GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY 2020 LIBRARY REVIEW: REPORT TO FELLOWS – CONCISE VERSION Background

The detailed findings of the Review are presented in section 3 of this report and cover Library finances, visitors and service users, collections usage, heritage material, modern records, maps, physical Library space, information systems and technology, and Library systems, processes and management. [...] The purpose of the Library should be redefined to put increased emphasis on the provision of cost effective online access to resources; emphasise the importance of maps, heritage collections and science of exceptional importance; promote online scientific and educational outreach; and develop an effective digital archive of records pertaining to the Society’s historical, current and business activ. [...] If the Society remains in Burlington House the atmosphere and prestige of the Main Library should be maintained, but the space should be made available for a much wider range of uses including external hire d. [...] While the Library offers impressive collections and services to users the cost is high (in excess of £500,000 in 2019) the proportion of both Fellows using the Library, and of Library content actively consulted, is small. [...] • SLIDE 3: SIMPLIFIED SCHEMATIC VIEW OF LIBRARY LOCATION OPTIONS Slides 3 provides a schematic illustration of Library location options and the potential impact on collections and services, dependent on the outcome of the Society’s current lease negotiations.