Dear Medlibbers-
Be sure to catch an article in the Feb 1, 1998 issue of Library Journal
comparing libraries to bookstores. Another dimension to our discussion.
Basically, the college students interviewed (some with work affiliations to
college libraries) would rather do their research in book stores such as the
Barnes and Noble Super Stores. With no real reference materials, professional
staff, or computer databases, they are flocking to bookstores for the coffee,
confusion,conversation and, in some cases, an enhanced familiarity with the
organization of materials.  What can we learn from this? The author would like
us to consider the vulue we put on electronic resources, and also the ambiance
of our libraries. Not all of this is tranferable to hospital libraries - not
many in most administrations would like us too lure patrons with *too* many
creature comforts. But many of us are forsaking up dating our book collections
to boost our periodical and electronics. Is this at our peril? And can we at
least use information like this to try to pitch to administration that we must
not remain in the basement forever?

Beti Horvath, MLS
Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center
New Hampton NY 10958
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