FACILITIES MANAGEMENT CASE STUDIES New York Law Firm Embraces Montel's Law Library Design Examine why Schulte Roth & Zabel selected Montel's upscale cantilever library shelving for its new law library Montel, Inc. www.montel.com Schulte Roth & Zabel (SRZ), a prestigious law firm of over 400 attorneys located in New York City, outgrew its previous library space resulting of a rapid organization expansion. "Before purchasing our Montel storage shelving system, the collection was stored on both fixed and mobile standard shelves, as well as in cartons in a storage room," said Carol K. Sergis, Director of Library Services. "These shelves were very difficult to adjust and too easy to bend. The depth of the shelving in some areas was not deep enough and sometimes could not hold the larger materials." SRZ's approach was to value a new designed law library that would optimize room space while providing harmony in a quality aesthetic environment for their attorneys. "When SRZ was searching to purchase a storage compact & fix shelving system, open shelves that are adjustable, flexible, and deep, and columns that are strong and sturdy were important specifications," explained Sergis. "In addition, compact shelving that would accommodate hanging newspapers, provide two openings in the aisles, and also a safety mechanism for the compact system that would be easy to operate and use were strategic considerations." Schulte Roth & Zabel's newly designed law library with Montel shelving To accommodate its library information material growth, SRZ chose Montel's custom-designed Aetnastak solution for its strength, flexibility and aesthetically appealing interior design. "The Montel storage shelving system has improved the library 's appearance tremendously," mentioned Sergis. "The open shelves offer a freedom to explore the collection and welcome the patrons. The materials in the library collection are readily accessible to all." The following products were proposed to SRZ: Aetnastak cantilever library shelving systems; Mechanical Mobilex high-density mobile storage system; Aetnastak shelving that can be reconfigured and expandable for future library storage needs; Custom wood end panels to match the firms interior space; Welded-frame uprights and fourth-bend shelf construction increasing strength and eliminating sharp edges. When asked to describe the effectiveness of SRZ's Montel storage shelving system, Sergis stated that the operation of the compact system works great. "The knobs are very easy to turn. The security locks and the safety mechanism is a plus. The space between each aisle is excellent. This allows two people to look for materials at the same time. Sometimes you may find an attorney browsing the collection, reading, or working, while a staff member may be working on a special project in another aisle. The attorneys sometimes are found sitting in the aisles doing their work." "The feature we like the most are the pullout shelves," Sergis said. "They are very easy to pull out and are the sturdiest I have seen. It has been much easier for my staff to shelve because the shelves are easier to adjust and can accommodate the different sizes of the materials. Another great feature is that we chose open shelves (no backs). This makes the Library have an open feeling and the attorneys are able to browse the collection better." Montel's Aetnastak cantilever library shelving A pioneer devoted to high-density mobile shelving storage system solutions, Montel's Aetnastak cantilever library shelving system was an industry reference when SRZ wanted to purchase their storage shelving system. Addressing current and future library storage needs simultaneously, Montel's Aetnastak shelving system offered a wide range of accessories and practical features to SRZ. Sections could be reconfigured, lengthened, shortened, relocated, or joined to existing units easily and without adding extra parts. Regarding safety and reliability for SRZ's new designed law library, Montel's Aetnastak welded frames provided strength and rigidity to the product. Flush base shelves with the top surface of the bottom spreader channel allowed continuous storage surface capacity. Meeting and exceeding Library Technology Report approved requirements, shelves would be able to support 50 lbs. per linear foot or 244 kg per square meter. In order to increase strength, eliminate sharp edges, and reduce risk of injuries, shelf edges had a fourth bend at the front and the back. To protect SRZ's books from being damaged when reshelving, shelf brackets had a radial edge. Connected frames formed an enclosed tube that would prevent books from being inserted within the tube and allow electrical wire to be concealed within the post when needs. Flexibility to SRZ was an important aspect with Montel's Aetnastak products. Kickstrips adjusted vertically and were recessed under the bottom shelf to provide toe space and clean appearance for the new designed law library. For future expansion or reorganization, stacks could be modified from double-faced or vice-versa by removing or adding shelves on one side of the stack. The system could be easily relocated since freestanding shelving can be removed from a range and used elsewhere without adding parts. To ensure stability on uneven floors, adjustable threaded levelers were used. Visit Montel's Educational/Libraries application to understand how Montel can solve your library shelving and storage needs. Click here to read more Educational/Libraries case studies. Established in 1924, Montel Inc. is the pioneer of high-density mobile shelving storage system solutions in North America. Manufacturer of products for corporate, institutional, library, museum, healthcare, government, healthcare, industrial and retail applications, Montel's achievements include some of the most prestigious projects in North America and around the world. The company serves clients through a network of authorized dealers throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. To learn more about Montel, visit us at www.montel.com. For a no-obligation space storage analysis, contact us at 877-935-0236 or system@montel.com.