I am posting this response to an earlier Museum-l discussion on behalf of
Bonita Perry, Assistant Director for Research Services, Smithsonian
Institution Libraries, who is not a Museum-l subscriber. For further
information, please contact Ms. Perry at the address & phone number provided
below.

Thanks for your attention,

Diane Shaw, Special Collections Cataloger, Smithsonian Institution Libraries
([log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask])

___________________________________

The discussion about the Museum Reference Center of the Smithsonian
Institution Libraries was called to my attention by a colleague and I would
like to provide accurate information for you.

The decision to close the MRC branch of the libraries was made in order to
reduce funds by consolidating services and collections while ensuring
quality service to the user community.  The Libraries is aware that the user
community expands beyond the Institution, and will continue to provide
service and information to all who need it.

Secretary Small has not reorganized the Smithsonian Libraries, the Libraries
has made this decision based on re-programing and priorities within the
Institution.  The MRC is one of three branches of the Smithsonian Libraries
that will be closed on October 1, 2001.

The MRC will not be incorporated into the Museum of Natural History library.
The collection of the MRC library will be moved intact to the Central
Reference and Loan branch of the Libraries, which is located in the National
Museum of Natural History.  The Librarian, Valerie Wheat, will be
re-assigned to that department and will continue to provide service to users
of the collection.  Other staff in the central branch will also be available
to provide service to users of the collection.  The name of the central
branch will be re-named to reflect the addition of the MRC.

The Director of the Smithsonian Libraries and her staff realize the value of
the MRC collection to the Institution and the museum community at large.
She remains committed to providing access to the collection and state of the
art support to those interested museology.

Should you have additional questions or comments, please feel free to
contact me directly.

Bonita Perry
Assistant Director for Research Services
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
202-357-1538
[log in to unmask]

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