Case Study: University of Maryland - Health Sciences & Human Services Library Relocation
Time & Location:
- Baltimore, MD
- April – May 2023
Project Overview:
The University of Maryland’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HSHSL) needed to consolidate and prepare its 3rd and 4th floor collections for upcoming renovations. This required shifting nearly 20,000 linear feet of books and journals across more than 8,700 shelves. The challenge: compressing and relocating collections floor-to-floor while keeping them in order, minimizing disruption, and working around campus scheduling needs such as student access during finals.
Scope & Strategy:
Hoffberger Moving Systems (HMS) developed a phased approach:
4th Floor Consolidation:
- Packed and shifted collections spanning 4,920 shelves (~495 double-sided library carts).
- Compressed collections shelf-by-shelf to remove gaps and maximize usable space.
3rd Floor Consolidation:
- Relocated collections from 3,832 shelves (~359 library carts) to the newly available space on the 4th floor.
- Completed remaining consolidation across both floors, ensuring no overflow space remained.
Special Services:
- Vacuumed and dusted books and shelving prior to relocation.
- Provided optional shelving disassembly and recycling (266 sections).
- Maintained access and minimized disruption by pausing during key student use periods.
Outcome:
- 19,582 linear feet of collections consolidated across two floors.
- Completed on schedule in approximately 25 business days.
- Seamless compression of collections, allowing HSHSL renovations to proceed without disruption.