Merging of Collections; Closing of Biology Library

UW-Madison Libraries are planning for additional efficiencies in library services, resources, and operations in the face of the state budget situation. In order to respond to this situation, the Libraries are 'reorganizing staff and services, merging print collections, consolidating duplicate service points and assessing user needs,' according to General Library System Director, Ken Frazier.

One step is the integration of the Biology Library into Steenbock Library. Beginning with the end of the spring semester, the print collection (journals and books) will be transferred from the Biology Library to Steenbock.

Some of the rare history-of-science materials will be transferred to the Department of Special Collections, Memorial Library. Reserves services (print and electronic) will be absorbed by Steenbock Library.

Librarians Kathryn Maloney and Amanda Werhane will attend to providing support to the Departments of Botany and Zoology. Library services such as campus document delivery, reference and instruction, Interlibrary Loan, and access to the print collections will remain available during and after the merger.

The Libraries have also offered the expertise of its staff to assist the College of Letters and Science and the Departments of Botany and Zoology as they explore options for re-purposing the current Biology Library location.

The mission of UW Libraries remains unchanged, Frazier adds.

"We will continue to provide exemplary information services designed to support the teaching, learning, research, and outreach mission of UW-Madison," he says. "The efficiency measures being put in place will enable us to meet the needs of this great public research university."

Adapted from original post, 4/26/2011, Library Communications