About the Client:
Unable to create the University of Cornwall as a separate entity, a project was instead formed as a “hub and rim university” by a coalition of partners – Exeter and Plymouth universities, Falmouth College of Arts, the Open University, the College of St Marks and St John, Peninsula Medical School, Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. The aim was to create the link between Further and Higher Education, enabling students to study one or more degrees without leaving Cornwall.
The Requirement
As part of this project a new campus at Tremough near Penryn was formed (now referred to as Penryn Campus), to provide a central hub and to provide an opportunity for new courses to be created specifically for Cornish students.
This campus, which is now completed and groundbreaking in design, provides a community environment where all subjects are studied under a single roof. Each room is specifically designed and equipped for its purpose with an array of the latest equipment.
During the development of the site, a library facility was also to be built. The architects and educational teams were looking for a specialist partner to implement a huge variety of solutions within this space including: Security Gates, Static Shelving, Mobile Shelving, map cabinets, and more. To achieve this and attract a partner, a tender was issued for the works.
After long discussions and an in depth audit of their requirements, Rackline won out over the competition:
“We awarded Rackline the contract because not only are they specialist in storage solutions but could provide a full turnkey operation.” – Anne George, Director of Academic Services
The most striking feature of the ground breaking building design is the deep concrete roof that supports a layer of soil and landscaped with indigenous plants such as sedum.
The Solution:
The library project consisted of a huge number of differing solutions, all of which needed custom designing, manufacturing and installing:
- Electronic Security Gates
- An Issues Desk
- OPAC Terminals
- Desk Static shelving for Books and Videos
- Mobile shelving for archiving,
- Static shelving for Journals
- Maps Cabinets & Light Box
- Static Library Shelving
Static Library Shelving
Rackline installed 238 bays of Proform static shelving to provide 1,424.4 linear metres of storage. This capacity was in excess of the book stock, to allow for growth in the volume of books over the coming years. Proform shelving was the perfect choice, with its double panel structure resulting in a completely smooth aperture,
ideal for the storage of books and manuscripts.
Mobile Shelving
Mobile Shelving in the form of Rackline Multitrak, provides huge space saving. The shelves form 6 levels plus a top shelf providing 1,596.2 linear metres of storage in 231 bays. Multitrak is robust enough to hold whatever weight they need, with weight bearing of up to 20 tones per carriage and lengths of up to 15m.
Light Boxes
Situated in the Map Room, a custom designed Light Box provides handy map tracing capability.
Security Gate and Issue Control
Sensor gates and Tattle Tape strip was used as the foundation to build an anti-theft solution. This same solution is also used, together with software to help manage the movement of material into, out of and around the library.
Journal Shelving
Proform static shelving was used for this requirement. It consisted of 25 bays providing 166.8 linear metres at six levels plus a top shelf. Each angled shelf is hinged to allow storage of journals underneath.
Video Shelving
Again, Rackline Proform static shelving was used for this requirement. It consisted of 50 bays providing 259.2 linear metres at eight levels.
Quick Reference Shelves
Consisting of three levels each with a lockable roller shutter. 21 bays providing 75.6 linear metres of storage.
Map Cabinets
Eight map cabinets designed to hold 450 maps per cabinet. The maps can be extracted by opening a quick release mechanism. Access to each cabinet is by a hinged top door with hydraulic stays.
Gallery
See the mix of solutions provided by Rackline.
The Result
The numerous solutions produced by Rackline support the coalition in the education of its students. The tailored solutions installed, provide facilities that both help facilitate learning and keep valuable materials safe and secure.
Get in Touch
To find out more about Rackline’s storage solutions, or discover how our flexible manufacturing can help you to build the facilities you need, get in touch: 01782 770144, or fill in the form below.