Harvard College Library and Faculty of Arts and Sciences Libraries Publishes 2012-2013 Annual Report

From a Welcome Message by Sarah Thomas, Vice President for the Harvard Library and Roy E. Larsen Librarian of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences:
Since the 17th century, the Harvard College Library, now in association with Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Libraries, has acquired, preserved and shared immense knowledge. Its collections touch every discipline and scholar at – and beyond – the University where they are housed.
The Libraries are also home to the thousands of students and scholars who come through their doors each day. They come to hold, read and search its some 11 million artifacts, volumes and digital archives. But they also come to consult with expert staff, to be inspired, to settle in a comfortable chair, to enjoy a cup of coffee and stimulating conversation.
The Report Includes these “Fast Facts” About the Harvard College Library and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Libraries:

• 17 libraries, 2 collections and an archive
• 750,000+ square feet of space
• 107 miles of library shelving
• 5000 chairs
• Over 20,000 light bulbs
• 27 HVAC systems
• 87 perimeter fan coil units
• 13 elevators
• 68 restrooms with 263 fixtures
• Over 500 exit signs
• Over 500,000 pieces of mail and packages each year

We also learn that

• 21,000 [virtual reference] inquiries came to the Widener and Lamont information and reference desks.

Read the Complete Report

Filed under: Archives and Special Collections, Digital Collections, Libraries, News, Reports