The information provided about BS5454:2000 is intended as a general guide to the design and implementation of mobile and static shelving solutions for the storage of archived books and documents. The recommendations could apply equally to the storage of museum artefacts and similar rare and unique items.
Although it cannot be considered as authoritative, we do hope you will find the information provided on these pages useful. However, it is suggested you refer to BS5454:2000 to address the wider issues associated with the design of archive repositories.
General Guidance and Basic Recommendations for Shelving:
Safe and Effective Storage:
Shelving should provide safe and effective storage for documents and objects combined with ease of withdrawal and replacement. As collections vary considerably it is necessary and recommended that an in-depth audit is conducted to ensure your needs are understood and, of course, to match the collection to be stored with the best possible storage system for your project.
Shelving sizes must be correct:
Documents and Objects should not protrude beyond the outer edges of your shelving as they could get knocked off or damaged.
The shelves in your store should be of sufficient size to fully support the stored material. To prevent damage to documents and objects, or injury to people, the leading edge should not be angular or sharp.
Cleaning:
Care must be taken to ensure that operatives have easy access for cleaning purposes. Because we understand how vitally important it is to keep documents and other objects free from harmful dust ingress, your storage solution should be designed with this in mind.
Strength:
Your shelving must be strong and robust enough to easily carry the load that is required of it.
Material:
Your shelving should be manufactured from material that:
- is Durable
- is Non-combustible
- will not emit substances harmful to stored documents and objects
- does not have sharp edges or projections or a chemical composition that could damage documents, objects or people.
Adjustability:
Your shelving should be easy to adjust to meet the ongoing needs of your collection.
Air circulation:
Your shelving system should permit free circulation of air and should not be positioned against an outside wall.
Labeling:
Your shelving should have provision for labeling for each run, bay and shelf.
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