Vol. 403 No. 2
2 Mr. McCartan asked the Taoiseach if stocktaking at the National Library will be completed on schedule in order to allow the library reopen at the end of November; if any changes are planned in stocktaking procedures to ensure that the library will not have to close for such a long period again; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
It was never envisaged that the stocktaking exercise at the National Library could be completed in full within a month. Significant progress is being made in the library's stocktaking which has been under way since the beginning of this month and which will end on 30 November. The library will then reopen. The use of automation and improved procedures is being arranged and this will greatly facilitate the checking of stock and will eventually permit a reduction in the length of time of closure required for stocktaking.
Will the Taoiseach outline the advantages to users of the library which will flow from the stocktaking which is now under way?
It is essential. There are large areas which have never been catalogued or indexed. That is the first area of advantage. Secondly, it will facilitate all users of the library once this operation has been carried out successfully.
When the stocktaking has concluded is it proposed to make the results of it available in the Library here? Are there any valuable documents that should be in the possession of the library but which are no longer in their possession? Could we have a look at the results of the stocktaking?
That is a reasonable suggestion.
Would the Taoiseach consider establishing a formal link between the Oireachtas Library and the National Library to enable us to draw more fully on the resources of the National Library?
Another good idea. There is communication going on between the National Library and Marsh's Library which is beneficial.
