reshelving

Reshelving is the process of returning borrowed library materials and other items to their proper places on shelves after use. In libraries, reshelving follows check-in and may involve temporary quarantine or damage assessment if needed. The goal is to restore order so patrons can locate items quickly and the collection remains accurately organized according to the library's shelving scheme, typically the Dewey Decimal System or Library of Congress Classification.

Reshelving typically begins with verification that the item has been checked in and is not on hold for another patron. Items are inspected for damage and replacement of security labels if necessary. Staff or volunteers then sort items by location, call number, or section (such as fiction, non-fiction, or reference) and place them on carts or trolleys for delivery to the shelves.

On large libraries, reshelving is a throughput-driven process aided by technology. Integrated library systems record item status and location, while RFID tagging helps locate items and detect misfiled items. Shelf-reading, the act of scanning shelves to confirm correct order, is often scheduled regularly to catch misfiles and correct catalog records.

In bookstores, reshelving refers to returning sold or borrowed items to their proper places, maintaining display arrangements and inventory accuracy. In archives and special collections, reshelving may require strict adherence to a finding aid or shelf list, with careful handling and order to preserve provenance and access.

Mis-shelving can hinder item retrieval, increase search times, and complicate inventory. Effective reshelving relies on clear classification, staff training, and, increasingly, automation to improve accuracy and efficiency while safeguarding the collection.