1. Describe the location of depository documents and the percentages in each location.
a. Are any depository collections in open or closed stacks?
The majority of the documents collection is readily and prominently available on the first floor of the library. Documents reclassed into LC for the reference collection are also available on the first floor of the library. Microfiche and Maps cabinets are accessible to the public on the first floor of the library. Documents which are part of the Media/Serials collection are shelved in public areas both before and after they are bound. All of these stacks are open and comprise at least 75 percent of our collections.b. Are any depository materials in compact shelving?
Noc. Are any vertical file cabinets used to house depository documents?
Nod. Are any depository materials in on-site or off-site storage?
Old serial set volumes and some hearings are housed on closed stacks on the third floor of the library. Some documents are sent to our Shreveport branch where they are reclassed into LC and added to their collection. Our ERIC microfiche are stored at our Ft. Polk branch in Leesville. The material sent to our branches is a small percent of our collections and are always returned in good condition to Watson Library when they are no longer needed at that branch.e. Note the proximity of depository collections to service points (documents or general reference desks, microform reading area, etc.).
The documents collections are adjacent to the circulation desk and the documents/reference desk. Microfiche readers are available in the documents reading room. Microfiche reader/printers are available in the Media/Serials Division on the second floor of the library.
2. Describe storage of all microfiche, maps, and electronic media. Are they all stored in metal cabinets or another type of covered acid-free storage containers? If not, why not?
All microfiche, maps and electronic media are stored in covered acid-free containers and filed in metal cabinets.
3. Does the library have sufficient shelf, file, and cabinet space to properly house current depository documents holdings? If not, explain.
Yes.
Assuming continuation of present growth rates, give your best estimate of the depository's growth space, for the following formats (in years).
a. paper
8-10 years
b. microfiche
8-10 years
c. maps
8-10 years
d. CD-ROM
2-3 years
4. All public institutions are required by law to work towards full ADA compliance. Is there handicapped access to all portions of depository collections that are in public areas, i.e.:
a. ramp(s) into the library
Yes
b. flat entrances into the library
Yes
c. elevators to all floors housing depository collections
Yes
d. adequate depository stack-aisle widths in public areas
Yes
e. computer work stations and carrels
Yes
5. Is there sufficient work space for depository library staff in a non-public area?
The documents staff has a work space in a non-public area that
includes tables, chairs, a computer work station and sufficient
storage for processing material and supplies. Two offices are
designated for the use of documents staff. This area is in close
proximity to the reference desk, Interlibrary loan office and the
documents collection in order to allow for optimal use of staff.
6. Is patron work space for using the depository collection usually available? Indicate any times when patrons work space is not available near depository collections.
The patron areas for use of government documents includes
tables, study carrels and index tables. Space is always available and adequate. Microfiche readers are available in both patron and staff areas. Electronic access is provided in Northwestern affiliates via an Internet lab (non-Northwestern affiliates are provided with access in the documents librarian’s office).
7. Are depository operations entirely situated in an environment that facilitates access to and usage of depository resources, that is well lighted, comfortable, neat, and clean.
The documents reading room is attractive and well organized if a
bit dark; however, the problem with lighting encompasses the
entire building. The documents processing area is clean and
attractive.
8. Indicate whether the temperature, humidity, ventilation control and other environmental factors in the library are conducive to preserving depository holdings? Note any major preservation problems (e.g., excessive dust, mold, etc.) and efforts at preserving materials (e.g., spraying for insects, oiling bindings, etc.).
Watson Library is a climate controlled building with environmental factors conducive to preserving all library holdings. No major preservation problems have been experienced. The building is regularly sprayed to prohibit insects.
9. List any new physical facilities affecting depository operations since the last on-site inspection, including those under construction, or planned for construction. For future projects, note estimated start and completion dates. Describe how these new facilities have affected or will affect depository operations. Types of new facilities could include, but are not limited to:
a. new library
b. new addition
A new addition of two floors to Watson Library is planned; however, no starting or completion dates have been set. A consultant recommended that the documents processing and collection be moved to a new location on another floor. This arrangement would cause problems since the Documents Librarian and collection would no longer be readily accessible and prominent. A separation from the rest of the reference staff would hinder communications and promotion of documents would be more difficult.c. remodeling
d. compact shelving
e. off-site storage
f. computer lab
Several new computers have been ordered specifically for the use of government documents patrons. These new machines should be installed by the end of 1997.
10. Describe the quantity, quality, and location of the following equipment as it relates to depository collections:
a. staff personal computers (note general type of computers, i.e., 286, 386, 486, Pentium, etc.)
The Documents Librarian has a Dell Optiplex 466/Le computer. The documents work area has a 486 PC with an external CD-ROM drive.
b. equipment for depository CD-ROM’s and on-line services. Note current configurations and any plans for future LANs, WANs, etc. Is this equipment available for use by the public? List key depository titles on the menus.
The Silverplatter version of the GPO index is loaded on a Novell LAN server. In the future as this LAN is expanded and upgraded, more high use government information CDs will be added. In addition, new computers with CD players will be designated specifically for government information use. These new machines will also offer Internet access.c. microfiche readers, reader/printers, any portable microfiche readers, any microfiche-to-fiche duplication machines, etc. Is there a microfiche reader near the depository microfiche?
Microfiche readers are located in the documents reading room and in the reference room on the first floor of Watson Library. Reader/printers are located on the second floor in the Media/Serials Division.d. photocopy machines (specify patron and staff machines)
Photocopy machines are available for student use on the first and second floors of the library. Photocopiers for staff use are on all floors of the library The public copiers require the purchase of a copy card for use.e. fax for staff use
Fax machines for staff use are located on the first and third floors of the library.f. public access personal computers
Personal computers are used for public access in the Internet lab and for LAN use on all floors of the library. These computers do not offer any other services e.g. word processing. Dumb terminals are used to access our OPAC in most locations.
11. Does the library meet the requirements for "Public Access to Electronic Information Provided Through Federal Depository Libraries" as announced in Administrative Notes, v. 17 #7, May 15, 1996? Is public access to Government information via the Internet provided through mediated searches, or by allowing members of the public to use depository library work stations on their own? Does the library have appropriate hardware and software, including GILS-aware software, CD-ROM readers, printers, etc.?
All existing machines have either Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. All
new computers will be installed with Windows NT. All have
communications software including Netscape and Adobe Acrobat.
There are currently no printers available for public use except for the ink jet printer in the documents work room.
Watson library is working toward meeting these standards. Most
staff computers and those in the Internet lab already meet the
standards. However, new and improved computing facilities
specifically dedicated to use in government information research
should be in place by the end of 1997. These new computers
will provide access that meets future standards and satisfies
patron needs.
12. Describe all signs and locations, e.g., library-produced and GPO posters, signs, displays, floor directories, etc., that highlight and direct patrons to depository collections. Can a patron unfamiliar with the library easily locate the documents area or documents help desk?
New documents displays are located in the front lobby as well as
in the documents reading room. With these displays is a sign
explaining that these are new documents and they may be
circulated for a period of 7 days - ask at the reference desk.
Response has been very positive. Documents are changed
regularly as new titles are added to the collection.
The Watson Library Handbook which is appended to this Self Study has much information about the documents collection. This document is widely distributed. Library produced signs and guides provide information specific to Watson Library’s collection. These include the attached User’s Guides some of which now incorporate Internet resources.
GPO signs and posters are located in the outer and inner lobbies
of the library to inform patrons immediately that Watson Library is a Federal Depository. This includes depository emblems on the
doors and the depository sign in the lobby. The GPO produced
“How to Find a U.S. Government Publication” signs are located
throughout the building. A documents publicity sign is located
on the front of the reference desk, and another is located on the
door to the Documents Librarian’s office.
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