DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

Margarete Bower

Chemistry Library

DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARIES

• Historically part of academic departments

• University Library System organized by 1982

• Departmentals retained because they served a need

CURRENT DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARIES• Business• Chemistry• Engineering (with physics, geology, astronomy)• Fine Arts• Graduate School of Public & International Affairs/

Economics• Information Sciences (with library science)• Langley (biology/neuroscience)• Mathematics• Music

Collection Sizes• 25,000 to 133,000 books

• 150 to 700 journals

• 25,000 sound recordings (Music)

Hillman Library• Languages, literature, history, political science,

religion, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, computer science, etc.

• 1.5 million books

Departmental Library Staffing• 1 to 2 full-time librarians• 1 to 3 full-time staff• Student assistants• Combined heads of:

• GSPIA and Business

• Music and Fine Arts

Special Library Centers• Allegheny Observatory• American Music Center • Darlington Memorial Library• Departments in main library – African-American,

Social Work, Government Documents, Latin American, East Asian, Media Resources

Outside the ULS• Health Sciences Library System• Law Library

Bevier Engineering Library

Langley Library

Biology andNeuroscience

Frick Fine Arts

Library

ADVANTAGES FOR LIBRARY USERS

• Convenience

• Specialized reference assistance

• Personal interaction and service

• Customize some services

• Smaller, easier to find things

• Quiet

DISADVANTAGES FOR LIBRARY USERS

• Open fewer hours• Slight delay in receiving document delivery items• Need to consult collections in several libraries

DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARY FUNCTIONS

• Circulate books• Reference• Library instruction• Maintain reserve collections• Participate in document delivery• Manage print collections• Binding• Cataloging – very limited, except at Music• Special collections – Fine Arts, Music,

Information Sciences

DEPARTMENTALS ARE INTEGRATED INTO THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SYSTEM

• System-wide policies• Electronic access to all system resources• Central storage facility• Preservation department• Expertise for Special Collections, archives,

government documents, etc.• Centralized functions – interlibrary loan, journal

check-in, microfilm

COLLABORATION AMONG DEPARTMENTALS

• Cover staffing shortages• Assistance with major moving/renovation projects• Cooperative collection development• Reference referral• Reserve books from other collections• Departmental intern program• Holiday dinner

FUTURE CHALLENGES

• Financial considerations/cost of resources• Remote interaction with users• Library instruction• “Information commons”• Space – “downsizing” and merging

V V

Entrance

Chemistry Library Floor

After space reduction

Chemistry Library Floor

Before space reduction

Entrance

Chemistry Library