The Qubiqa solution comprises static and electronic archive and library storage systems, including a 2-Tier system with unique features. Qubiqa’ solid customer list and the ability to provide a selection of unique, functional systems has been the prime reason for securing this prestigious UK order. The project covers the library and archive collections, including shelves and racks for the public floors.
“The general public will have open access to material on motorized mobile shelving. This is a proven technology as in UK University libraries for many years, students have been using Qubiqa mobile shelving on a daily basis,” says CEO Axel M. Jepsen from Qubiqa.
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Work started on site in 2010 and the new library in Birmingham is scheduled to open in September 2013 – the facade of this landmark building consists of glass wrapped with a filigree metal design, inspired by the gasometer, tunnels, canals and viaducts of Birmingham’s industrial heritage.
Behind the striking architecture are Dutch architects, Mecanoo. The innovative new library will have 10 floors, with nine above ground and one lower ground floor. The building will accommodate a foyer, mezzanine, public library, access to internationally significant archives, a new flexible studio theatre, a British Film Institute Mediatheque with free access to the national film archive and outdoor gardens, terraces and an amphitheatre. Visitors will travel between floors on travelators and escalators. The top floor will have room for reinstallation of the Shakespeare Memorial Room, which was originally built for the city library in 1882.
Described by its architect Francine Houben as a ‘people’s palace’, the Library of Birmingham will be highly accessible and family-friendly. It will deliver excellent services through collaboration between the library, The REP, partners and communities. It will provide a dynamic mix of events, activities and performance together with outstanding resources, exhibitions and access to expert help for learning, information and culture. As a centre of excellence for literacy, research, study, skills development, entrepreneurship, creative expression, health information and much more, the Library of Birmingham will change people’s lives.
Facts about Qubiqa’ storage solutions for the Library of Birmingham
The main objectives of the systems chosen are to:
• Maximise storage capacity in each area
• Provide easy access for all users
• Ensure end user safety during operation of the systems
System and features
Qubiqa E9000 electronic mobile systems feature:
Extensive built-in safety features, plus a wide range of functionality provided to meet current and potential future requirements.
Integral lighting (on both floor levels for 2Tier solutions), which will activate above the aisle that is open – truly a ‘green’ feature.
Stylish appearance.
The Qubiqa units are operated using a simple touchscreen and glide on rails in a cascade fashion with a soft start/stop
Compliance
The Qubiqa E9000 mobile systems specified for this project comply with the provisions of British Standards for Archival Storage and Special Library Collections. They also meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) as the motorized system is easy to operate even for people with physical disabilities, which is especially important in the Public Access areas.
Installation
The Qubiqa E9000 mobile systems will be installed on the Lower Ground, 2nd and 3rd Floor levels to house the Legacy Collections and the 4th, 5th & 6th Floor levels to house the Library of Birmingham Archives and Heritage Collections. A system on Level 7 is for staff use only.
Suitable for storing delicate items
The Qubiqa E9000 mobile system has proved increasingly popular in historical archives, offering many features which are sympathetic with this type of environment. Delicate items will be stored safely on the smooth running carriages, which will not jolt suddenly when starting and come to a gradual halt, without bumping into the next bays. The Electronic system has a ‘soft’ start, the units then move in ‘cascade’ fashion and then talk to each other so they know when they are going to stop and decelerate gradually, finally stopping without bumping into the adjacent unit. The Library of Birmingham can therefore rest assured that their collections will receive the best possible care by using Qubiqa Storage.
Record Management System
The Qubiqa E9000 mobile system is much more than purely storage. It is more of a Record Management System with the capability of a PC link to a software database allowing tracking of stored media, registration of media movements, retrieving and returning of media including preselecting routes, plus automatic opening and closing of aisles.
Light structure maximising storage capacity
The Qubiqa 2Tier system for the 5th Floor Archives offers the optimal storage solution for an area with a ceiling height in excess of 4.2 m. It maximises storage capacity at a lower cost per linear metre compared to a traditional mezzanine. Furthermore the requirement for structural steelwork and supporting columns is reduced – leaving more capacity for storage in the same space.
Climate controlled and large items storage
The Library of Birmingham has an extensive collection of flat and rolled maps, paintings, framed prints and large oversize objects. This part of the Collection will all be accommodated within the 6th floor archives. This floor is also divided into a number of climate controlled archive rooms with different temperatures suitable for the optimum storage of photo media, audio/video material, glass negatives and other special collections material. To aid climate control the units automatically separate with even gaps when not in use, to allow air to flow freely between the units using the ‘Auto Air Circulation’ feature.
User friendly and safety
The Qubiqa E9000 mobile systems comply with the requirement for a safe and easy access to the Legacy collection in an open environment for the people of Birmingham. They also meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) as the electronic system is easy to operate even for people with physical disabilities. This system is totally non-discriminating – requiring the user to simply press a touchscreen. All units, however heavily laden, will move at once, if required. The touchscreen can be placed at virtually any height, enabling easy use by wheelchair users. The E9000 system has seven safety features and this system will be installed on the Lower Ground, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Floors of the Library of Birmingham.
Delivery
The Library of Birmingham is scheduled to open in 2013 and Qubiqa has designed the systems and already started work on site. It is expected that the archive and storage systems will be delivered to the site using approximately 50 articulated lorries.
Qubiqa Storage Division – and references
Qubiqa has a proven track record of very prestigious archive and library storage systems worldwide which includes cultural institutions and universities, e.g.:
• The Borthwick Institute Archive
• Cumbria Archives
• Preston Hall Museum (inc. Stockton Archives)
• Archives of the Swedish Land Law Administration
• University of St Andrews
• University of Strathclyde
• University of East Anglia
• University of Warwick
• Canterbury Christ Church University
• Danish Tax Administration
• Lund University, Sweden
• Danish Royal Library
• The National Railway Museum in York
• Glasgow School of Art
• Wolverhampton Archive
• Millennium Library, Norwich
• Regional Archives of Funen, Denmark
