Libraries as Repositories - more thought

[Sue Van Patten <svp01@health.state.ny.us>]

I'm a facilitator by nature so I'm going to "flip chart" what I've heard so far about the libraries as repositories.  

1. Train the librarians so they will know what the info is and where it is in the library system.

2.  For local projects/issues, have the info placed in a local library.

3. Simplify the documents that are in the repository.

4. Have 2 sets of documents so one can stay and one can be checked out.

5. Leave the information in the repository indefinitely.

Now let me follow-up with some more thoughts (the points below reference back to the list above).

1. Do people think that is would work if when EPA initally set-up a respoitory they trained the local librarian about the info and what was there?  Would the librarians be interested?  Would people trust the librarians because they are neutral?  A question for EPA, what do you think of training reference librarians in general about the info EPA has and how to get a hold of it?

2. In my opinion (and probably most people on the dialogue) this goes with out saying.  However, what about issues that are nationwide, like standards?  What info should go where?  Also this brings to mind another question, should document repositories even be used for statewide or nationwide programs?

3. Again, I think most people would agree, however this is time consuming and a lot of work - but valuable.  One idea of a way to work this out would be to have the contractor that prepared a report put together a public summary.  What do people think of that idea? Other ideas to solve this problem?

4. I agree again, but how do you deal with libraries that are willing but lack space (a problem I encountered a number of times)?  Maybe one set could be put in initially and in cases where the documents are getting a lot of use then another set could be obtained?  I agree that it is critical that there be a contact name and number in the repository for people to call with questions.

5. When I have set-up repositories on the state level we just leave the stuff there once we are done with the site/issue.  Does EPA remove the documents after so many years?  Is that because the library ran out of space or an EPA requirement?