I would like to collect basic info on other institution's usage of Vertical Files (number of files or drawers, types of files, value as research resource to staff & patrons, opinions on relative costs of acquisition, processing, space compared to books), as our Library is having to defend the existence of our Vertical Files to our board. The files focus on local & regional artists, artists in permanent collection or exhibitions & Subject/Picture Files. Despite the substantial usage by the institution's faculty & students, curators & museum educators & members & general public, I am once again defending the existence of such a resource, the space devoted to the files & the time involved in processing & filing, etc. Any and all comments would be greatly appreciated.
We also find ourselves defending our Library's existence altogether in terms as numbers of patrons actually visiting the facility, do not compare to say a branch of the public library. Any figures on number of patrons vs. hours of service would be appreciated. The size of the collection & whether the Library serves a school or museum or both & numbers of full time/part time staff would be appreciated as well. (we average 32 hours/week open to general public with weekend & evening hours in addition to daily hours of Tue.-Sat. 10-), We have a book collection of near 11,000 books & a similar number of slides, have one full time Librarian & part time staff (2 currently) to cover weekend & evening hours.
Thank you for your assistance, should you have the time.
Sincerely,
Rebecca D. Steel, Librarian
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Library
314 South Park Street
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-5102
(616) 349-7775, x3165
FAX: (616) 349-9313
[log in to unmask]
http://www.kiarts.org
__________________________________________________________________
Mail submissions to [log in to unmask]
Administrative matters (file requests, subscription requests, etc)
to [log in to unmask]
ARLIS-L Archives and subscription maintenance:
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/arlis-l.html
Questions may be addressed to list owner (Kerri Scannell) at: [log in to unmask]
|