Relocation Management Case Study

Market

Higher Education

Challenge

As St. John Fisher University completed the $40 million modernization of Lavery Library, the largest capital project in its history, the institution faced the complex task of returning library collections that had been dispersed across multiple off-site storage locations during construction. With a newly designed facility, revised shelving configurations, more than 400,000 volumes to relocate, and library staff preparing to move into updated workspaces, the University needed a carefully planned approach that would ensure accuracy, efficiency, and readiness for reopenings.

Solution

Vargas Associates was engaged to manage the return of the library collections and coordinate the subsequent staff relocation. Through a detailed relocation planning process, the team assessed collection requirements, performed capacity and shelving calculations, and developed a systematic move strategy that ensured materials were returned in proper sequence and accurately positioned within the renovated library. The result was a seamless relocation of more than 400,000 volumes from multiple storage locations, followed by the successful transition of library staff, helping St. John Fisher University reopen its transformed Lavery Library with minimal disruption and maximum operational readiness.