2001/2002 - University College Cork Library

REPORT OF THE LIBRARY POLICY COMMITTEE 2001/2002
Science, Engineering, and Food (Subject Librarians: Ms. Úna Ní Chonghaile, Mr.
Richard Bradfield)
In October 2001 Richard Bradfield took up his appointment as Engineering, Food
Science and IT Librarian. The successful support provided by the Q+2 staff to the
information services provided to the Engineering, Food Science and IT departments
and the resultant mutual liaison with the Subject Librarian, are a good example of the
new model of information service in action.
All major areas in the Sciences were yet again affected by journal inflation with even
more periodical titles being cut. The relevant Subject Librarians worked closely with
academic staff in identifying and costing titles for cancellation and in endeavouring to
secure alternative, electronic access where possible. Usage of all electronic resources
increased.
Humanities (Subject Librarian: Ms. Olivia Fitzpatrick)
Plans were agreed for a major reorganization of the floor, including a proposal to move
the information desk to the North window. It is envisaged that this move will provide
a better working environment and open up the A/V area and resources. This change is
in response to user demand for greater access to this material.
Official Publications Centre (Subject Librarian: Ms. Valerie Fletcher)
The section made much progress in the areas of copyright acquisition, binding, and
information skills training.
Cork University Hospital Library Service (Subject Librarians: Ms. Rosarii
Buttimer, Ms. Catherine Clehane)
On 1 st October Catherine Clehane was appointed to the part-time post of Nursing &
Paramedical Librarian, based in the hospital at Wilton. Physical improvements to the
Library were carried out by UCC and the Southern Health Board. Problems continue
with the Library PCs to the extent that at times only 1 out of 8 will connect to the
Internet. Security issues are also unresolved despite many efforts to address them.
The immediate installation of a swipe card access system has been recommended.
External Services
1. Mercy Hospital Library
On the 15 th October 2001 Joe Murphy was appointed to the post of Assistant Librarian
at the Mercy Hospital, to provide a joint library service to Mercy Hospital and UCC.
THE Library was successfully renovated in April. The new Library is a huge
improvement in every aspect and users have expressed their delight with the new
facility.
2. South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital
On the 1 st October, 2001, Anita Wilcox was appointed to the post of Assistant
Librarian at the SIVH, to provide a joint library service to the South Infirmary/Victoria
Hospital and UCC. Usage of the library has greatly increased as is evidenced by
available statistics. Problems remain, in particular with regard to storage and the need
to update IT equipment. The role of the Library, as central to the needs of the hospital
in particular in the area of Clinical Diagnosis and Research, needs to be recognized in
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