In our case, one of the most significant effects of technology has been the ability to order and receive printed materials in a much more timely fashion by doing so electronically. For example, students, faculty, staff, and other library patrons at Wooster can use OhioLINK to access electronic information or borrow printed materials through a cooperative agreement with 78 other libraries throughout the state. Another option is WorldCat, which lists tens of millions of books that can be borrowed from other libraries through interlibrary loan.

How have libraries changed in the past decade?

Perhaps the biggest change is the elimination of the old card catalog files. The process of cataloging has not changed, and the same information is still available – the only difference is that the process is now online. Members of our library staff continue to enter information into a database. What has changed is the way in which students access that information. In the past, students could search for an author, title or subject. Now they have additional options, particularly the keyword search, which enables them to be more precise and more efficient in their search. Of course, we still have to train students how to use the system. Many of them think that everything they need can be found through a Google search.

Another significant change is the demand for group study space. We are seeing more and more students studying for exams, discussing research, or planning group projects together. We were fortunate to have projected this need and included group study areas when the Flo K. Gault library was built in 1995. These rooms are in almost constant use, and we could probably use more to accommodate the need.

What characteristics and features of the library have remained the same?

The library is still a wonderful place for students to search for sources of information and to find quiet study space. Also, despite the technology, the library continues to be a source for books, periodicals, and other printed materials. Many believe that the availability of electronic information has led to a reduction in the number of books being published, but that simply isn’t true. Libraries are also social spaces, and always have been. We think of them as quiet places where students can go to read and think great thoughts. That’s true, but libraries are also places where students go to see their friends, to collaborate on projects, and even to flirt! It would be interesting to know how many marriages have resulted over the years from library "study dates" in college.

What other services does the library provide?

In addition to the more than 300,000 books and bound periodicals available in our library, there are a number of other features as well. At Wooster, for example, we have a wide variety of audiovisual equipment and services. We also have a comprehensive special collections and archives department, which organizes displays and exhibits throughout the year. In addition, we are a federal document depository, which allows us to maintain a valuable collection of government information.

What are some of the major challenges facing today’s libraries?

Aside from keeping pace with technology, space is becoming an increasing concern. Even though more and more journals are available on-line, the volume of printed materials is also increasing to the point that eventually libraries will exceed their capacity. This leaves libraries with the option of expanding their space or thinning their materials, neither of which are easy choices.

Are there general guidelines for deleting old reference materials and adding new ones?

It depends on the reference and the field. A resource in physics or chemistry, for example, will tend to become outdated more quickly than a book dealing with history–but then scholarly resources in physics and chemistry are more likely to be available online. Literature is always changing but is never superceded. So what we keep and what we are able to discard varies a lot. At Wooster, we do very little discarding. We generally like to keep as many of our books and journals as possible until they have deteriorated beyond repair. In regard to adding materials, we have seven librarians who are involved in the process. We also rely on faculty for requests and recommendations.

Are The College of Wooster libraries open to the general public?

We welcome members of the community to visit our libraries and take advantage of our many services and resources. Because we are a federal depository, anything we have can be checked out with an authorized library card. Those interested should visit our front desk and arrange for a courtesy borrower’s card, which will allow them to check out books.