Changes to the Library’s collection
Why are the print books in high-density storage (compactus shelving)?
The way people use libraries changes over time. Our borrowing data has shown a sustained reduction in use of physical books over the last twenty years. In 2004 we recorded over 500,000 loans, but by 2019 the figure had fallen to 54,000. During 2020-2022 the numbers continued to drop. This may be partly because of the impact of COVID and reduced access to the Library during to the refurbishment, but the trend was clearly well in place already.
The Library has operated an e-preferred acquisitions policy for some years. This means that most recently acquired titles are available only in electronic format, and that the print book collection contains mostly older material.
While ebook technology is not yet perfect, ebooks are available online from any location, can usually be accessed simultaneously by several people, and are easily searchable. Moreover, economies of scale mean that the Library can provide access to significantly more titles as ebooks than it would be able to in print. As at the end of 2022 Library clients can access approx. 760,000 ebooks as against 300,000 physical titles. In 2022 we registered 3.8 million ebook uses.
Why can’t I access the compactus to browse the print book collection?
The Library’s collection, including ebooks and journal content as well as physical books, can be browsed online through the Catalogue. There are a number of logistical and practical challenges with multiple users accessing compactus shelving including health and safety issues, therefore general access to the compactus is currently restricted.
We do, however, offer a Click & Collect service – if you would like to borrow an item, place a request through the Library Catalogue and staff will fetch the books for you to collect. Items will be retrieved within three hours in most cases. In addition, essential unit related resources and other popular items are available for self-service in the High Demand collection on Level 2.
In consultation with the University Health & Safety team the Library is working towards providing access to the compactus for University staff in the first instance later this year.