Scenario / Example:
This Shabbat is parshat Sheqalim, the first of 4 special Shabbatot before Pesach. We will take out two Sifrei Torah.
Upon returning the Torot to the ark, one would like to shift the position of one of the Torot that are in the ark, currently. The shul ark has two rows of Torot. Getting to the back row is a bit tedious, as it involves reaching over other sifrei Torah or removing the one in front of it.
The Zachor Torah is behind the now empty spot of the Sheqalim Torah. The Torah carrier wants to move the Torah that will be used for parshat Zachor into the now empty spot previously occupied by the Sheqalim Torah, and place the Sheqalim Torah in the Zachor Torah slot.
Is he allowed to do this, or would this be considered preparation for something not needed for the current Shabbat?
Another possible problem - Is this considered torach tzibbur - even if this takes a few seconds.
I've used the above as a sample, but please answer generally regarding moving any Sifrei Torah around on Shabbat, specifically at the point that the Torah is being returned to the ark. I'm assuming that one cannot make these preparations when a service is not occurring, as, to me, that appears to be preparation. However, here, maybe it isn't since you are also returning a Torah to the ark; you're just putting it in a different spot.
Also assume that the need to do this now, is that the shul is not open during the weekday, and they're trying to avoid Torach tzibbur on Shabbat Zachor.
