InterALIA, June 2005

Specials moving seminar

Some advice from those who have moved a library.

On Monday 6 June a group of special librarians met to discuss an issue that was close to their hearts: moving a library or a collection.

We heard perspectives from Lynn Drew from the History Trust of SA (via Hayley Gamble), Jenni Jeremy of the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library, Juliet Marconi from the Department of Health and Anna Tripodi from RAECO, a library supplier.

Advice to those planning a move included:

• Be prepared for emotion.
• Take lots of time to plan.
• Have food and drink provisions for your staff on the moving day.
• Keep up the close communication with staff
• Have back up plans for staff, weather, contractors, first aid.
• Log all incidents for future planning.
• Debrief after the move.
• Occupational health and safety is very important in both design of new space and the move itself.
• Library staff should oversee contractors who may do the physical work.
• Make sure your collection is still accessible to patrons.
• Allow 25 per cent more time than you think you need.
• Keep fighting for the grants, show management why you need money.

Those in the audience soaked up the experience and felt better for knowing they are not alone in the daunting moving tasks ahead!