Library Annex

The Library Annex storage facility contains 19,000 square feet of floor space. The "storage box," which houses the stored materials, is 50 feet wide by 20 feet long by 38 feet high, supplying 380,000 cubic feet of high-density storage space. There are 304 shelving units with 9,424 shelves in eight rows. The capacity of the box is approximately 1.5 million volumes. The site includes space for additional storage boxes if the need arises.

The processing/shipping/receiving area is 3,700 square feet and includes two offices, five computer workstations, a sizing station, a loading dock, utility shelving, and book trucks. Because items are stored by size rather than by subject matter, a sophisticated inventory control system called the Library Archival System is used to keep track of all the items, which are sent from all University Libraries except that of the Medical School. Items housed at the annex are identified in the library catalog with a direct Web link to a request form. Items may also be requested by e-mail or fax. The inventory control system produces picking lists for items requested for use, and materials are delivered to the USC Columbia campus twice a day.

For patrons who need to use a large number of research materials, the annex maintains two research rooms. Users should call to reserve a room at least two hours in advance and must show a valid University ID upon arrival. The Library Annex storage facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information, contact the facility's manager, Nelson Rivera, at 803-896-0781 or nnrivera@gwm.sc.edu