The Availability of Old, Rare and Precious Books: Problems and Solutions

Abstract

Demand by remote users for old, rare and precious books is small but not insignificant. Special features affecting availability, whether by loan or photocopy, include scattered holdings, fragility, monetary value, rarity and restrictive conditions of gift. Union lists, of which there are several examples, are a first step towards availability. Where facsimiles and reprints exist they can be used for loan purposes. Not all older books are rare or precious, and many could be lent. A central repository accepting books withdrawn from other libraries can make them available subsequently. Electrostatic copies can often be made, or photographic copies in cases of fragility or tight binding; in both cases a second copy could be made for a national centre. Microfilming, whether as a commercial project or by individual libraries, can also avoid loan of the original. Other photographic or digital forms of capturing and storing texts may become more widely used. A national programme for improved availability could include union lists, a microfilming programme, a national register of microfilms or other copies, and a central repository of copies and/or originals. In the UK, some but not all of these elements exist. Union listing is very advanced. The British Library Lending Division serves as a national repository and has a good collection of facsimiles, reprints and microform research collections, all available for loan. Although there are limits to availability, much more could be done. The interests of bibliographic control, conservation and availability fortunately all coincide.