Analogy to the print collection
Print libraries incorporate the same three functions needed in a digital
archive
- Address Lookup:
- Traditionally, print collections have been
shelved by call number.
The call number serves as a "name" for a particular volume. Given a call
number, a reader can find the volume by consulting a map of the stacks,
and looking at signs on the shelves. The implicit "address
lookup" is usually based on alphabetical order. Other "lookup" schemes are
being explored, particularly for stacks that are closed to readers .
One approach is to
put a barcode on each volume and use an automated tracking scheme
comparable to those used by shipping companies. In this case, the
barcode number serves as the "name" of the volume.
- Collection Management:
- The management of any library collection incorporates many policies
and procedures. Policies determine who can have access or borrow items,
and under what terms. Procedures determine when items will be bound, and
how to shelve and handle volumes with special characteristics (e.g. books
that are particularly large, small, fragile, or valuable).
Libraries often keep braille and large-print versions of books separate
from the main collection.
- Storage:
- Most libraries devote a great deal of effort to managing storage. On
a routine basis,
items must be reshelved after use, and shelves must be reorganized to
accommodate new volumes acquired. Increasingly,
libraries are moving some materials to off-site storage facilities that
are less expensive to maintain.
In preparation for such a move, the library must determine how to select
which materials will be less immediately
accessible and how to establish procedures that balance the cost of
storage against the time to retrieve items.
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(12/27/95)