In early 2005, CURL and The British Library commissioned CHEMS Consulting to conduct a study into storage space in UK research libraries, particularly those in Higher Education.
CHEMS Consulting reported that there is already a significant shortage of storage space, and this will increase substantially over the next ten years. CHEMS also examined possible solutions to the problem, and recommended that a collaborative approach, the creation of a ‘national research reserve’ hosted by the British Library, would be in the best interests of all stakeholders.
In December 2005 CURL and The British Library held an event, open to researchers and all library and information sectors, to consult the community about the report. Participants strongly supported the recommended option and that further work be carried out to explore its feasibility.
Detailed consideration of the issue is now under way through a Task Force, chaired by Helen Hayes (Vice Principal for Knowledge Management and Librarian, University of Edinburgh). The Task Force welcomes views from the community on the report and its key recommendations.
For further information contact Robin Green, CURL Executive Director (tel +44 (0)121 415 8106), or Lawrence Christensen, British Library Press Office (tel +44 (0)20 7412 7114)
