Setting up

Some points to consider when setting up your library:

• Location, location, location

• Which layout?

• What size?

• Storage and systems

• Security

Location, location, location

The site you choose for your library will depend on the geography and resources of the organisation.

Some options are:

• within a separate resource area
• within Students Services area
• on a laptop computer or an office based PC
• within an area only accessible by staff
• within an area where clients are usually seen
• within a main library

Clients find information independently

If the clients are encouraged to use information independently, then the resources need to be in an area easily accessed by clients.

Clients assisted by staff/adviser

Resources may best be kept in an area only accessible to staff, as this may give increased control, and help prevent the resources from going missing.

Split location

Working over two or more locations presents a particular challenge for some agencies/groups especially when funding is also split between the locations. In this case you need to decide which of the following policies to implement.

Split the funding between the sites and develop smaller identical libraries at each site.

Use all the funding to develop a comprehensive library at one site and implement a loan system.

Go to Section 2 - The Layout

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