This is a follow-up to the question S. Mains posted regarding the proposed new Central Library and why only 50% of the collection would be on shelves available to the public. Actually 100% of the collection will be available to the public. The approximate 50% of the collection not on the main open public shelves will still be available to the public for browsing and borrowing. However, to make maximum use of space, most of the 50% not on the main open public shelves will be housed on compact shelving adjacent to the public areas where the materials and access to them can be more closely monitored . The items housed on the compact shelving will be those that are very old but important for research, in fragile condition, have extraordinary monetary value or are in much less demand, such as bound copies of much older periodicals. Thanks for asking. Jan Feye-Stukas, Associate Director Minneapolis Public Library PH: 612-630-6208
