A MIP model to generate an optimal book relocation plan for improving the management of shelf occupancy – a case study at Nanzan University Library –

Abstract

We formulate the problem of the relocation of books in a university library as a mixed-integer programming problem and solve it by an optimization software. The problem is essentially to divide bookshelves into sections so that each section has an enough space for the current and future buying books in its assigned book group, and its solution allows us to avoid the frequent relocation of books. We addressed the case of Nanzan University Library. At present, the library staff spends much time to generate a book relocation plan manually. Our method reduces the time but also the burden of the staff for rearranging books.

Keywords

• library management
• book relocation support system
• relocation of books
• university library
• mixed-integer programming problem