Later this month, Collections Management staff will begin physically moving History Colorado’s collections from offsite storage into the new building. But moving preparations actually began months ago, when staff members began plotting the progression of pallets and objects on paper to ensure the move goes seamlessly. They’re also solving cataloging issues, making sure that every item has an accurate record by the time the move begins.

Storage in the old building was spread all over the facility, with many objects housed in decades-old cabinetry with limited environmental controls. Staff worked with consultants and contractors to plan storage in the new History Colorado Center to meet both current and future needs. The Photography and Books and Manuscripts collections will be housed on the second floor adjacent to the library reading room, with Material Culture and Decorative and Fine Arts storage on the fourth floor. Proof that dreams really can come true, every piece of storage furniture is new and was carefully selected to house the specific type of material it will hold. Staff reviewed each type of collection, identifying their ideal placement for ease of access, and selecting the most appropriate method of storage.

Both storage areas have high density, mobile systems. Moveable carriages sit atop tracks  laid in the floor. Each carriage holds shelves or cabinetry, and the units can be moved as needed to provide aisle access. Without fixed aisles, overall storage capacity is increased up to fifty percent. Efficiency and sustainability are key components of the new History Colorado Center. Through careful planning, the new storage areas will have increased capacity as well as true climate control, all in forty percent less space than what was required in the old building. Moving can be a chore, but in this case we’re looking forward to it!

Elisa Phelps, Director Collections Library Division
September 2011

Got a question about an object, a collection or exhibit? Ask a curator!