Library Student Assistant Training

Stack Maintenance

Stack maintenance is a general term for the work done in the stacks. All of the work that takes place in the stacks is intended for a better user experience and to keep library materials in good condition. When the stacks are organized in an orderly fashion, the library looks nice and inviting, and patrons and librarians are able to easily find what they are searching for.

Shelf reading refers to the process of going through a physical shelf and making sure all of the items are in the correct order and are in good condition. Since the Vanderbilt Libraries have over six million physical items in their collection, it is important that materials are in the correct place so that they do not get lost.

Shelving refers to returning a book to its proper shelf location in the stacks, which is determined by the book's call number and what classification system is used.