----------------------------Original message----------------------------
This message is in response to Linda's question about experience with
professional library movers.  The University of Florida Libraries has
had experience with Hallet & Sons.  In 1987 all the science and engineering
libraries were centralized into one new building built specifically for
this purpose.  The Map & Imagery Library was also moved into the building
although it is not administratively part of the Science Library.  Thus I
was responsible for anything involving cartographic materials.
 
This was a complex move since it meant integrating materials from three
large branch libraries, a large collection of materials in the main library
and materials from several storage areas, as well as over 600,000 maps, aerial
photos, atlases and microforms.  Things were further complicated by the
addition of compact shelving including 125 mapcases on moveable carriages.
It was not a simple transfer by number ranges.  Instead, many mapcases and
science materials were shifted far from the formerly adjacent materials.
 
My experiences were positive but showed that thorough discussions and
planning are necessary.  These insured that both sides were using the
same terminology and that no false assumptions were made.  If you would
like to contact me by EMAIL or telephone, I would be happy to answer any
questions plus give you the name of the person responsible for the nonmap
part of the move.  Of course my experiences were 10 years ago and ours was
the first large map collection to be moved by Hallet.  In the succeeding
years, I have spoken to other map librarians about using professional movers.
If memory serves me right, both the U. of Kansas and UCDavis were considering
using professional movers for more recent moves. I would imagine moving
techniques have been refined during the past decade.
 
If you have any questions or want lots of free advice on moving map libraries,
please contact me at [log in to unmask]   or (352) 392-2828.
 
HelenJane Armstrong, Head, University of Florida Map & Imagery Library
Gainesville, FL. 32611