Automated Storage and Retrieval-The Next Generation

Abstract

The first automated storage and retrieval system combined with an online catalog was heralded as a pilot project when it was introduced in 1990 at California State University at Northridge (CSUN). Librarians across the country were watching to see whether the system would succeed or fail. The automated storage and retrieval system's integration of industrial technology and an online catalog appeared to be an excellent solution to many libraries storage problems. Since the CSUN installation, there has been little discussion in the library literature either about the exciting possibilities of automated storage and retrieval systems or the possible drawbacks of such systems. Despite the possible drawbacks, many libraries are installing automated storage and retrieval systems to meet their storage needs.