Project Overview:
The Bodleian Library’s relocation of materials to the new Swindon facility was a monumental undertaking, involving the consolidation of numerous collections from various Oxford locations, as well as materials stored in salt mines and warehouses. The project aimed to centralize and preserve the library’s vast holdings while improving accessibility and efficiency.
Key Challenges and Accomplishments:
Massive Scale: The transfer encompassed a staggering 150,000 linear meters of materials and archives, equivalent to approximately 5.1 million objects. This included a million maps and a significant portion of the Oxyrhynchus Papyri, a renowned collection of ancient Egyptian texts.
Diverse Collections: The move involved a wide range of materials, from rare books and manuscripts to ephemera and large, unusual objects. This diversity presented unique challenges in terms of handling, packaging, and transportation.
Logistical Complexity: Coordinating the transfer of materials from multiple locations, including remote salt mines, required meticulous planning and execution. The project faced logistical challenges related to transportation, storage, and security.
Preservation and Conservation: Ensuring the safe and secure transfer of such valuable collections was paramount. The project implemented rigorous preservation and conservation measures to protect the materials during the move.
Efficiency and Accessibility: The consolidation of materials in the new Swindon facility aimed to improve efficiency and accessibility. By centralizing the collections, the Bodleian Library sought to streamline research and study processes.
Additional Considerations:
Impact on Library Services: The move had a significant impact on library services during the transition period. The library likely implemented temporary measures to maintain access to collections while the relocation was underway.
Staff Training and Adaptation: The project may have required extensive training and adaptation for library staff to learn new procedures and workflows related to the new facility.
Long-Term Planning: The Bodleian Library’s decision to relocate materials to Swindon was likely informed by long-term planning and considerations about the future of the library’s collections and facilities.
Conclusion:
The Bodleian Library’s move to Swindon was a complex and ambitious project that successfully consolidated and preserved a vast collection of materials. The case study offers valuable insights into the challenges and strategies involved in such large-scale library relocations, providing a benchmark for future projects in the field.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2009/mar/17/bodleian-library-oxford-university