Ac. Quinn et M. Haslam, OPEN GOVERNMENT, CLOSED STACKS - ONSITE STORAGE OF DEPOSITORY MATERIALS, Government information quarterly, 15(2), 1998, pp. 221-228
Storage of growing collections is an ongoing problem for libraries. Pa
st attempts at using the industrial solution of automated storage and
retrieval systems (AS/RS) ended in failure. However, improvement!, in
these mechanisms, especially computer control and the ability to inter
face with online library catalogs, make them a viable option for libra
ries. Questions remain about the appropriateness of treating intellect
ual material like industrial parts. In addition, access is still an is
sue especially in regard to government depository documents. A literat
ure review shows that while there is a tremendous amount of research a
vailable on the design of AS/RS, little is written about its applicati
on in libraries.