Recent library technology in old buildings

Abstract

New technical equipment have been installed in old library buildings: book slides, belt and compartment conveyors, elevators, escalators, rollers etc. Also, networks of personal computers and printers will be established for use at reference desk and in the store rooms. The proliferation of new electric and lighling installations can degrade overall safety requirements. In many libraries, stabte racks have been replaced by rolling racks. In the future higher attention should be paid to the grouping of library holdings by format, and to the reduction of rack depth. In basement rooms the problem of humidity should be dealt with. These spaces can be kept dry also without sophisticated air conditioners; small devices are available operating on the principle of air overcooling and heat recovery.