Shifting projects are planned by the Circulation Manager either in response to areas that have already become full, or to prepare for the reclassification of materials into a new area. Circulation Assistants are almost always assigned to work in pairs in order to accomplish shifting projects safely and efficiently.
Direction
It is not always apparent by looking at the shelves which direction a shift is going and where to start moving books. Be sure to read any signs and post-it notes attached to the shelves to guide you. Make sure that you clearly understand the Circulation Manager’s plan before moving books.
• Where the shift should start and which direction it should go.
• How full each shelf should get.
• Be careful to fill the shelves to the amount set. Going over the mark will cause problems later. Use the cardboard spacer and bookends.
Safety
Avoid grabbing too many books at one time or moving too quickly. Don’t overreach on high shelves. It may not seem like it, but real injuries can result from trying to manipulate or carry too many books at one time, especially if you are trying to adjust an entire shelf of books at once.
Overflow
When there is no room to shelve books, they must be placed into Overflow. Each stack area has a section outside of the main stacks where overflow books can be stored in call number order. During shifting, it will be necessary to re-incorporate these books as you go. The best method is to keep a separate cart of overflow books close at hand while shifting so that books can be incorporated at the moment of shifting so that shelve space measurements can stay intact.