If these relocations occur, a system of compact shelving can be installed in the basement. Compact differs from standard shelving in that most aisles are eliminated. Ranges of shelves are installed on movable carriages which slide along tracks embedded in the floor and aisles are opened as needed to retrieve materials. Research libraries across the country have adopted the use of compact shelving, since it can hold up to three times the volume capacity of standard shelving. The installation of compact shelving in the Hesburgh Library basement would solve the collection storage problems of all libraries on the Notre Dame campus for at least 10 years, by which time technological advances may offer other approaches to library space issues.
Libraries have other functions beyond storing collections.
One of the most important from a student's point of view is the provision of a suitable atmosphere for study. A survey was sent to 647 randomly selected students to determine the uses they make of Hesburgh Library. Two thirds of the 271 respondents reported coming into the building at least once a week, usually to study using their own materials. Although Hesburgh Library is open until 2 a.m., a sizable number do not find the Library's hours to be adequate to fully meet their study needs. It is clear that the provision of reader space is an important function which cannot be neglected.