Education's Library

Actions Needed to Improve Usefulness Gao ID: T-HRD-92-18 March 18, 1992

GAO testified on the Department of Education's Research Library, which contains more than a quarter million volumes, some dating back to the 15th century. While this is a potentially valuable facility for educational researchers, policymakers, and others, a lack of clear policies on collection development and weaknesses in cataloging and preservation limit its usefulness. In an April 1991 study, GAO cited serious problems at the Library, including a lack of publicity about the Library's resources and the poor condition of the rare books collection. (See GAO/HRD-91-61.) The Department has responded to GAO's recommendations, establishing a mission for the Library and working to define a collection development policy. Once that is accomplished, the Department should ensure that budgeted resources are consistent with the revised mission and policy.



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