Connecting to Collections Care

 View Only

  • 1.  High Density Shelving

    Posted 10-14-2025 13:18
    Everyone,

    My organization is planning to build a new repository and wants to install high-density shelving.  If you have experience with this kind of shelving, which vendors would you recommend?

    Mark Shenise, Archivist,
    General Commission on Archives and History
    United Methodist Church


  • 2.  RE: High Density Shelving

    Posted 10-14-2025 13:19

    Hi all-

    Just a reminder that the community is welcome to share their experiences with vendors, but posting in this community does not imply endorsement by C2C Care. Thanks again! 



    ------------------------------
    --------------------------------------
    Robin Bauer Kilgo (she/her/hers)
    Connecting to Collections Care Coordinator, FAIC
    c2cc@culturalheritage.org
    National Heritage Responders WG Co-Chair
    Contract Registrar/Consultant
    rbkilgo@gmail.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: High Density Shelving

    Posted 10-15-2025 07:41

    Hi, Mark- we are actually in the construction phase of a new repository and while I can't endorse one brand over another, I can offer some tips. During the design phase it was explained to us that having the tracks installed during construction is preferred over adding them later. In our current structure, it was added later resulting in a ledge between the rows and the original concrete floor that makes getting ladders over it difficult. Other tips we've learned is to leave enough wiggle room on each shelf relative to your standard storage box size to aid in removing boxes from shelves. Our current shelving was designed to hold as many boxes as possible per shelf, which is fine if you never need to access the boxes, but in this business, we of course know that's not feasible. Also, we have found that boxes with lids greatly reduce storage capacity. We use cubic foot, acid free storage boxes with self-closing lids that are perfect for this type of shelving.

    Our new shelving will have pull out shelves integrated into the shelving for placing things on which will be very helpful. Your architect should be able to assist you in the selection of high density shelving, particularly as it relates to collections storage.

    Best of luck!



    ------------------------------
    Marie Prentice
    Collections Manager
    Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research
    Tallahassee
    United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: High Density Shelving

    Posted 10-15-2025 08:43

    Hello Mark,

    This is a great question. I can't recommend any specific vendors, but I can provide resources with considerations when planning for high density storage.  

    I agree with others in that that you will need to make sure there is space to remove boxes safely and get a cart between the shelves. I also like systems that have slide out reference shelves that act as a landing space for boxes/objects. I prefer manual systems for opening shelves over electric systems. In my experience, the manual and are very easy to move, are less likely to break, and collections will still be accessible in an emergency if the power fails. Electric systems tend to have more issues and break often. With electric systems it is essential to make sure all aisles are clear before moving the shelves as the power/weight of the shelves can crush anything in an aisle (once I almost got crushed).      

    Powder coater steel shelves are recommended. I also suggest finding a vendor that uses recycled steel to reduce the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing the shelving.

    The Society of American Archivists produced a pdf on storage equipment that offers pros and cons and considerations for storage furniture, Section 6 - Equipment.pdf.

    Page 19 of the NARA Archival Storage Standards discusses NARA requirements for shelving. 1571-archival-storage-standards-full-version.pdf

    The International Council on Archives prepared an FAQ on archival storage shelving. Shelving for archival storage – key issues

    Please reach out if you have any additional questions!



    ------------------------------
    Al Carver-Kubik
    Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
    Senior Program Officer
    National Endowment for the Humanities
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: High Density Shelving

    Posted 10-15-2025 14:42
    Dear Mark,

    I know a lot of institutions that have worked with Southwest Solutions. They are based out of Texas but do work nationally and internationally. My contact is Bruce Delp his information is below

    Bruce Delp
    Southwest Solutions Group® Oklahoma City Office
    14320 North Lincoln Blvd
    Ste 406
    Edmond OK 73013
    Phone: (800) 803-1083
    Fax: (972) 250-2229



    Anne Murray Chilton
    Murray Conservation Services
    3301 N Viewpoint Drive
    Midwest City, OK 73110
    405-618-8282




    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: High Density Shelving

    Posted 10-16-2025 08:48

    We're currently working with Delta Designs/Bruynzeel and very happy with their service.

    Thanks,

    Julie



    ------------------------------
    Julie Wallingford
    Records Manager
    Highland County Record Center & Archives
    Seaman
    United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content