With the University's libraries running out of space, administrators turned to consultant Jay Lucker this week for suggestions on how UNM should approach storage of key research materials.
Lucker said that he was asked to do three things: examine the current organization of all on-campus libraries to see how the space is now used and what problems should be addressed; speak with all library staff members, including vice presidents and deans, about their opinions on how library space is currently used and inform them about library space trends; and write a report detailing layout issues and suggesting options on how to address the problems.
After touring all the libraries, including Zimmerman, Centennial, Fine Arts, Law and Native American Studies Libraries, he said that he sees a definite need for additional collection space.
"You have to look at a series of options, including things like looking at existing spaces, possible use of compact space, impact of technology," Lucker said. "These are all things you need to look at, especially in the issue of what's happening in the wider world of information."
He added that a major issue is how to adapt older buildings to newer technology because many buildings were built before any computers were widely used. Lucker stated in a University press release that libraries face a perception problem by legislators and others who hold the purse strings that everything one needs is available electronically.
He added that it is as false as the notion that the information age reduces the need for library faculty and staff.
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"It's harder than it ever was before to find information," he said in the same release.
Lucker said that a CD can last five to 50 years, while microfilm can last up to 500 years if stored properly. He added that the material's format, however, dictates care and maintenance, in addition to space needed to store both the material and the equipment use it requires.
"Unlike books, you can't use microfilm just anywhere," he said.
Another obstacle, according to the release, is space constraint due to new regulations.
The standard aisles between library book stacks had been 30 inches for facilities built from 1940 to 1980, but new standards require 36-inch aisles, which Lucker said reduces the library capacity by 15 percent.
He suggested that items that should be moved to remote storage include low use materials, materials that are looked at but not checked out and items the public doesn't have access to but requires special handling - such as manuscript and archival collections.
Lucker said that his report is only intended to serve as a set of observations and options and that it is up to the new library dean to pursue them. He added that his visit is merely the beginning of a much larger process.
"What's needed in the long term is a master space plan for all the libraries at UNM," he said.
