The Lied Library Automated Storage and Retrieval (LASR) Unit
| Published date | 01 September 2005 |
| Date | 01 September 2005 |
| Pages | 306-312 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378830510621720 |
| Author | Michaelyn Haslam |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THEME ARTICLE
The Lied Library Automated
Storage and Retrieval (LASR)
Unit
Michaelyn Haslam
University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to determine whether an automated storage facility met the
need to manage space, given a growing collection and the study area needs of users.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the automated storage and retrieval
installation, storage projects since the first load, and daily use.
Findings – Using an automated storage and retrieval system has allowed efficient space handling in
Lied Library, while offering quick access to stored materials.
Originality/value – In recent years automated storage and retrieval systems have become viable
options for the onsite storage of library materials. Those planning new library facilities or remodelling
existing facilities will be informed of the practical experience in using such a system for five years.
Keywords Information retrieval, Storage systems,Automation
Paper type Case study
Building planning parameters
Lied Library planners had to project space needs for the library into the future to
accommodate collection growth and the need for more space for library users. It was
unlikely that the state public works board would allow money for expansion once the
building was constructed. The decision was made to install an onsite, automated
storage and retrieval system to manage space for a growing collection and the need for
increased room for users. The Lied Automated Storage and Retrieval (LASR) system
was installed as a result of this decision (see Plate 1).
The LASR installation
The LASR installation has been compared to a gigantic card catalog with metal bins
instead of drawers. Plate 1 shows the installation from the back. There are three aisles
of bins mounted on racks. Each aisle has 37 columns on each side with 26 bins of
various sizes in each column. Since there are building support columns throughout the
facility not every side has 37 columns. There is one 6-inch bin at the bottom of each
column. Then there are eight 10-inch bins, 15 12-inch bins, one 15-inch bin, and one
18-inch bin.
Plate 2 is in the aisle of LASR with the robotic crane, which is a mast with a
platform. The crane moves from one end of the aisle to the other depending on where
the bin being retrieved resides. When a request is received the crane moves to the
column where the bin with the item is located. Simultaneously the platform moves to
the level of the bin’s row. A mechanism on the platform pulls the bin out of the rack and
The Emerald Research Register for this journal is available at The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/researchregister www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
LHT
23,3
306
Received 1 February 2005
Reviewed 30 March 2005
Accepted 25 April 2005
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 23 No. 3, 2005
pp. 306-312
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378830510621720
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