Page 208 - DLIS003_LIBRARY ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Unit 11: Library Rules and Maintenance Work

Notes
Figure 11.1: Relations of Maintenance Section with Other Sections

Management

The magnitude of maintenance work, like all other work in the library, depends on the size and
complexity of the library and the quantum of operations. Decision regarding whether to have a
separate maintenance section or not depends mainly on the intensity of operations. In small/
medium sized libraries maintenance may be under the circulation section. Apart from the size;
another contributory factors whether the library is open access or closed access. In a closed
access library, shelving work is relatively less, while paging work is more. Paging involves the
job of locating the requisitioned book on the shelf and bringing it from the shelf and giving it to
the reader. This work of paging is an integral part of the circulation function’ of a closed access
library.
In open access, users quite often remove books from the shelves for browsing or consultations
and they are not, as a rule, allowed to replace the books on the shelves as they are not likely to
know the exact position. This task is invariably taken care of by the library staff. In an actively
used library, this work may keep the staff continuously busy throughout the day, making
shelving a major function.

It is a common practice to have a separate maintenance section/division with one or more
assistant librarians in large libraries like university libraries. The number of junior staff needed
for shelf work depends upon the size of the collection and the number of books circulated and
the number of users. In larger libraries, having multi-storied stacks, at least one shelf worker
should be provided for each wing of the stacks.

Task Prepare a set of ideal rules for an open access library.
11.4.1 Functions of Maintenance Work

The specific functions of the maintenance work include:
Shelving
Location of documents

Shifting of collections

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