Chapter 5: Judges' Chambers Suites
planning scenarios for sharing chambers reference
collections. Variations of the scenarios listed
below may be adapted to fit the myriad of
configurations for chambers suites.
In courthouses where chambers suites are clustered
on the same floor, there may be a central shared
collection augmented by a minimal number of
often-used volumes maintained in chambers. This
arrangement increases the possibility of providing
access for library staff and offers the greatest
opportunity to increase the depth of the collection;
however, access to books may be less convenient
for judges and the public.
The collegial arrangement of chambers suites also
provides an opportunity for shared conference
rooms and other support spaces. A shared
conference room may be larger and better
equipped than individual conference rooms in
chambers suites.
In courthouses that do not have clustered chambers
suites, reference collections may be shared between
adjoining suites. A single room, situated between
the suites, is used to store books and legal
research. Shared or separate conference rooms are
provided for the judges. This arrangement
preserves convenient access to the collection;
however, the possibility that a book may be in use
remains a potential problem. This scenario places
responsibility for administering the collection on
the judge's staff.
The total NSF allocated for shared reference
collections must not exceed the NSF allotted for
chambers suites. Space programmed for shared
reference collections must be deducted on a pro-
rata basis from each chambers suite. Although
space savings may be minimal, the cost of
maintaining collections is significantly reduced.
12/19/97
5-25
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