On Libraries

It is the nature of libraries to grow. Predicting the rate of growth is not an easy task. One solution is the construction of storage libraries which are cheaper to construct than regular libraries and can also make more effective use of environmental controls than buildings which are heavily used daily.

Many system vendors now make a great point of ways in which their systems link to other databases and services. However, it is therefore becoming difficult to draw the lines among library, departmental, and personal budget expenditures.

If a considerable part of time is used in walking to and from the library with no apparent return, then the time is wasted. Here electronic systems can play a part in developing higher returns on user time. Online catalog searching can also be linked to interlibrary loan or to document delivery. The goal is to refine collection and reduce lost user time.

There are three classes of asset with which librarians are concerned: facilities, collections (or more broadly, access to information and equipment) Each building can be thought of as a series of "systems," such as foundations and walls; roof and windows; electrical, plumbing, HVAC; floor and wall coverings; and so on.

Collections such as literature and language do not deteriorate so quickly. These collections do not need to be refreshed by adding current publications, but the whole collection remains useful and may even grow in value over time.