Closed and Open Stacks

Greetings from Caro District Library.

I am wrapping up lecture 11 for Neavill's class (metadata and classification). I am particularly taken by this element in his lecture: "The main branch of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue is one of the world's great research libraries. It has closed stacks, uses fixed location for shelving, and materials have to be used in the library. (The other branches of the New York Public Library are lending libraries with open stacks and books classified on the shelves.) When you visit the main branch, you find what you need in the catalog and fill out a slip indicating the fixed location noted in the catalog. You submit your requests and are given a number. About half an hour later, your number lights up on a big board in the main reading room, and you collect your books...Closed stack libraries have always been more common in Europe and other countries than in the United States."

As of yet, I have not visited a closed stack library and have found myself curious as to whether the study abroad trip this fall will provide me with an opportunity. If not, then I certainly need to take a field trip and set up a behind the scenes tour. 


My local observations:
During the early afternoon, most of the public computers were in use by adults and the fax and copy machines were going crazy! I was surprised by how many people utilize the office equipment.

As I mentioned in a previous post, this library, like the others I have visited in the Thumb area, had a community center atmosphere -- patrons were visiting with each other and talking about the various books they are reading, which crops they are going to plant this year, etc.

Right around 2:30p, the library seemed to empty out and the demographic switched to mostly tweens and teens. I feel incredibly old right now, but I am very pleased to see this library being utilized as a study and hang out spot. When the demographic shifted, a staff member began roving the various study areas in the library. Many patrons interacted with this staff member while rounds were being made. A blend between roving reference librarian and behavior observer. Very good idea.

Photo: Reading up on Categories for the Description of Works of Art in the YA area (this was taken prior to the 2:30p demographic shift -- I grabbed a table elsewhere later.)