Wednesday afternoon, July 15, marked a milestone for UBC Library’s automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) – otherwise known affectionately as the Library robot.
That’s because the one millionth item was loaded into the ASRS on that day. A ceremonial title was used to commemorate the special occasion: A Management Plan for the University of British Columbia Research Forest, a UBC thesis by Peter R.W. Sanders. This tome was chosen for its UBC connection and as an homage to Irving K. Barber, a longtime professional forester and the donor whose generosity led to the construction of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, which houses the ASRS.
UBC Library is the first Canadian library to install an automated storage and retrieval system, and it remains one of the largest library-specific systems in North America. It holds books, maps, records and more, and features four GPS-guided robotic cranes that retrieve items from more than 19,000 bins in a racking system that is about 45 feet high, 60 feet wide and 160 feet long. During UBC’s busy winter session, about 200 requests for ASRS items are received from Library patrons each day.
The ASRS is located on level two of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, adjacent to the Library Circulation Desk.
Ernest Dick, Library Assistant, loads the commemorative one millionth title into the ASRS. Photo by Jill Pittendrigh.