News Release Archive
FEATURE--DEPOSITORY LIBRARY SYSTEM PROVIDES ACCESS TO INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------- By: Sheliah Bennett, Communications Nova Scotia There is an unmistakable feeling as you enter a library. It is a combination of a peaceful stillness and an overwhelming sense of the volumes of information contained within the building. Among the many rows of books lining the shelves is a section dedicated to government documents. Nova Scotia is one of seven provinces which has a depository library system for its published materials. The program began in 1987, and on average, there are over 30 publications per month that range from annual reports and statutes to discussion papers and pamphlets. There are 11 regional and university libraries across Nova Scotia, along with the Public Archives of Nova Scotia, that receive all published materials produced within the Nova Scotia government. There are also 21 other libraries in Nova Scotia which are selective depository libraries. These libraries receive a monthly listing of materials published by the government and can then choose which publications they would like to receive. The coordination of the depository system is administered cooperatively through the Legislative Library and the Nova Scotia Government Bookstore, Department of Business and Consumer Services. The library is responsible for tracking and producing a monthly list of all government materials that have been published, while the bookstore distributes the materials to the libraries. "We tried to set up full depository libraries in each region of the province so the public can be sure they're going to have all of the government's published material in their library," said legislative librarian Margaret Murphy. "In the past, government information was more centralized in Halifax and now we try and spread it around the province so every Nova Scotian can access this information." One of the libraries which actively sought to get this program established is the Dalhousie University Killam Library. Dalhousie's documents librarian Shelagh Keene, was on the committee which first approached the provincial government to establish a depository system and feels this is an essential system for Dalhousie. "As a research library we're supposed to have a collection of Nova Scotian material. The depository system ensures we get the current output of the government automatically," said Ms. Keene. "As well, it certainly aids the teaching part of the university because this material is an adjunct to the teaching materials." Ms. Keene said Dalhousie conducted a circulation count to find the most heavily used collection. Results showed that of their Canadian material the federal government collection was used most, followed by that of the province of Nova Scotia. Michael Colborne, information services coordinator for the Halifax Regional Library, also believes the government's depository system is very useful because it makes information accessible to the public after the regular nine to five day. He said people can go to a library on the weekend or during the evening, instead of trying to track it down through a government department where they are restricted to the information during normal working hours. He said most people are using the government documents for everyday situations. For example, it might be someone wanting to look at the Motor Vehicle Act to understand a ticket they received or perhaps new legislation they want to know about. "It really is people whose personal lives have been affected by something to do with government and they come in looking for it." Mr. Colborne believes programs such as the depository system speed everything up and make it easier for everybody. "Departments know that by participating in the program their material is going to get out in the public libraries where all kinds of people are going to be able to use it, and for librarians, they can be assured that if something comes out, chances are it's going to be part of the program," he said. "It's a real symbiotic relationship where it benefits all sides equally." -30- Contact: Sheliah Bennett 902-424-2698 trp Mar. 11, 1997 - 10 a.m.