Libraries & Automated High Density Storage

Image: The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library courtesy of the University of Chicago

The Mansueto's reading room and high-density, automated storage site is an interesting concept.  The storage area is located underground while the reading room rests on top of the storage and below a glass curtain dome.  I like the idea at first, but then I wonder what happens when repairs are needed to the cranes.  Do librarians don grappling gear and scale the storage walls?

Here's a nice video that illustrates how it works