Technical library closing its books

ALBUQUERQUE, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- A technical library in New Mexico that serves thousands of scientists and engineers is literally closing its books and forcing patrons to go online.

In an effort to save money and re-engineer library services for the electronic age, Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico is cutting off access to its technical library of books, maps and printed journals, The Albuquerque Journal reported Monday.

The move has angered many scientists who received memos recently informing them of the change.

"There's quite a bit of concern," Anna Nusbaum, library manager, told the Journal.

"Poor decision to close the Tech Library," said one post on an internal message board.

"Textbooks are necessary for research," said another.

Art Hale, Sandia's chief information officer, said to the newspasper that the changes follow a consultant's study of the way Sandia researchers use library services.

Closing the stacks is expected to save Sandia $1.1 million a year while allowing it to improve electronic information services, the report said.