The USGS Library is rapidly evolving towards a more virtual environment for researchers. As a resource for thousands of researchers worldwide, the Library provides stewardship for over 1.5 million print volumes, 750,000 maps, 500,000 historical photos, and 30,000 field records. The Flagstaff location maintains ~90,000 items, or 3% of the collection, of which there is 90% overlap of materials within the overall USGS Library collection.
As part of an existing, long term plan to offer more Library resources online and reduce duplicative holdings, the Library in 2012 began reshaping the physical collections in an effort to significantly consolidate its holdings. In a systematic and phased approach, the Library to date has conducted several collection moves and has reduced the overall physical footprint more than 40% or 60,000 square feet.
Continuing this strategy, the Flagstaff branch will be moving its collection to the Reston, Virginia Library location beginning in March 2018. This move reflects the Library’s ongoing effort to focus on an increased online national services model, ensure more materials are available digitally, and continue to offer access to critical Earth science collections to researchers. The collection currently in Flagstaff will continue to be available through established inter-library loan services once it is relocated to Reston.
While changes will be underway soon on the Flagstaff campus, the Library intends to continue to serve Flagstaff scientists, staff, and all other patrons, with minimal disruption, both during the move and after. The Library wishes to extend its thanks for the support over the years and assure all patrons of its intent to continue providing value to researchers as part of a national USGS Library system.
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