlining the process.

Check out this quote from an Attainia user:

“A quality Equipment Planner works in close conjunction with the Provider; the Equipment Manufacturer and Supplier; the Construction Firm; and, the Architect. Early, timely, and productive interaction between all these people and the equipment planner can mean the difference between opening a facility on-time and under-budget, and the exact opposite.” - Awni Kopty of Universal Hospital Services, an International Equipment Planner

Attainia is the most widely used, customized equipment planning, budgeting, and tracking software available since it was launched in 2001. They currently have over $41 billion worth of active projects being planned and tracked within the software, and $63 million specifically in storage. The industry has responded strongly to the software and is a reason Spacesaver has joined Attainia, resulting in increased availability to our customers, current and prospective.

FrameWRX ™

FrameWRX™ is one of Spacesaver’s most adjustable healthcare product solution lines, and now it is available to be specified in Attainia.

FrameWRX systems are endlessly customizable, and relocation is effortless to cater to a healthcare organization’s ever-evolving storage needs. How a Spacesaver FrameWRX system can be used--is only limited to what the user can dream up. (Notice the reference back to Inception!)

The system can meet user needs now and in the future. Accessories for storage on the FrameWRX system ranges from wire baskets, plastic bins, to metal pegs for robotic-ready medications. Adjustment of the placement of shelves, bins, and pegs happens without the use of tools or effort. Spacesaver provides customization in almost every aspect of the FrameWRX system to meet and exceed a user’s needs. You have your choice of texture and color for work surfaces, canopies, and our fully customizable end panels.

Wire Baskets

FrameWRX adapts to numerous unexpected situations, one being the addition of new operational standards and codes. Clean room requirements have been added to operational procedures for most hospitals and pharmacies. FrameWRX is available with customizable wire baskets that maintain aseptic standards as well as provide storage longevity. The baskets can be mounted at an even or sloped angle for easy access and visibility. The wire baskets adapt to their use, and dividers create endless storage separation and organization.

FrameWRX™ HD

FrameWRX™ HD systems are also customizable and aimed for high-density storage when space is scarce. FrameWRX HD has sliding rows of storage, which on Spacesaver’s EZ Rail® technology, allows for two rows of storage in one. The system slides effortlessly and provides great visibility and customization as any FrameWRX product would.

FrameWRX is a smart choice in an ever-changing environment. Storage needs change, operations change, technology changes, and industry codes change. FrameWRX evolves with the hospital. The effort and cost of updating you save can then be directed to new opportunities internally and externally.

If you are not using Attainia today for planning—check it out and make sure you remember Spacesaver when you are planning your storage phase of the project.

Pushed to the Brink? Ready to “Go Off”?

Jason Konz — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:43:00 GMT

Think about it…aren’t you fed up dealing with your current archival storage solution? Or is it more like lack thereof that is pushing you to the brink…the point at which all you need now is just one little catalyst to make you “go off”!

Well, go for it, liberate yourself! Set yourself free from the never ceasing battle of storing more –more collections, more records, more evidence, more whatever- with seemingly less –less budget allocation, less space allocation, and well…frankly, less respect for just how significant the challenge has become to cost effectively deal with the extreme archival storage demands of your organization!

That’s right, I’m talking to you Ms. County Records Center Administrator, or Book Depository Director and you too Mr. Evidence Warehouse Manager or Replacement Parts Center Manager, and I bet there are a bunch of Facilities Managers, Board Members, and others out there too that are feeling the heat when it comes to the ever increasing amount of media and associated cost to store it.

Well the opportunity to do something about it is now…the opportunity to “go off” on your archival storage in a BIG way…and I mean REALLY BIG way!

I’m talking about 45 ft high, one piece upright, pack it in tight, NFPA Code 13 approved, no tools needed adjustable XTend® High-Bay Shelving. Now that’s how you “go off” on your storage… “off-site” that is.

That’s right! More and more Universities, Police Precincts, Parts Distribution centers, County Records agencies and the likes are saying enough with over weeding, enough with warehouse after warehouse of pallet racking, archival shelving, widespan shelving, or filing cabinets…(that’s scary) or enough with paying third party records storage fees only to get even more heated knowing how much it costs to retrieve your materials. More and more of your peers are going to an offsite storage solution with Static High Bay Archival Shelving or a Mobilized High Bay Archival Storage Systems to bring peace of mind to managing their organization’s extreme archive storage demands.

Learn more about XTend High Bay Archival Storage and Mobile Shelving

Intrigued, but have some reservations?
Contact us.
We’ll put our team of consultants, engineers, project managers, and storage specialist to work helping you through all phases from initial feasibility to installation. Or perhaps we can connect you with several of your peers that did “go off”.

Your archival storage challenges not quite XTend High Bay worthy?

Check out ActivRAC Mobilized Storage as an option for solving your more modest storage needs.

DC Metro Police Rise Up Against Long-Term Evidence Storage… Literally
Property rooms everywhere are all doing the same thing … running out of space. Many large metropolitan departments are land-locked and don’t have the luxury to expand their facilities outwards. But what about UPWARDS?

Fire-Protection Test Spurs Flood of Questions
After a recent full-scale test showed that Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler systems were the best fire protection for high-bay shelving systems—and test results became code in the NFPA 13-2010 edition—people began asking:

Download Free Whitepaper!

Running Out Of Room

This whitepaper describes the growing array of on- and off-site storage solutions that are helping academic libraries adapt to increasingly diverse user needs!

Memories from a Night at the Museum

Julie Weber — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:34:00 GMT

It has been almost a month since NeoCon 2011 came and went. After months and months of planning, it was all over in a flash and we were back to business as usual. What makes all the hard work and planning worthwhile is to know that the experiences had by our A&D partners were positive and memorable!

And boy, were they!

Spacesaver once again hosted a Night at the Museum; an evening filled with food, drinks, music and special behind the scenes tours of the Anthropological archives at the Chicago Field Museum.

What is so special about these tours? These archives are rarely seen by the public and are part of the museum’s collection that is not on display. Did you know that only 2% of a museum’s collection is on display for the public? That means there is an overwhelming 98% unseen by the general population!

NeoCon is all about showcasing products and ideas, and hopefully we did that with the Night at the Museum event! Our customers were able to see Spacesaver storage solutions in action in this unique setting.

Interested in attending this unique event next year? Contact your local storage specialist by clicking here!

Want to learn more about the Chicago Field Museum’s unique Spacesaver Storage installation? Read the full case study here:

Julie Weber ~Storage Enthusiast

Introducing ActivRAC® 7M Mobilized Storage System

Kacia Gillette — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 15:22:00 GMT

Spacesaver® Corporation expands it's ActivRAC® Mobilized Storage System product line with the ActivRAC 7M unit. It's the young, agile system of the ActivRAC pack yet still max's out storing 7,000 lbs per carriage. It comes in a mechanical-assist manual operation (hand-crank). This is no "frilly" system, it's built to last and fit in your space; and is so versatile you can use it almost anywhere! Think athletic gear storage, tool storage, medical supply storage, industrial and heavy duty storage, artifacts, pharmaceuticals, boxes, stuff, you name it!

The simple fact is everyone needs more space for storage. The ActivRAC 7M system maximizes storage capacity by recovering idle aisle space while providing 100% accessibility with the simple turn of a handle.

Unlevel surface? No problem! The ActivRAC 7M unit can handle it. It has the ability to travel over flat, but non-level floors, using patent pending designs and technology. It also provides true system flexibility to expand, move, or re-configure. Further, the mobilized storage carriages protect your existing storage investment because they have been
designed to accommodate everything from 4-post shelving and drawer systems to cantilever shelving and even light to medium-duty pallet racking.

With an ActivRAC 7M Mobilized Storage System, users can:

-Free up space for revenue generating or value-added activity – and essentially transform otherwise dead storage space into useful space.

-Place materials closer to the point of use as part of a de-centralized storage scheme for streamlined processes and improved productivity.

-Better organize supplies, tools, parts, equipment and other materials since they can be easily housed in a centralized spot for more efficient processes. Users can find and access items kept in one location.

-Effectively manage the continued trend toward storing more and more SKUs or other types of inventory.

-Reduce the need for expansions, or leasing/purchasing of additional space.

Want to Learn More?

Click Here for a FREE tech data sheet or Contact Us Now!

Manufacturers, Warehousing, or Distribution Centers...

Click here for FREE technical data and product information or Contact Us Now!

Evidence Storage – Securing the Chain of Custody

Nicci Breithaupt — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:54:00 GMT

Property and evidence storage was a major priority when designing a new law enforcement headquarters in Skokie, Il. The police facility employs a total of 23 evidence technicians who are trained in the latest evidence management techniques. Evidence is processed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

At the old police station, inefficiencies were a reality since the Property & Evidence Office and storage areas where property and evidence was kept were in separate locations. The evidence and property room itself was a converted janitor’s closet. Space was so tight that technicians sometimes had to use the floor to package large pieces of evidence. Property and evidence was stored on fixed shelving and standard lockers, making space even tighter. Refrigerated evidence was kept in a refrigerator secured with a padlock. Despite the antiquated storage situation, Skokie PD made the old property and evidence storage work. However, the old way of doing things was no longer acceptable given the longer periods required for holding some evidence and the need to protect the integrity of evidence throughout the entire chain of custody.

At the heart of the evidence processing area at the new police station are Spacesaver’s DSM™ pass-through evidence lockers, which are designed to secure the chain of custody during the critical short-term evidence storage period. The lockers are built into the wall that separates the evidence drop-off area from the property and evidence room.

To deposit packaged and labeled evidence, an officer chooses an open locker and places the evidence inside it. He then pushes a button to lock the door. At that point, no one can open it from that side – custody of the item passes definitively to evidence technicians on the opposite side of the wall.

To read the full story, click here

How Spacesaver's Digital Touchpad Saves Space…

Shelley Smith — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:18:00 GMT

For years, one Local School Division in Calgary, Canada, kept its student records inside a wide variety of shelves, boxes, baskets and filing cabinets. The file population continued to grow, but the room didn’t. Security also became a problem because none of the equipment purchased over the years had ever been standardized, and keys became lost. Boxes were frequently moved to make room for other materials, making it difficult to find the required student files later.

After more than 40 years in the same offices, a new building was finally planned. However, construction cost estimates came in higher than anticipated and in an effort to save money on the project, storage space was dramatically reduced. Consequently, the student records were destined to share space with other materials in the same room. So, the problems experienced in the old building persisted, just now in a brand new room.

Within just a couple years of occupying the new building, school officials realized they had to make some changes. They enlisted the help of Allan Hansen of Heritage Business Interiors of Calgary. Allan designed a Spacesaver Eclipse storage solution, which is high-density, space-saving compact shelving that can be moved at the touch of a button. Once officials realized how little space was actually required for the student records, the project was expanded to include records from other departments.

This change to multi-department access further complicated the security issue across departments. Fortunately, Spacesaver’s optional Touchpad Control with Display and Audit Trail capabilities provided a sleek and unique storage solution to their security issues. School Division officials were so impressed by the Touchpad’s capabilities, that the direction to move forward was clear.

As a result, each carriage has its own access code, so multiple departments are able to store their records in one room, without fear of unauthorized access. In addition, the Touchpad - in effect - created more space. As the end user told Allan, "It [the Touchpad] was like getting four or five additional storage rooms in the building because we could lock everything individually."

Another unique feature is the fact that this installation is built upon raised access flooring, which also provides fresh airflow throughout the building. Hence, the design of the storage solution had to be planned around these airflow access points, so as not to block any airflow into the room. Since some of these vents were in the middle of the shelving runs, where a carriage might block them, Spacesaver’s “split carriage” capabilities were employed on some of the runs.

The term “split carriage” has never been very intuitive to me, and it may not be to you either, so let me try to explain because this unique Spacesaver capability often comes in handy when designing systems, with really long runs of shelving and/or when obstacles like vents or columns are in the middle of the storage area.

Envision an area where one might want one long carriage, but the area where the carriage may move or sit contains a column or vent somewhere in the midst of the carriage. Spacesaver will actually manufacture two smaller carriages, which will appear in place of one long carriage, and then, the software for our powered systems is programmed to make these two carriages move as if they are one single carriage. This capability is demonstrated in the video below by our new ActivRAC product – watch how multiple carriages move as one, straddling columns in this building.

Shelley Smith - Storage Specialist

Heritage Business Interiors of Calgary, your local Spacesaver representative, covers southern Alberta, Canada. Are you looking for a skilled storage specialist and Spacesaver showroom in your area of the world? Give us a call at 1-800-255-8170 or contact us here and we'll hook you up.

If you want to learn more about Spacesaver’s Eclipse powered systems, including Wheelhouse, which can be used with the Digital Touchpad, click here to download a free kit.

Spacesaver’s “I Heart My Library Contest” Has A Lucky Louisiana Winner

Tyler Burns — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:11:00 GMT

Spacesaver® launched its “I Heart My Library Contest” in April with the hope of finding a Louisiana school or public library in need of a storage makeover. We were also in search of a library that was filled with passionate patrons who loved their library. The contest required students or visitors of the library (under the age of 18) to draw a picture depicting what they loved about their library and accompany it with a description of their drawing up to 100 words in length. A little over a month after the launch of the contest, we can announce the winning Louisiana library, The Holy Family School of Port Allen, Louisiana, a K-8 Catholic school.

After contacting Holy Family School to pass on the great news, we received the following quote from Brenda Fremin, Principal of the Holy Family School:

“Students, faculty and staff of Holy Family School will benefit greatly from the donation of shelving by Spacesaver. With nearly 400 students and over 12,000 books, we were simply running out of room in our current library, which was built in the early 90’s, but this donation gives us the space, look and features of a new library and one that our students will thoroughly enjoy visiting each day. Thank you just isn’t enough!”

The school’s students put a lot of effort into their drawings and descriptions. Over 10% of the students in their school submitted entries! The following were some of the most memorable lines from the descriptions submitted by students, along with some of our favorite submitted images.

“I hope we can win because our library deserves it. The shelves are made of wood and I have got five splinters. But it’s fine because we have awesome books and ok movies that we read and watch. So thank you Spacesaver for letting us enter.” [sic]

“My favorite thing about our library is the books. Our library has so many different choices in books. They have small books, big books, tall books, and short books.” [sic]

“The library is the place where all the knowledge starts. People check out books and they read them. As they read these books the knowledge is transferred from the book to the readers’ head, and that knowledge can be told to a friend.” [sic]

“We have over 1,000 books in our library. Some of them can’t fit on the shelves. That is why we need to get the library redone so that we could have room for books and more books.” [sic]

Along with the free shelving, Spacesaver is also covering the cost of three exhibit entrance fees/travel for The Holy Family School employees who wish attend the 2011 ALA Conference in New Orleans. The shelving will be installed for free by Associated Office Systems (AOS) Inc. of New Orleans.

Spacesaver would like to thank all the participating Louisiana libraries, and congratulate again the students and staff at The Holy Family School for their win. Stay tuned for pictures of the winner at ALA on our Spacesaver Facebook page.

To learn more about library storage solutions visit Spacesaver’s Education homepage.