What is the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)?
The Pew Library, which is being designed to stretch every square foot to meet student demand for library space, will take full advantage of the latest in book storage technology. This library will feature a state-of-the-art Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) that can hold up to 600,000 books in a space one-ninth the size of equivalent open shelving. The collections for most social science and science disciplines will be stored in the ASRS, while most humanities titles will remain on open shelves where they can be browsed. The ASRS will allow us to direct both space and capital towards technology-rich study and collaboration spaces that will serve students into the future.
