from Professor Paul Slack
Sir - Re: University faces revolt on libraries (Report, April 8) Oxford University's library system is confronted by major problems: it is spread over 45 separate sites; many of its buildings, though historically significant and much-loved, were not designed to deliver the quality and range of library and information services that academics and students now demand; we have run out of space to house collections that grow by five kilometres of shelf space a year; and the present configuration costs far too much to run; cost is outstripping income, and funds that should be going into improving the collections and services to readers are soaked up by the inefficiencies of the libraries' physical estate.
Not surprisingly in view of these problems, reorganisation of the physical estate to provide a better service is an obvious option to explore. It also follows logically from the integration policy for the University Libraries approved by Council and Congregation in 2000, and progressively implemented since then.
Planning for major change must start somewhere. The University's senior library staff have been asked by the Vice-Chancellor to draw up options that address the problems: and that is precisely what they are doing - preparing a range of options for the University to consider in due course, that is when feasibility and costs have been explored, so that there is an informed basis for debate and decision.
One of those options is the construction of a book depository at Osney Mead; its risks will be thoroughly assessed and reported on. James Howard-Johnston is quite right: 'The University's primary duty is to preserve the book stock and to make it available for scholars.' That responsibility will be fulfilled.
Professor Paul Slack
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
Academic Services and Collections
Oxford University
from Michael Erben
Sir - I was most concerned to read the article on the Bodleian University faces revolt on libraries, (April 8). Apart from the academic and environmental issues raised in your piece, more mention needs to be made of the future position of the library staff. I have used many major academic libraries here and abroad and as far as library employees are concerned the Bodleian is unique - its frontline staff are ever courteous, helpful and highly knowledgeable. Could not some of the "millions of pounds" Mr Milne plans to spend be diverted from the costly and criticised "overhaul" toward ensuring that the positions of Bodleian Library staff are made secure?
Michael Erben
Oxford
Click for Bodleyworld's next item or for the Underwater Library Sub-index.