Case Study: Towson University - Albert S. Cook Library Collection Relocation
Time & Location:
- Towson, MD
- July – September 2022
Project Overview:
Hoffberger Moving Systems (HMS) was selected to complete a multi-phase internal relocation and consolidation project for Towson University’s Albert S. Cook Library. The project focused on reorganizing and relocating over 40,000 linear feet of library collections across the library’s 4th and 5th floors to prepare for future construction and space optimization.
Scope of Work:
- Packed and relocated approximately 38,123 linear feet of library materials across the 4th and 5th floors
- Completed the relocation of 2,378 linear feet from the 5th floor to the 4th floor
- Executed all work internally within the building, minimizing disruption to library operations
- Carried out the project in three strategic phases, involving both standard relocation and complex consolidation
Execution & Strategy:
- Phase 1: Consolidation of 30,248 linear feet on the 5th floor (Rows 1–77) into 19,074 linear feet, vacating the final row for upcoming renovations
- Phase 2: Reverse consolidation of 29,433 linear feet from Rows 93–1 down to 20,605 linear feet, including selective interfiling
- Phase 3: Final relocation of 2,378 linear feet from the 5th to the 4th floor for storage and access optimization
Outcome:
HMS completed all phases on time and with precision, successfully reorganizing the Cook Library’s extensive collections to meet both immediate construction goals and long-term operational needs. The project demonstrated HMS’s capability in managing high-volume, in-place library relocations with careful attention to collection order, shelving logistics, and academic space planning.