3.8 Did you realize that you don't have to...?

• Select a rigid, predetermined percentage of item numbers, in order to retain depository status. Selective depositories should collect only the materials they need in order to adequately meet the needs of their patrons.
• Devote hundreds of linear feet of shelf space to house a physical collection, in order to apply for depository status. For details on transitioning depository collections, see chapter 13 in this Handbook.
• Think about terminating depository status because you need more shelf space than you currently have or because your depository coordinator suddenly resigned and will not be replaced. There is a significant loss of expertise to the library as well as the FDLP when a depository library or depository coordinator leaves the program. Don’t make a hasty long-term decision that cannot be reversed, especially when confronted with a temporary problem. As for reducing shelf space requirements, have you considered transitioning the depository collection to select more electronic items and less tangible items? See chapter 13 in this Handbook for details on transitioning depository collections.