Biomedical subjects
R T Esterquest
Publications and source records attributed to R T Esterquest.
The medical librarian's views.
A library should review carefully the complex implications before undertaking to be a Regional Medical Library. Eight important considerations are examined: Possible conflict of interest between local, defined clientele and larger regional clientele; Indirect costs, especially as they relate to administrative and management time; Possible abuse of unlimited cost-free copy service; Region-wide participation in planning efforts; The hazard of depressing the quality of the rank and file of local libraries; Balance between private and public support--the risk of diminished dues support for library extension services; Complexities of territory definition; and Defining the proper recipient (the "qualified individual") of regional library service. Recognition of the problems should not be interpreted as a lack of appreciation of the great opportunity which the regional program affords.
The program of the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine.
The planning of the Countway Library took place in an atmosphere of community interest and support. Architectural planning was effective and harmonious. The building functions well. The program of the Library is briefly described. Serials records, involving 17,000 titles, have been mechanized. A rare books program has been initiated. Since building occupancy, the Library has substituted copy service for the lending of periodicals. For an experimental period, the copy service was cost free. The Aesculapian Room, for non-medical recreational reading, has had the generous support of the Aesculapian Club. Plans for regional library service in New England are based upon an historic commitment of the Boston Medical Library. A MEDLARS regional search center and a national Vision Information Center have been established in the Countway.