Depositories and repositories: changing models of library storage in the USA

Abstract

Purpose

To identify the issues faced by shared library storage facilities involving collection ownership, services, and governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature‐based review describing the operations of shared library storage facilities in the USA.

Findings

There are 50 or more library storage facilities in the USA (including separate compact shelving buildings or wings), with others in various stages of planning and construction. Most of the existing facilities are operated by individual academic libraries for their own collections, but increasing numbers of shared facilities are being planned and built. As more and more US academic libraries operate or share storage facilities, they face issues involving collection ownership, services, and governance within their own constituencies. These shared facilities can form the infrastructure for the evolving international network of print repositories.

Originality/value

Provides models for operating shared library storage facilities and outlines next steps to develop an international repository network.

Citation

Payne, L. (2005), "Depositories and repositories: changing models of library storage in the USA", Library Management, Vol. 26 No. 1/2, pp. 10-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/01435120510572815