The Boston Medical Library (BML), founded in 1875 and one of the oldest medical libraries in the United States, faced a complex transition. After more than 60 years of housing their collections in a third-party facility, BML needed to relocate their extensive collection of rare and historic medical texts, fine art, and medical artifacts to pursue their own strategic goals for serving their community of fellows, researchers, and scholars.
The challenge was multifaceted:
- Preservation of irreplaceable materials: BML’s collection includes rare books, historic medical texts, fine art, medical artifacts, and materials dating back over eight centuries—items requiring specialized handling and climate-controlled storage to prevent deterioration.
- Comprehensive inventory requirements: BML needed a highly customized inventory system that would allow the project team to collect detailed information for every item, enable access for authorized patrons and research institutions, and support future cataloging with MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records.
- Security and accountability throughout transit: Given the irreplaceable nature of the collection, the relocation required exceptional security measures. Every box was security-taped, inventoried before departure, and verified upon delivery, and transport trucks were escorted—ensuring complete chain-of-custody documentation and protection for materials that simply cannot be replaced.
- Long-term storage solution: The collection required a secure, climate-controlled facility with proper temperature and humidity controls to preserve materials for future generations.
Meyer is deploying comprehensive library relocation and depository services designed specifically for rare and historic collections—a specialized capability few companies possess.
Phase 1: Careful Collection Transfer (In Progress) Meyer’s team is executing the careful relocation of BML’s extensive collection to our Windsor, Connecticut facility, with meticulous handling protocols appropriate for rare and historic materials, fine art, and medical artifacts.
Phase 2: Conservation-Grade Protection (In Progress) Each book is evaluated to determine the best conservation method – including Mylar covering, phase box, or clamshell enclosures – a critical preservation step for materials that will be stored long-term. This meticulous process is currently underway, ensuring every volume receives the archival care it deserves.
Phase 3: Customized Inventory Management (Upcoming) Meyer is developing a customized inventory management system specifically tailored to BML’s needs. Every book will be cataloged and assigned a unique barcode, creating a comprehensive digital database that will enable:
- Precise location tracking within the depository
- Quick retrieval for authorized patron requests
- Foundation for future MARC record integration
- Searchable database accessible via web portal
Phase 4: Climate-Controlled Depository & Reading Room Meyer’s Windsor, Connecticut facility provides:
- Temperature and humidity-controlled book depository space meeting archival preservation standards
- Secure storage ensuring long-term material preservation for books, fine art, and medical artifacts
- On-site reading room where authorized patrons can access materials in a proper research environment supervised by BML staff
Web-based portal allowing authorized patrons and research institutions to browse the collection and request materials.
Meyer’s specialized library services are helping the Boston Medical Library (BML) transition their collection while continuing to support medical knowledge, education, and history. The collection will be fully accessible in a professionally managed depository that:
- Preserves rare medical texts, art, and artifacts in archival conditions
- Provides searchable online access for authorized users via Meyer’s portal
- Offers a reading room for researchers and scholars
- Maintains BML’s service to its research community
Meyer uses expert moving, conservation-grade handling, custom inventory tech, and climate-controlled storage to ensure knowledge is preserved and accessible beyond simple relocation.
Meyer’s specialized library services are helping the Boston Medical Library (BML) transition their collection while continuing to support medical knowledge, education, and history. The collection will be fully accessible in a professionally managed depository that:
- Preserves rare medical texts, art, and artifacts in archival conditions
- Provides searchable online access for authorized users via Meyer’s portal
- Offers a reading room for researchers and scholars
- Maintains BML’s service to its research community
Meyer uses expert moving, conservation-grade handling, custom inventory tech, and climate-controlled storage to ensure knowledge is preserved and accessible beyond simple relocation.