New research in genome sciences spans the disciplines. To maintain Duke s current research programs and support their anticipated growth, we need to offer library facilities that are commensurate with this ambition. The physical consolidation will also bring the staffs together. In anticipation of that move, we will begin to rethink the management of the science and engineering libraries and the respective roles of staff in order to maximize collaboration with and responsiveness to faculty, provide excellent instructional services for students, and create opportunities for professional growth for staff at all levels. An exploration of the concept of establishing a consolidated biomedical library is also recommended.
Strategies Form a committee to plan for consolidation.
This group, which will include staff from the science and engineering libraries, faculty, students, and public and technical services representatives from Perkins and the Medical Center Library, should conduct a thorough study of changing patterns of use of science and engineering libraries, as well as best practices for consolidated libraries at peer universities. Taking into account the tremendous growth in science and engineering programs at Duke, the group should develop a program describing the space needs, staffing, collections, and services of the consolidated library. A host of related issues will need to be explored, including the implementation of wholly consistent user policies, enhancing the availability of materials via delivery, and integrated instructional services for all science and engineering users. For example, the geology materials now housed in Perkins support the work of faculty in the Nicholas School of the Environment and might be candidates for inclusion in a consolidated science and engineering library. It will be necessary to prepare for the changes consolidation will bring about, particularly those affecting technical services, document delivery and the LSC, and to prioritize activities related to consolidation.