Museums keep their priceless inventory such as various collections and antique artefacts in storage for long periods of time. Apart from retrieving these items when rotating their displays to the public, staff also need to frequently access stored items to ensure they are properly maintained. This means that the storage systems museums use need to be strong, durable and versatile.

One example is high-density shelving, also known as mobile shelving. It is a shelving unit featuring rows of shelving bays on a wheel traction system which is fitted onto a low-profile and trip hazard-free track. These bays are closely consolidated for maximising storage capacity and can be operated either manually with a rotary handle or electrically with a touch panel.

As each bay glides along the traction system, there is a reduced risk of vibrations occurring if staff are too rough when retrieving stored items, which can damage delicate items when being accessed over a long period of time. As one of the ‘12 Agents of Deterioration’, physical forces such as vibrations are a significant destabilising source which threatens delicate materials such as glass, clay and various textiles.

Mobile shelving units glide smoothly along tracks which are installed with a false floor on various levels and floor types. There are also options to have the traction system built into the floor with small ramps on either side for a more aesthetically pleasing design.

But before searching for a storage system, what do museums need to consider first?

Specific storage needs

Each mobile storage system caters to various needs, so it is crucial for a museum to know exactly what their storage requirements are. Do the items widely vary in size? Is there a vast amount of delicate items which have specific storage requirements? Are the items mostly heavy and bulky?

Mobile shelving features adjustable shelves that are ideal for efficiently storing large and bulky items that can vary in size. Choosing to install infill false floors with side access ramps is ideal for ensuring a trip-free environment for staff constantly retrieving and storing items throughout the day. If security is a major concern, then electric mobile shelving is ideal because it can digitally lock individual mobile bays which can only be accessed by authorised members of staff.

Storage area integration

Considering how the mobile shelving needs to integrate with the storage area and existing equipment is another important factor to consider. How much open floor space needs to be available? Will it need to integrate with pallet jacks, trolleys and other storage area equipment?

Even the environment such as the surrounding lighting is important to consider when searching for suitable museum storage systems. Highly valuable and delicate items including paintings, antique clothing, maps and artefacts need to be protected from elements such as harsh UV lighting, which can degrade delicate materials over time.

Utilisation of space

Apart from factoring in the shape, height and size of the storage system itself, museums also must consider how the storage system will be used. When installing the mobile shelving, is it cutting off or partially blocking any nearby doorways or windows? If opting for static storage such as longspan shelving, will it create an organised layout or a confusing maze for staff?

As precious items such as leather and other textiles require constant maintenance and monitoring to ensure they don’t deteriorate from threats such as humidity, staff need to constantly access stored inventory. This means that all items need to be highly visible and easy to identify.

With high-density mobile shelving, individual bays can be assigned to storing specific items. Staff can then effortlessly slide each stack to the left or right when retrieving particular items, instead of having to remove items off a shelf until they find the item they are looking for.

Meeting safety standards

Whether it is a museum, a warehouse, an office or an art gallery, ensuring the storage system meets the required safety standards is an essential factor to consider. Not only is this an important concern for the safety of staff but also crucial for safely storing delicate and highly valuable items.

To ensure this, museums should purchase their storage and mobile shelving systems from a provider that are manufactured and designed to the highest standards. Leading storage system suppliers will list their safety certifications, such as an ISO 9001 from SAI Global, on their website.

In conclusion

It is not only important but essential that museums are using versatile and strong storage systems to ensure their priceless historical collections are efficiently stored and protected. To help with this, reaching out to a storage system manufacturer which specialises in tailor-made storage solutions is highly recommended.

Their team will focus on understanding your specific storage needs and challenges to ensure you are purchasing a storage solution that meets your operational requirements.