OPEN GOVERNMENT, CLOSED STACKS - ONSITE STORAGE OF DEPOSITORY MATERIALS

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.