BARN (ASRS) -- USU LIbrary

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WHAT IS THE BARN?

THE BARN (Borrower’s Automated Retrieval Network) is an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS). This warehouse-type space allows us to store library materials in a high density, cost effective and climate-controlled manner. Several academic libraries have installed these systems as convenient and cost effective alternatives to off-site storage of library materials.

Why do we have a BARN?

Live picture of the first floor ASRS work room.

The funding we received for replacing the Merrill Library only covered construction for a building the same size as the Merrill Library - in other words, no room to grow! Since we were already bursting at the seams, we needed an innovative solution that would allow us to accommodate our growth through 2025. We felt on-site ASRS storage was a better option than off-site storage, which would have required a 24-hour turnaround time to access materials.

How long will it take for me to get materials from the BARN?

The system is very fast! Depending on the traffic, you can expect to have your materials in as little as five to ten minutes. During busy periods, it may take a bit longer.

What is stored in the BARN?

All of our bound journals, approximately 170,000 of our less frequently used books, and most of our microforms are in the system. This currently totals nearly 480,000 items. At full capacity, the BARN will hold 1.5 million items.

How do I get the journal/book I want?

Before requesting items from the BARN, patrons will need to create an account in HIP, the Library’s online catalog. Once the account is created, patrons will log into their account in the online catalog, find the item you want, and click on “request item.” Journals are available for pick up at the 2nd Floor Journals & Newspapers desk, and books at the first floor Book-Checkout/Circulation desk.

You will need to bring your USU ID card and check out the items in order to take them from the desk area.

What is the check-out period for bound journals?

Can I take bound journals out of the building? Bound journals can now be checked out to you for two days, and can be taken from the building. You can return these journals to any book return, the Circulation desk on the first floor, or the Journals & Newspapers desk on the second floor. Current journals cannot be checked out.

Why do I have to check out the journals if all I want to do is make a quick copy?

Journal check-out is very quick. A few seconds of time to check out a journal ensures that an item can be located when you need it! By checking out journals, the library can maintain an accurate inventory of the journals at any given time In the past, many patrons were frustrated by not finding the journal they needed on the shelf, and library staff had no way of knowing where an item was. Our new system allows us to track journals and make sure we do not lose or misplace items. Implementing the journal check-out process also allows the Library to track journal usage statistics. With inflation in journal subscription prices a constant pressure, we must continually assess which titles are being used and therefore should be protected against cancellation. The statistics we obtain through checking out journals allows us to better understand the needs of our patrons.

Why can’t I check out current issues of journals?

Current journals receive very high use. This coupled with the problems of having all the issues available when it comes time to bind the volume led us to the decision to keep our current journals non-circulating. But I want to browse the books and journals that are stored in the BARN! You still can! Just stop by the Circulation desk for books or the Journals desk for journals, and we can call out an entire load from the BARN for you to browse. Our system is unique in that we are the only library in the world that to use an automated retrieval system with materials in call number order! This system allows patrons the opportunity to sit and browse approximately 200 volumes at a time.

Where can I see the BARN in action?

We have viewing windows on the second, third, and fourth floors.

How do I get BARN items if I don’t have a USU ID card?

Staff at the Information Desk, Book-Checkout/Circulation Desk, and Journals/Newspapers Desk can assist you with entering the request using a library-held user name and password for the log in. When you pick up your items, you will need to leave your drivers’ license or other ID with the staff while you use the materials.
How long will it take for my materials to arrive at the service desk once I request them from the online catalog? The system is very fast! Depending on the traffic, you can expect to have your materials in as little as five minutes. During busy periods, it may take a bit longer.

What happens if the BARN breaks?

Industry has used the same system for decades. It is extremely reliable. When a problem does occur, it generally affects only one of our three cranes, so materials from the other aisles are still delivered. Our staff is trained to handle these minor problems, and usually has the system operational within 15 minutes.