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Date:         Thu, 7 Jan 1993 17:10:00 EST
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Jo-Ann Michalak <JMICHALA@TULIPS.LIB.TUFTS.EDU>
Subject:      COMMENTS ON PROPOSED STACK ARRANGEMENTS REQUESTED

The Tufts University Arts & Sciences Library in Medford, Ma is planning a
new addition which will double the size of the library.  We are inviting
comments on our proposed stack arrangement.  A short description of our
current arrangement is followed by the proposed arrangement which includes
our concerns and assumptions.  Where to direct comments is indicated at the
end.
CURRENT ARRANGEMENT
1.  Books are arranged on 8" shelves by LC callnumber except N and TR.
Oversized books are shelved flat on the bottom shelf of each range.  All
sizes of N and TR books (fine arts collection is approx. 15,500) are
shelved on 9" shelves in a current periodical/microtext/fine arts reading
room which has a service desk.
2.  Bound journals are arranged by title A-Z on 8" shelves except fine arts
journals are shelved separately at the end.
3.  Books and journals from the engineering and science libraries are
arranged by LC callnumber on 8" shelves in 3 separate libraries.
PROPOSED ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCERNS/ASSUMPTIONS:
1.  Arrange all books (including engineering, sciences and fine arts by call
number on 8" shelves.  Concerns we have identified are:
--security for fine arts books if they are shelved together with less
expensive books.  (We have Tattletape security but only a small amount of older
 and current books are taped.)
--how to shelve the large proportion of oversize fine arts books: flat on the
bottom shelf? on separate oversize book ranges? in separate sections at the
end of each range?  interfiled with regular size fine arts books but use 9"
shelves for this area?  which arrangement would result in the least customer
inconvenienct and book damage?
--if all fine arts books will be shelved in 9" shelves within the regular
stacks which are 8", how to cope with future collection shifts?
if fine arts books will be divided into 'regular' and 'oversize', how to
do it?  is there a computer program that will help?
2.  Arrange all bound journals by call number separate from the books.
Concerns:
--how easy will it be to 'sell' the convenience of collocation of material
by call number (subjects together) versus the convenience of shelving by
title?
--we assume that keeping journals separate will reduce the amount of stack
planning and shifting over the lifetime of the new building.
3.  We are considering recommending compact shelving for all or most of the
stacks including books and journals.  Our concerns are:
--patron safety
impact on collection usage (browsing and competition for open aisles) in
a basically undergraduate collection
--time required for shelving and shelf maintenance.  we calculate time
required to shelve in compact shelving will double.
please send comments directly to me since i am not a subscriber to the
listserv:
Jo-Ann Michalak
Assistant Director for Public Services
Arts & Sciences Library
Tufts University
617/627-3345
internet:jmichala@pearl.tufts.edu
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