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Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

Automated Storage and Retrieval System

A unique feature of the University Library is the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) in the east wing, the first ever AS/RS for libraries. Originally referred to as Leviathan II, the AS/RS was constructed between 1989 and 1991 at a cost of $2 million.

The AS/RS consists of 13,260 steel bins, each 2-foot x  4-foot, on a rack structure that occupies an 8,000 square feet room at forty feet high. Bin heights vary at 6-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, and 18-inch. The bins are arranged on both sides of six aisles, each of which has a Storage and Retrieval Machine (SRM), guided by rails at the top and bottom.

Selected bound periodicals and books are arranged in the various storage bins depending on height and item type. Item barcodes are mapped to bin locations in the AS/RS Equipment Management System (EMS). Based on bin arrangements, the capacity of the AS/RS is an estimated 1.2 million items. The AS/RS is currently at an estimated 67% capacity. Please note that estimated capacity varies due to bin arrangement, bin height, and stored item type.

Retrieval requests of AS/RS items are submitted via the Library OneSearch searching tool and is sent to the AS/RS EMS. The EMS directs the SRM in the appropriate aisle to deliver the bin to a pickup station behind the Guest Services Desk. Time from initial request to availability at the Guest Services Desk is under ten minutes.

Although the AS/RS was installed along with unique software developed in 1989-1991, the AS/RS has received only three major upgrades to date. In 2011, an upgrade was completed to improve the six SRM's controller, communications, and horizontal/vertical positioning. The second upgrade began in 2016 and involved two phases. The first phase addressed server software and was completed in May 2017. The second phase updated hardware on three out of the six SRMs and was completed in January 2019. The third phase updated hardware on the final three SRMs, along with a new safety infrastructure, and was completed in February 2021.

Historical Notes:

In the Northridge Earthquake on January 17, 1994 almost 100% of the library's open shelf collection had fallen on the floor. Not one book in the AS/RS was damaged nor was any bin in danger of falling.

Companies involved with construction, maintenance and upgrades have included Eaton-Kenway, Inc., HK Systems Inc., Dematic Group, Bastian, and is currently supported by KION Group-Dematic.

References:

“Robosupport Staff 1.” Library Mosaics, July/August 1990.

Chu, H. "Robotic Library : Information: CSUN students and staff can request selections through computers and have them delivered automatically". Los Angeles Times (October 25, 1991).

Heinrich, H., & Willis, E. (2014). Automated storage and retrieval system: A time-tested innovation. Library Management, 35(6/7), 444-453.

Kovalcik, J., & Villalobos, M. (2019). Automated Storage & Retrieval System. Information Technology and Libraries, 38(4), 114-124. https://doi.org/10.6017/ital.v38i4.11273

Tanis, Norman & Ventuleth, Cindy (June 1, 1987).“Making Space: Automated Storage and Retrieval.” Wilson Library Bulletin 61 (10), 25.

AS/RS Listserv

Please use the form below to join the AS/RS Libraries listserv. This listserv is meant to provide a venue for libraries that administer, operate or are considering utilizing an AS/RS in their library.
https://library.csun.edu/About/ASRS
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