Merging Science/Technology Libraries

Lessin, Barton

doi:10.1300/j122v21n01_02

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Lessin's article, a more theoretical, historical discussion, is aimed at helping library managers guide decision-making; it is not a step-by-step discussion of the process. 1 His is a positive response to the potentially negative action of merging libraries. He reminds his readers that patrons may not be happy with such decisions, but the LRTS 54 (3) electronic environment provides access to literature regardless of the physical location of materials, especially in a library that provides information in science, technology, and medicine.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Letting Go

Czechowski¹,

Barger²,

Fort³

et al. 2010

Library Resources &Amp; Technical Services

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Closing a branch library is a complex and often a painful activity, but one that libraries frequently face in difficult economic times. This case study examines a project that closed a branch library in an academic health sciences library system. The authors describe the sequence of steps followed, challenges encountered, and solutions implemented to complete the project. The authors document lessons learned that can benefit other libraries faced with a similar situation.I n the fall of 2008, the administration of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) informed the Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) that it would have to make extensive budget cuts in the collection of its library, one of four libraries the HSLS manages. In early December, after a few months of planning for space and budget reductions, the WPIC administration notified the HSLS director that WPIC Library instead would close permanently at the end of the semester. The HSLS received no reasons for the decision. Some staff positions were terminated and others retained for a few months to aid in the disposition of the collection, which was planned for completion by the end of the spring. Begun in 1942, the WPIC Library had built a comprehensive collection in psychiatry and the behavioral sciences. The HSLS staff were devastated with the decision yet had no choice but to plan to dismantle this outstanding collection.This paper is a case study on closing a departmental or branch library that is part of a larger academic library system. The library's collection was specialized, and the largest portion was unique within the system. This paper describes the planning phase, processes developed, activities, and results of the work. The authors, who served as project managers, document lessons learned that could benefit other libraries faced with a similar situation.

show abstract

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Letting Go

Czechowski¹,

Barger²,

Fort³

et al. 2010

Library Resources &Amp; Technical Services

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…17 Lessin's article on merging science/technology libraries provides an excellent analysis of why various branch library merge, and discusses the Crerar/Chicago merger and University of Louisville libraries among others. 18 Zhou discusses the advantages of reference desk mergers at California State University, Sacramento. 19 Dodd gives good advice on strategic planning with architects and administrators.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transforming a Library into a Bookless Branch and Increasing Discoverability of the Virtual Library

Powell¹,

Cusker²

2012 ASEE Annual Conference &Amp; Exposition Proceedings

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

is Engineering Librarian at the Engineering Library, Cornell University. She worked in publishing before coming to the library in 1986. She has a B.A. from Cornell and a M.L.S. from Syracuse University. Active in the Engineering Libraries Division of the American Society for Engineering Education, she served as Program and Division Chair in 2004-2005. She is the library liaison to these departments: biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering. .

show abstract

Continued Viability: A Review of the Life Sciences Library at Indiana University in a Time of Institutional Change and Proposed Branch Library Downsizing

Winterman

Hill

2010

Science & Technology Libraries

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Merging Science/Technology Libraries

Cited by 6 publications

References 3 publications

Letting Go

Letting Go

Transforming a Library into a Bookless Branch and Increasing Discoverability of the Virtual Library

Continued Viability: A Review of the Life Sciences Library at Indiana University in a Time of Institutional Change and Proposed Branch Library Downsizing

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About