Print Collection Offsite Storage

We recently moved most of the print journals on the 2nd floor and 70% of the monograph collection positioned throughout the building referred to as the Offsite Storage facility. This move was necessary because:

• In the short term with COVID-19, we needed to provide additional social distanced- seating in the library.
• In the long term, the library needed to provide more study and collaboration seating (2,500 additional seats) for students. 
• The print book collection was separated between the ground floor and the rest of the building and was not in order, which made it difficult to browse. The move enabled us to reintegrate the books staying in the library in call number order and restore browsing.
• We ran out of space for new materials to be shelved in their proper location, so many of the new materials were shelved on overflow shelves and not integrated with the collection.
• The tower elevators and shelving layouts were not ADA-compliant.

The Offsite Storage facility is a 15-minute drive from campus. We strive to deliver requested materials to Atkins Library and Charles C. Hight Architecture Library within 24 hours, during regular business hours. If you have further questions, please refer to our FAQs below, or contact your subject librarian.

Will I be able to go to Offsite Storage to get items myself?

No. Offsite Storage is a closed facility.

How will I get items I need if they are Offsite?

You will request the item directly from the library catalog, just as you would if you were requesting items to be put on hold or sent to your campus office. 

What items have been moved to the Offsite location? What collections remain in the library?

The majority of our print journals, and 70% of the print monographs have been moved to the Offsite Storage facility. Print books selected to be moved were identified based on publication date, and usage or circulation data. 

Materials remaining in Atkins include: Popular Reading, New Books, Reference Materials, Curriculum Instruction Materials Center (CMIC), Faculty Publications, Government Documents, Microforms, DVDs, Maps, Reserves and Special Collections and University Archives. Our special interest collections.

Is there a way I can browse books that are located Offsite? 

Yes, you can browse the entirety of the library’s book collection through the Virtual Browse feature of our catalog. Virtual Browse will work for print books located on and off campus, in addition to items in our extensive e-book collection. Our Virtual Browse video tutorial.

Where is the Offsite Storage located?

The Offsite Storage is located at a brand new warehouse facility on Derita Road in Concord and is only a 15-minute drive from the main campus. The facility has been upgraded to provide the technology and climate control required to house and maintain our collection. 

How long will it take to get items that I have requested from Offsite Storage?

We will provide materials requested within 24 hours during regular business hours. 

Who can request items from Offsite Storage?

Current UNC Charlotte students, faculty, and staff can request Offsite Storage materials directly from the library’s catalog. Friends, alumni, university retirees, and others with check out privileges will be able to select materials from offsite storage. Our check out policies.

How many items can I request from Offsite Storage?

There is no limit to the number of items you may request.

How long are items held in the library for me that I request from Offsite Storage?

Once requested materials have arrived at the library for pickup, they will be held for seven days. If you need more time to pick them up, please contact the Information and Research Desk.

Where can faculty and staff get items requested delivered? 

Current faculty and staff can request that an item be sent to their university department by choosing the Work Address option when placing an item on hold. Your item will be checked out to you before it is delivered. 

Where can students get items requested delivered? 

Current students can request that an item be sent to one of two locations to be held for pickup: J. Murrey Atkins Library, or the Charles C. Hight Architecture Library.