staging area

n. An area set aside to allow materials to be stabilized before being placed in or removed from storage. A holding area.

Notes

Staging areas are commonly used to allow time for materials that are stored in cold storage vaults to come to room temperature before being used by patrons. They are also used to store new accessions so that the materials can be reviewed for insects, vermin, mold, and other contaminants prior to accessioning, and to hold materials prior to destruction.