The CARM2 print repository: from planning to operations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the planning and construction of a print repository for CAVAL, an Australian consortium of academic libraries. A key service is the management of the CARM (CAVAL Archival and Research Materials Centre), a purpose‐built, high‐density, environmentally controlled storage facility designed for the long‐term storage and preservation of print materials. The initial module, CARM1, began operations in 1996 and filled to capacity over a ten year period. To meet predicted demand for ongoing storage of low‐use paper‐based research materials, CAVAL has now built a second storage facility, CARM2.

Design/methodology/approach

The planning for CARM2 commenced with a review that assessed options available to CAVAL member universities for the long term storage of low‐use print material. This review analysed alternative storage solutions from the perspective of university users to assess the financial and non‐financial impacts associated with each option. The results provided an indicative evaluation of the comparison of alternative storage options taking into consideration the quantitative, qualitative and risk implications of each from the perspective of a potential user. Nine options are described and analysed, and the reasons for the selection of the CARM2 option as the preferred model.

Findings

The development and implementation of the business model, the impact on the design and funding model, the lessons learned from the management of the original CARM facility and the construction and commissioning of CARM2 are described. This is followed by a discussion of ongoing issues associated with the ownership and governance of the shared facility and the trends away from the shared collection model.

Originality/value

This paper will be of interest and value to other organisations or consortia with an interest in the feasibility, possible business models, development and construction, and/or operations of a print repository.

Citation

Jilovsky, C. (2013), "The CARM2 print repository: from planning to operations", Library Management, Vol. 34 No. 4/5, pp. 281-289. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435121311328627