STHC-L: The Science, Technology and Health Care Archives Forum

Re: Facility Design

• Date: Fri, 01 Jan 1999 12:22:28 -0700
• To: sthc-l@library.ucla.edu
• From: Suzanna K. Long <infotek@sunnetworks.net>
• Subject: Re: Facility Design
• Message-ID: 368D2074.D479420F@sunnetworks.net

Janice:

I consult for non-profit in Kansas City that is moving to a new facility even
as we speak.  I don't have much advice, but if emphasizing the obvious helps
you avoid what we've already found in the archives move, it'll be a good
thing!  The archives space in the old building was woefully small--we had
spread temp. storage into two other areas and had filled them!  Planners and
architects are notorious for wanting to get you to back off on your space
requirements.  Hold fast and firm!!!  I tripled current space when we started
designing--two yrs ago--because it was all I could get them to agree to and I
thought it would hold us while some temp. records became ready for disposal.
Let's just say as the movers were shelving boxes, I sat out in the hall and
held my breath!  Things fit--barely--and I did get a good handle on the junk we
were storing out of "courtesy".  Sigh!

Also, we went with moveable shelving--a good thing--and requested 15 ft
ceilings.  But the powers that be cancelled our request for 15ft ceilings
(since we had "so much extra room" because of the shelves).  What nonsense.  By
the time we found out that our ceilings had been lowered to a miserably low 8
ft, the infrastructure was built and it was too late.  Hound the stuffing out
of your planners thru every phase to make sure you get everything you want!

Hope this helps.  Good luck

Suzie Long, Archivist
Infotek Consulting
(316) 231-4636

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