Library and School Movers

Case Study - The Glasgow Caledonian University Library

Boasting some 17,000 students and 1,500 staff this is one of the largest universities in Scotland.

Using a 34 strong team, comprising of a project manager, 3 move managers, 2 move teams of 10 per team and a packing team of 10 the project was completed within the 10 days allowed in the operational plan.

It took three 17 tonne and two 7.5 tonne tail lift vehicles, 2,000 crates, 450 crate dollies and 25,000 colour coded labels to move 300,000 book volumes covering 8,500 linear metres of shelving. In addition to this there were 3,600 meters of journals etc and 200 meters of audio visual material. This equates to 14 kilometres of material that had to be moved and the lifts were "out of bounds".

This was one of the largest relocations of its type to take place in Scotland and it therefore required significant planning. It was due to the many detailed discussions with the client and meticulous preparation that the move was such an unreserved success. 

Ray McDonald, Project Manager for the University was extremely pleased and commented "Prior to the project we met with Doree Bonner to discuss the logistics of the move. The relocation was executed as we discussed and was completed on time and within budget. The staff were courteous, industrious and it was obvious that they were very well managed. We had daily dialogue and any problems that arose were dealt with there and then in a very professional manner".

The library was to be demolished and replaced by a new building constructed on the same site.

The project specification was to provide all relocation and storage requirements necessary to support the new build. This relocation consisted of three separate operations. It involved the relocation of 12.75kms (8miles) of materials as listed below

Relocation of local studies to Newcastle Civic centre
This relocation comprised of 45,000 volumes, 75,000 illustrations, 1500 maps, 850 newspaper volumes, press cuttings, static racking and associated furniture and effects for all support staff.

Remote Archive Storage
Sequential packing, protection and storage of 190,000 books and 800 newspaper volumes for three years.

Relocation to Lemington School
The relocation of 60 library staff and associated furniture, the shelf to shelf sequential packing and transfer of 120,000 books and the dismantling and transfer of 2880 meters of cantilever racking.

This is without doubt one of the largest relocations to take place in Newcastle upon Tyne. It commenced on the 10th July and was completed on schedule and within budget on the 20th September.

Eileen Burt, Project Manager for the Library was delighted and commented, "from the tender process, to the planning stage, to the execution of the project through to completion, the service was exceptional. I am convinced the planning for the Move was the key factor in ensuring there was minimum disruption to our staff and customers alike and the relocation was successfully completed on time and within budget with minimum supervision from library staff. This was an extremely complicated project and the staff appreciated not only the professionalism of your staff but there friendliness and at times sense of humour".

Mulgrave Primary School
Thank you for all the hard work your removal men put into moving us onto one site. We very much appreciate the way your staff helped the teachers and support staff move into their new classrooms.The move was made easier thanks to the way yourremoval men helped with humour and adaptability.
Ann Wiseman, Head Teacher

New Ash Green Primary School
I would like to thank you for a superb job in moving the Junior School onto this site over the weekend of 19th/20th July. I would be grateful if you could pass on our thanks directly to the team involved for their sustained good humour and hard work.
L.M. Carroll M.A., Head Teacher

Bromley Central Library
I thought I would write to put on record my appreciation of the excellent job carried out by your staff in storing and replacing the huge collection of stationery, books and other library materials... The task you carried out involved transporting, storing and replacing nearly 3000 crates full of library materials to a tight schedule which we set to minimise inconvenience to our customers and staff. It is a very positive reflection on the thorough plans which were drawn up in advance by Bonners that the job was carried out on time and within budget with minimal supervision from library staff. I would like to add that our staff appreciated the good natured and friendly Bonners’ staff who carried out the move. I would certainly recommend Bonners should we need to carry out out further moves of a similar nature at some time in the future.
John Wilkins Central Library Manager

Kent College, Canterbury
Four days were set to move 20,000 books and 1,400 videos and DVDs. A specialist team from Jordan and Jarrett was needed to move literally tons of books and then reshelve them in the right order. The task was completed successfully on February 24th.
Carole Maclaren

Army
Our move from the Military Academy to Ha Ha Road in Woolwich took place just over two weeks ago yet we settled in very quickly. I am sure that this was a consequence of the highly efficient service provided by your team. The planning for the move, I am convinced, was also a key factor. The few unexpected problems that emerged during the move, such as shelving in the library, were dealt with promptly and did not affect the timetable we were working to.You may be interested to know that I am writing a report to the unit in London that has reponsibility for MOD property and I intend to mention the first class service that you gave to us. Once again, many thanks for the work you carried out.
Barry Cheal Head of Establishment