Library closings, generally due to resource constraints, are not unique to state transportation agencies. For the last two decades, many other sectors have struggled to keep their library doors open. Libraries in corporations, hospitals, universities, newsrooms and other government agencies have closed, merged or otherwise morphed into something different. Key considerations when transportation libraries close are the library’s physical collections and other resources and services.
When a library loses its physical space, collections might be discarded, put in off-site storage or integrated into another library’s collection. Understanding ahead of time potential options to house collections is advisable. The level of effort needed to maintain collections may be harder to come by. One university librarian had these suggestions:
Examples of Note
Relatively recent transportation agency library closures illustrate how disposition of print materials varies. When Arizona DOT Research Center’s library closed, the print and digital versions of reports published by Arizona DOT and other Arizona agencies were transitioned for retention by the Arizona State Library Archives in the Arizona State and Local Governments Documents Collection.
Closure of the Connecticut DOT Library in the agency’s headquarters building prompted the agency to move more resources online. The majority of the library’s books were moved to smaller rooms around the building (engineering and construction, policy and planning), and exam study materials were moved to the agency’s Office of Communications. Unlike Arizona and Connecticut, when Ohio DOT’s library closed, most of the physical materials were discarded.
Services could be discontinued if all library staff members are lost. Maintaining some library or information services staff is imperative if libraries close given the continued needs of agency staff when navigating the world of transportation information. Information services providers can distinguish their worth and value from that of a physical library, which is only one part of a librarian’s domain.
Having a plan of action for this eventuality can help by allowing for a more manageable process and paving the way for positive outcomes. Cultivating and maintaining relationships among agency management and with relevant outside organizations is important regardless of the library’s fate. Acquiring part of the time of another library’s information services provider may also be an option.
Noteworthy Partnership
The University of Southern California and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles have an agreement in which the university supplies and manages a “liaison librarian” who works at the hospital half of the workweek, while the hospital provided space and clerical support. Creative collaborations can benefit both organizations.