Library Facilities and Practices in Colleges of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract

LITTLE LITERATURE exists that can be u~~~ in a comparative study of library facilities for the study of veterinary medicine. In order to develop a plan for such facilities at Kansas State University a survey was made of current practices in colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States. To obtain this information a questionnaire was sent to colleges of veterinary medicine. One page in length, the questionnaire was brief enough so that a high percentage of returns could be expected. Sixteen of eighteen had been returned by the time of this writing. The date of the questionnaire covered the year 1962-63 with one exception for 1963-64. A short supplemental questionnaire was sent later, with fifteen returns. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that, adequate library facilities are essential to a sound program of veterinary medical education and research. The library should be established as a part of the veterinary medical school· it should be well housed, convenient!; located, and available for the use of students and faculty at all reasonable hours. It should be administered by a professionally trained or experienced librarian and should be adequately sustained both for operation and for the purchase of current periodical and other accessories of veterinary medical importance.1 According to the survey made by Verner L. Johnson and Ernest C. Stove in 1959 ' on some of the college campuses the veterinary area is situated physically