Library Move, Queen’s College, University of Oxford

At the core of Polygon's Document Restoration service is the sensitive handling of delicate collections. This expertise, typically applied to materials damaged by fire or flood, was key to our successful appointment to move the library and archival collections at Queen’s College, Oxford, into their new, state-of-the-art facility.

Challenge

The move was complex; it was to be completed in three phases over holiday periods, to allow refurbishment of existing library spaces whilst minimising disruption to students, particularly those preparing for their final exams. Polygon could provide a scalable and flexible solution to this requirement, accommodating slippage in the construction project and some changes to access to the library, which disrupted the intended workflow.

Aside from the timescale challenges, the original storage locations in the library were extremely constrained, mostly in the case of special collections. These were to be moved from a series of tunnels with narrow and difficult access channels, multiple sets of stairs and low ceiling height.

The first move consisted of the transfer of 1,300 linear metres of collections from the original Lower Library to the New Library. There was a requirement to maintain the sequence and allow for expansion space, including the temporary decant of some items into the New Library to allow another space to be refurbished.

The second move consisted of transferring that collection back into the newly refurbished library and the permanent move of the Library’s reserve collection into roller racking in the New Library, comprising 1350 linear metres. The final phase was the move of the special collections and archives from eight spaces within the college.

Solution

Polygon's Document Restoration division could provide a scalable and flexible solution to this requirement, accommodating slippage in the construction project and some changes to access to the library, which disrupted the intended workflow.

Outcome

Thanks to the hard work of the team, all three moves were completed successfully and within the time allocated.

The move was completed to the delight of the College Librarian, Amanda Saville:

“Stuart and the team left yesterday, and I just wanted to write to you to say what a fantastic job they all did, due in no small way to Stuart’s brilliant leadership and the great rapport between him and Keith, who was also fantastic. The lads were all excellent, and the teamwork and good humour they showed in really difficult physical circumstances are a testament to Stuart’s excellent people management skills and his ability to motivate his workers. I cannot thank you enough for providing such excellent service to Queen’s. We could not have asked for better people to work with or a more efficient project. Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to everyone in the team.”