Libraries Tasmania, responsible for preserving Tasmania's documentary heritage, needed a new storage facility to accommodate the growing Tasmanian Archives collection. The existing storage facility at Berriedale was deemed inadequate, prompting the development of a new facility at 271 East Derwent Highway, Geilston Bay. The new facility required the installation of static steel shelving and mechanically operated mobile steel shelving to ensure the longevity and preservation of the archival materials for future generations.
The contract with Castledex covered the entire process, starting from the manufacture and supply of both standard combinations of static steel shelving and mechanically operated mobile steel shelving to their delivery and installation. Additionally, all related equipment, such as tracking, flooring, bumpers, and supportive mechanisms, were provided to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing, durable, and trouble-free storage system.
Castledex proposed the use of the Foreg 2000 mechanically assisted mobile shelving system as part of the contract. This system was carefully selected for its innovative design, durability, and ease of use, which perfectly complemented the archival storage needs of the Tasmanian Archives.
The majority of records in the Tasmanian Archives collection are paper-based and stored in Type 1 cardboard containers with dimensions of 371mm L x 168mm W x 250mm D. As other types of containers use similar measurements, the selected archival shelving system had to optimize storage capacity and accommodate these standard dimensions, resulting in 900mm x 400mm shelves.
Considering the critical importance of preserving historical records for extended periods, the archival shelving system needed to have a lifespan of over 30 years. Therefore, it was essential for the materials used in the shelving system to be non-corrosive and free from any materials that could produce vapors or gases during the product's lifespan.
Castledex, a renowned provider of storage solutions, carefully analyzed the requirements outlined in the contract and worked closely with the Tasmanian Archives to design and implement an effective archival storage solution.
Design and Manufacturing: Castledex engineers created a custom solution that included both static steel shelving and the Foreg 2000 mechanically assisted mobile shelving system. The Foreg 2000 system, known for its robust construction and smooth operation, provided an efficient and space-saving solution for the archival collection.
Durability and Aesthetics: Understanding the need for a long-lasting system, Castledex utilized top-of-the-line materials and manufacturing processes for both the static steel shelving and the Foreg 2000 system. The Foreg 2000's durable steel construction and powder-coated finish ensured resistance to corrosion, while the static steel shelving boasted a sleek and attractive design.
Safety and Ease of Use: The Foreg 2000 system featured mechanical assistance, making it effortless for the archives' personnel to move the mobile shelves with ease. Safety features such as anti-tip mechanisms and interlocks were integrated into the system to prevent accidents during operation. Castledex provided comprehensive training to the archives' staff to ensure they could operate the mobile shelving system safely and effectively.
Delivery and Installation: Castledex efficiently delivered the shelving components, including the Foreg 2000 system, to the Geilston Bay facility and executed the installation process with precision. Their experienced team ensured that all components were set up correctly, meeting all safety standards and functional requirements.
Castledex successfully provided the Tasmanian Archives with:
- 15 Mobile Shelving systems, totaling over 1,920 bays of shelving
- 7 runs of static shelving, totaling 68 static bays, providing 14,442.30 lineal meters of storage
- Equating to a total capacity of 82,770 archive boxes.
Before final handover, Castledex conducted rigorous testing of the entire storage system, including the Foreg 2000 mechanically assisted mobile shelving. The Tasmanian Archives' representatives inspected the installation, and after conducting their assessments, they approved the archival storage solution, acknowledging the value brought by the Foreg 2000 system.
By working closely with the Tasmanian Archives and meticulously addressing the specified requirements, Castledex successfully delivered a high-quality archival storage solution. The Foreg 2000 mechanically assisted mobile shelving system, along with the static steel shelving, significantly improved the archival capacity and ensured the preservation of Tasmania's documentary heritage for future generations. The seamless integration of the Foreg 2000 system enhanced the functionality and accessibility of the archival collection, meeting the unique needs of Libraries Tasmania.
