2001/2002 - University College Cork Library

REPORT OF THE LIBRARY POLICY COMMITTEE 2001/2002
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The year 2001/02 was one of mixed fortunes for the Library. While recurrent funding
levels were not adequate to sustain demand for services and materials, a major grant of
public/private finance cleared the way for a significant physical expansion in the
future. The year saw a welcome renewal of development projects to improve access to
collections, and the Library continued to adopt a strong user-driven approach to service
planning and provision.
SPACE
The continued dramatic growth in customer numbers, volume of stock, and volume of
demand for services in the Library has increased pressure on the limited space
available to the Library, particularly on the Main Campus. While additional new space
will be available in 2-5 years at Brookfield and on the main campus, in the short-term
the immediate release of space within the Boole Complex is required to improve access
to IT facilities and to accommodate developments in Special Collections, including
accommodation for the Archives Service.
FINANCE
During 2001/02 UCC spent proportionately less on library services than most other
Irish Universities. Continued annual increases in the costs of acquiring journals in the
Science, Technology, Engineering and Medical areas forced further cancellations of
the Library's subscriptions in these disciplines. The annual increase in the average cost
of research journals acquired by UCC in 2000/2001 was 12%. A significant increase
to the Library’s non-pay budget is required to restore services and acquisition levels to
national standards.
UCC earns more in research income than any other University in the State. The Library
strives to actively support this activity across a range of areas. However, no link exists
between Library resources and the income generated by research at UCC. As a result,
the Library cannot adequately support the growing level of research at UCC. The
Committee recommends that a fixed percentage of overheads taken by the College
from allowable research grants be allocated to the Library in order to support library
services and materials for research.
In summary, the Library Policy Committee recommends that the following key actions
be taken to sustain the development and provision of library services at UCC:
1. the Library non-pay budget be increased by 20% to keep pace with rising costs
and increased user demands;
2. a fixed percentage of overheads taken by the College from allowable research
grants be allocated to the Library in order to support library services and
materials for research;
3. additional library space be provided to the Library in the short term by
relocating existing retail activities in the Boole Complex. The Committee
welcomes the award of significant funding through the PRTLI Programme for
new library space. The allocation of improved facilities for off-site storage of
library materials at the leased premises in Pouladuff is also warmly welcomed.
However, it will be essential to provide for incremental expansion of library
storage facilities at this site in the future and for the University to seriously
consider acquiring or constructing a custom-designed repository.
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